[Helios]

So you want a big SUV? Well the Infiniti QX80 certainly fits the bill, but it is competing against a number of well established rivals, one of which is the Cadillac Escalade. here I have made a little comparison of the two vehicles to help everyone see how the QX80 stacks up to the competition.

First let's just compare some raw numbers.

Infiniti QX80
MSRP: $64,245
Engine: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Cargo: 17 cu ft
Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
Length: 208.9 inches
Width: 79.9 inches
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Fuel Economy in mpg (city/highway): 14/20

Cadillac Escalade
MSRP: $73,965
Engine: Pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Cargo: 15.2 cu ft
Wheelbase: 116.0 inches
Length: 203.9 inches
Width: 80.5 inches
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Fuel Economy in mpg (city/highway): 15/21

Comparing the two SUVs, each one has its own appeal. The QX80 is a bigger vehicle, and as such it has a bit more cargo space to work with.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Escalade barely beats the QX80, but if you are in the market for this type of vehicle, fuel economy likely isn't really something that you are concerned about.

The QX80 has a much better value proposition. You'll get comparable features and tech, but for a much more modest price. Saving ~$10,000 by purchasing the QX80 is not just a drop in the bucket.

It has to be said though, the QX80 just isn't as good looking as the Escalade. Infiniti has gone a bit heavy on the chrome, and Cadillac has done a great job inside and out. Hey, the QX80 is for those who like to be a little different.

 

[Eric.T]

Although i'm an Infiniti loyalist, the Escalade does look really good, and now that it's out we're able to see them on the road and of course at dealers.

 

[BeerGuy]

Very interesting comparison.

I currently have an 2006 Escalade and was considering a new 2015 / 2016 Escalade or a Range Rover. I must admit I never had an Infiniti in my sights but was sitting at the Infiniti dealership waiting for service on my daughters car and wandered over to a QX80 ... was impressed with what I saw. Doing a little research, I really liked the QX80 Limited ... and off course they had two 2016's on the lot.

Needless to say I've had flawless history with my Escalade so wanted another one ... although reading some of the message boards did make me think twice. And I know these forums bring more questions and concerns than someone joining to say they love their car, (I'm also a moderator on another car forum).

Pricing is very similar for my options ... some puts and takes with each SUV ... Cadillac has the name plate, but Inifiniti has taken it to another level.

I've also had flawless Infiniti G's ... they just run and run. Although, I've also seen some "concerns" on the QX80 ... more the electronics.

Here is a link published by Inifiniti ... it pulls the Escalade as a direct competitor: Infiniti Compare | Infiniti USA

 

[Luxurious]

I've been seeing the same concerns for the Escalade. Also noticing a lot of people that really want it, want it more for design over anything else.

 

[BeerGuy]

I really wanted a new Escalade or Land Rover ... coming from an Escalade. The Escalade just didn't make sense with the quality problems still unresolved.

I just pulled the trigger on a new 2016 QX80 Limited in Imperial Black (with Truffle Interior) and trading my Escalade ... delivery is pending.

I've seen in other blogs some complaints on the QX80 brakes (MY2015) making a clicking sound and/or getting soft when depressing as vehicle approached 10,000 miles ... my dealer indicated they have not experienced that concern yet. Not seen any issues on this forum?

 

[Luxurious]

Nice move from the Escalade, as much as I like them, sadly my only reason for liking them is design, just something special about that BOLD look they have, but then there's some special elegance going on with the QX80... I think some people compared it to a Maserati.

Although there's that issue (and i'm not sure what about the braking system could be problematic, but have speculations), Infiniti has shown to have better customer service overall. Getting a second opinion from another dealer and even Infiniti HQ could speed up the process.

 

[BeerGuy]

Nice move from the Escalade, as much as I like them, sadly my only reason for liking them is design, just something special about that BOLD look they have, but then there's some special elegance going on with the QX80... I think some people compared it to a Maserati.

Although there's that issue (and i'm not sure what about the braking system could be problematic, but have speculations), Infiniti has shown to have better customer service overall. Getting a second opinion from another dealer and even Infiniti HQ could speed up the process.

Ha ... I've heard that they have a Maserati look. Especially the side vents.
Ironically, I own a 2014 Maserati too ... must have been subconscious decision on my part when I saw it in the showroom. Even the interior open pore wood is near identical to my Maserati.

 

[BeerGuy]

Although there's that issue (and i'm not sure what about the braking system could be problematic, but have speculations), Infiniti has shown to have better customer service overall. Getting a second opinion from another dealer and even Infiniti HQ could speed up the process.

I checked with my dealer service department and business development manager to let them know that I'm pretty particular about my vehicles and wanted an update on the brakes and if they continue to be complaints, (or maybe a vocal few on forums). I was told this has not been a problem noted at their dealership ... we will see. When you spend that amount of money on a vehicle and your upping your game to compete in the $80K-$90K premium luxury SUV range you better take care of your customers or else the alternatives are not pretty.

I bought my daughter a used G35 4 years ago and it has performed flawless through blizzards and cross country miles ... I'm counting on that level of quality in this QX80. Not to mention the top tier service Infiniti provides ... a bargain compared to what I'm charged for same service at Maserati dealer.

 

[QX80AusTex]

FWIW, I had a 2013 QX56 that I purchased new and just traded in at a hair over 60k miles, which included several 2,000+ mile trips. I just replaced the tires for the first time at around 55k miles and never needed any service at all on the brakes. Since I don't think that there have been any material changes between 2013 and 2016, and certainly not to the brakes, I can attest to no brake issues. And I replaced the 13 with a 16 Limited, if that gives you any indication about my feelings on the vehicle overall.

 

[BeerGuy]

, I can attest to no brake issues. And I replaced the 13 with a 16 Limited, if that gives you any indication about my feelings on the vehicle overall.

Great to hear!!! I have the MY16 limited too and it rides great ... I'm still at 200 miles so can't say a whole lot other than it is a very nice optioned vehicle.