2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, although some materials felt less premium.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade continued to embody Cadillac luxury, with a new front end aligning it stylistically with Cadillac EVs. It featured large vertical headlights and tall vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The Escalade offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with various trim levels including a performance model. Inside, Cadillac enhanced the tech with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, replacing the previous 38-inch version. The interior offered real leather in higher trims and curated motifs, providing a luxurious feel.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the previous V8. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80's air suspension and adaptive damping provided a comfortable ride, although it couldn't completely mask the vehicle's weight and body-on-frame construction. The QX80 offered an off-road setting and improved ground clearance, but handling remained average for its class.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with optional four-wheel drive and a performance-focused all-wheel drive for the Escalade-V. Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension enhanced ride quality, but the Escalade's handling couldn't match unibody competitors. Brembo brakes were available for improved stopping power.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding seats for easy reconfiguration. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 offered a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most rivals.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, provided ample interior space. The ESV model offered even more cargo space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 142.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The Escalade's towing capacity was 8,100 pounds for the standard model. It featured power liftgate and folding seats for convenience, but lacked some towing aids found in competitors.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti with Google built-in apps, offering Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models had Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker version. A 360-degree camera system and digital rearview camera were also available.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade boasted a 55-inch display incorporating multiple screens, with a separate touchscreen for climate controls. It offered a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with a 36-speaker upgrade available. The Escalade supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and featured an augmented-reality head-up display and night vision. The Executive Second Row Package added screens and controls for rear passengers, enhancing comfort and entertainment.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It offered ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The advanced version allowed hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came with adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and automatic emergency braking. It featured GM's Super Cruise for hands-free driving on mapped roads. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and teen-driver monitoring was included. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable.