INFINITI QX80 vs. Cadillac Escalade

Shopping for a full-size luxury SUV? You’ve probably got the 2025 INFINITI QX80 and 2025 Cadillac Escalade on your shortlist. Both vehicles pack serious luxury credentials, but they have several differences to keep in mind. In this QX80 vs. Escalade comparison, our team at INFINITI of Hoffman Estates breaks down their differences in performance, value, and features so you can figure out which one best suits your needs.

Interior Comfort and Passenger Room

Both the INFINITI QX80 and the Cadillac Escalade can seat up to eight passengers. While the Escalade offers a bit more space up front (44.5 inches vs. 43.8 inches) and in the second row (41.8 inches vs. 39.2 inches), both the INFINITI QX80 and the Cadillac Escalade provide plenty of room.

When it comes to cargo space, you get 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row in the Escalade compared to the QX80’s 22 cubic feet. With the seats down, the Escalade opens up to 72.9 cubic feet vs. the QX80’s 59 cubic feet. Max capacity hits 120.5 cubic feet in the Escalade versus 101 cubic feet in the QX80. Both vehicles feature quilted semi-aniline leather seating with 16 adjustment settings and power massaging available, but the QX80 includes third-row seats with available biometric cooling technology that monitors your body temperature and adjusts the climate automatically.

Performance and Driving Experience

The QX80’s redesigned twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 cranks out 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, while the Escalade’s traditional 6.2-liter V-8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The QX80 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, while the Escalade does the same in 6.7 seconds. Both feel much faster than their size suggests — the QX80 delivers impressive midrange performance, while the Escalade pairs strong thrust with a planted, confident chassis.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 can tow 8,500 pounds, compared to the Escalade’s 8,100-pound capacity. This might not seem like much, but every pound matters when you’re towing serious weight up to Lake Geneva for the weekend. The INFINITI has better fuel economy, with a solid rating of 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, compared to the Escalade’s 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. Around Chicagoland’s notorious stop-and-go traffic on the Eisenhower or Kennedy, that efficiency advantage adds up to significant savings, especially with today’s gas prices.

Technology and Safety Features

Both SUVs include plenty of tech features to keep you connected and entertained. The QX80 has sleek dual 14.3-inch Monolith displays powered by Google built-in services, which include seamless phone integration, voice commands, and easy access to your favorite apps and navigation. Meanwhile, the Escalade comes with a massive 55-inch curved OLED display that spans the entire dashboard. The QX80 keeps controls driver-focused and the user experience clean, while the Escalade delivers an impressive cinematic cockpit.

The QX80’s 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere setup delivers fantastic sound quality that fills every corner of the cabin. The Escalade counters with an impressive 36-speaker AKG Reference Premium audio system. Both audio systems will make your favorite playlist sound phenomenal during long road trips.

When it comes to driver-assistance technology, the QX80 offers ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on higher trims for genuine hands-free driving on mapped highways, while the Escalade includes Super Cruise technology standard across the entire model lineup.

Pricing and Overall Value

The QX80 has a starting MSRP of $84,445, while the Escalade will set you back around $90,000. The reliability numbers favor the QX80, which scores 89/100 compared to the Escalade’s 83/100. That translates to fewer headaches and surprise repair bills down the road.

The Escalade currently holds the number one ranking in U.S. News’ Best Luxury Large SUVs list, with the QX80 sitting comfortably at number two. However, the previous-generation QX80 actually ranked highest in the Large Premium SUV segment in J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study, so these two models are in close competition.

Experience the QX80 Advantage in Hoffman Estates, Illinois

For buyers in the Hoffman Estates area who want luxury that makes sense, the QX80 delivers where it counts. Sure, the Escalade has name recognition and that massive screen, but the INFINITI offers substance over flash. The previous-generation QX80 ranked highest in the Large Premium SUV segment in J.D. Power’s 2024 Initial Quality Study, showing INFINITI’s commitment to building vehicles that last. Ready to see what the QX80 can do for you? Come experience the difference with a test-drive at INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, where we’ll show you why smart luxury buyers are choosing the QX80 over the competition.