VS
At a Glance
Power
500hp @ 5500
420hp @ 5600
Torque
568lb-ft @ 3000
460lb-ft @ 4100
Fuel
17 mpg est.
16 mpg est.
Towing
—
7700lbs
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
6.2L/375ci
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Cadillac Escalade is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q8 delivers 500hp @ 5500 while the Cadillac Escalade produces 420hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Q8 returns 17 mpg est. while the Escalade uses 16 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $80,800 for the Q8 and $122,900 for the Escalade. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi Q8Premium Plus quattro 2026 - From $80,800
Cadillac Escalade4WD 4dr Platinum Luxury 2026 - From $122,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
500hp @ 5500
420hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
568lb-ft @ 3000
460lb-ft @ 4100
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
6.2L/375ci
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
16 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
14mpg
14mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
18mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.5gal
28gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.6in
226.95in
Width (in)
78.5in
81.08in
Height (in)
67.2in
76.40in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
134in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5203lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
7700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q8
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
Q8
Practicality
Escalade
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (17 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($80,800)
Few notable weaknesses
Cadillac Escalade
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (16 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or Escalade?
The Q8 gets 17 mpg est. and the Escalade gets 16 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Q8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q8 or Escalade?
The Q8 produces 500hp @ 5500 and 568lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Escalade delivers 420hp @ 5600 and 460lb-ft @ 4100 of torque. The Q8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and Escalade?
The Q8 starts from $80,800 and the Escalade from $122,900. The Q8 is cheaper by $42,100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or Escalade?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Escalade can tow 7700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the Escalade?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.