2025 INFINITI QX80 vs 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

$82,450 · SUV

$94,100 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 INFINITI QX80 and the 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV is physical size, with the Escalade ESV boasting a substantial 227.0 inches in length compared to the QX80’s 211.2 inches, which directly translates to its vastly superior cargo capacity of 41.5 cu ft versus the QX80’s 22 cu ft. However, the QX80 asserts performance dominance with 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Escalade ESV’s 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. This power advantage comes with a $11,650 lower MSRP for the QX80, starting at $82,450 against the Escalade’s $94,100. Fuel economy metrics are tight, with the QX80 achieving 18 combined MPG while the longer Escalade manages only 17 combined MPG, despite the QX80 utilizing a 9-speed automatic compared to the Escalade's 10-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 is the preferred commuter vehicle due to its slightly better 16/20 MPG city/highway rating compared to the Escalade ESV's 15/19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The Escalade ESV is superior for families requiring maximum storage, offering 41.5 cu ft of cargo space, nearly double the QX80's 22 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by providing 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, clearly exceeding the Escalade's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 offers superior performance metrics for a significantly lower entry price, starting $11,650 less than the Escalade ESV.

Choose the INFINITI QX80 if...

You prioritize maximum engine performance, benefiting from 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
You need to minimize initial outlay, as the QX80’s MSRP of $82,450 undercuts the competitor by $11,650.
You seek marginal efficiency gains, as its 18 combined MPG slightly edges out the Escalade ESV’s 17 combined MPG.

Choose the Cadillac Escalade ESV if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, as its 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity is substantially larger than car1's 22 cu ft.
You prefer the engineering of a 10-speed automatic transmission over the QX80’s 9-speed unit.
The extra 15.8 inches in length (227.0 inches total) provides a desirable road presence and interior scale.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX80	Cadillac Escalade ESV
Length	211.2"	227.0"
Width	83.3"	81.1"
Height	76.6"	76.4"
Wheelbase	121.0"	134.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	6.2 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	450 hp @ 5600 rpm	420 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm	460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Overhead valves (OHV)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/20 MPG	15/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	17 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.6/472.0 mi.	420.0/532.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.6 gal.	28.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	14.3 in	55.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Klipsch Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	600W	—
Speaker System	14	21
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.8 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	64.2 in.	65.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.9 in.	61.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	41.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	63.7 in.	64.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.9 in.	61.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Fixed Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	275/60R20	275/50R22
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Dimensions	—	22 x 9.0 in

Suspension

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 45000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX80 and 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

What is the real-world impact of the QX80's extra horsepower on the road?

The QX80 has 30 more horsepower (450 hp vs. 420 hp) and 56 more lb-ft of torque (516 vs. 460 lb-ft). While both are powerful, the QX80 should exhibit faster acceleration times, especially when fully loaded, due to this mechanical advantage.

How significant is the difference in cargo capacity between these two large SUVs?

The difference is vast: the Escalade ESV provides 41.5 cu ft, while the QX80 offers only 22 cu ft. This suggests the longer Escalade ESV (227.0 inches) is better suited for owners frequently hauling large gear or requiring third-row passengers and luggage simultaneously.

Does the smaller QX80 save money at the pump relative to the Escalade ESV?

Yes, marginally, as the QX80 achieves 18 combined MPG compared to the Escalade ESV’s 17 combined MPG. Both require premium fuel, but the QX80’s superior efficiency helps offset its lower power.

Which vehicle has the higher starting price point, and by how much?

The 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV has the higher MSRP at $94,100. This means it costs $11,650 more than the 2025 INFINITI QX80, which begins at $82,450.

Since both are RWD SUVs, how do their transmissions differ?

The QX80 utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Escalade ESV uses a 10-speed shiftable automatic. The extra gear in the Escalade could theoretically contribute to better highway cruising or closer gear ratios, despite its lower combined MPG figure.

Is the QX80 a smaller vehicle overall, even if only slightly?

Yes, the QX80 is notably shorter in length at 211.2 inches compared to the Escalade ESV's 227.0 inches. It is also marginally wider (83.3 inches vs. 81.1 inches) but nearly identical in height (76.6 inches vs. 76.4 inches).