2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

CarGurus experts rate the look and feel of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade as 9 out of 10, while the 2021 INFINITI QX80 receives an 8 out of 10. The Escalade impresses with its design influenced by the Escala concept vehicle, featuring a bold face, standard 22-inch wheels, and distinctive OLED taillights. The interior offers a range of luxurious options, including standard leather, various wood trims, and advanced tech. Despite a starting price of $76,195 when new, most buyers opt for higher trims, with our test vehicle in Premium Luxury trim costing $102,310. This reflects a significant premium over its GM siblings but justifies it with superior luxury and technology. In contrast, the QX80 blends Nissan Armada roots with Infiniti elegance, retaining a body-on-frame construction for a blend of luxury and ruggedness. Standard LED lighting and a distinctive grille mark its exterior, while the interior, though luxurious, shares much with the Nissan Armada, including a somewhat outdated foot-operated parking brake. The QX80's design aims for a balance between assertiveness and sophistication without being overly flashy.

Performance ratings are identical to look and feel, with the Escalade again outpacing the QX80 at 9 out of 10 versus an 8. The Cadillac offers a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine as a no-cost alternative to the standard 6.2-liter V8, providing impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. The inclusion of an independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and an air ride suspension significantly improves ride quality and handling, making the Escalade surprisingly maneuverable for its size. The INFINITI QX80 is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, offering a smooth but less responsive driving experience compared to the Escalade. Despite its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control for a comfortable ride, the QX80 shows its limits in agility and off-road capabilities, highlighting a more traditional approach to luxury SUV performance.

The Cadillac Escalade and INFINITI QX80 both aim to deliver luxurious travel experiences, but they take slightly different approaches to form and function, with a notable difference in cargo capacity. The 2021 Escalade benefits from a then-new independent rear suspension, which not only enhances passenger comfort by allowing for a lower floor but also significantly increases cargo capacity. Behind the third row, the Escalade offers 25.5 cubic feet of space. With the third row down, this expands to 63 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, the total available space jumps to an impressive 109.1 cubic feet for the standard model. Opting for the extended-length ESV version increases these figures to 42.9, 81.5, and 126.6 cubic feet behind the third, second, and first rows, respectively. The INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, provides 16.6 cubic feet of luggage capacity with all seats in use, which grows to 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and reaches 95.1 cubic feet when both the third row and the second-row captain's chairs are stowed. While these figures are respectable for a luxury SUV, they fall short of the Escalade's cavernous cargo holds, highlighting the Cadillac's superior ability to combine luxury with practicality. Both SUVs cater well to passenger comfort, offering spacious cabins outfitted with luxury amenities. The Escalade's design allows for notable gains in legroom and comfort, particularly in the third row, making it more accommodating for adults. The QX80, while spacious, doesn't offer the same level of rear passenger comfort or cargo flexibility as the Cadillac. This distinction in form and function—especially regarding luggage capacity—clearly positions the Escalade as a leader, offering a blend of luxury, technology, and practicality that is hard to beat.

In technology, the Escalade earns an 8 out of 10, surpassing the QX80's 7 out of 10. Cadillac's integration of a 38-inch curved OLED display sets a new standard in the segment, offering unmatched clarity and user experience despite some usability issues. The Escalade's tech features, including advanced navigation, voice recognition, and a premium AKG sound system, offer a more immersive and user-friendly experience than the QX80's dual-screen setup, which, despite its features, suffers from usability challenges and a less intuitive interface.

Safety ratings are consistent with previous categories, with the Escalade scoring an 8 and the QX80 a 7. The Cadillac boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including innovative technology like the Safety Alert Seat and advanced driving assistance systems. The INFINITI also offers a full range of safety features but lacks the more advanced technologies and the refined integration seen in the Escalade. Additionally, the Escalade's upcoming Super Cruise technology underscores its leadership in safety innovation.

CarGurus rates the Escalade's cost-effectiveness at 5 out of 10, compared to the QX80's 7 out of 10. The Escalade commands a premium, justified by its advanced technology, luxurious appointments, and superior performance. However, the QX80 presents a more affordable luxury SUV option, offering substantial value without the cutting-edge features of its Cadillac rival. While the Escalade may appeal to those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and tech, the QX80 attracts buyers looking for luxury and capability at a more accessible price point.