VS
At a Glance
Power
500hp @ 5500
750hp
Torque
568lb-ft @ 3000
785lb-ft
Fuel
17 mpg est.
—
Towing
—
8000lbs
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
—
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Cadillac Escalade Iq is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q8 delivers 500hp @ 5500 while the Cadillac Escalade Iq produces 750hp. Pricing starts at $80,800 for the Q8 and $127,405 for the Escalade Iq. 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 Escalade IqAWD 4dr Sport 2026 - From $127,405
Performance
Power Output (hp)
500hp @ 5500
750hp
Torque (lb-ft)
568lb-ft @ 3000
785lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
—
Cylinders
8
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
1
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
14mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.5gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.6in
224.3in
Width (in)
78.5in
82.4in
Height (in)
67.2in
76.1in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
136in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5203lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
8000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ 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
—
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Cadillac Escalade Iq
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Escalade Iq
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Q8
Practicality
Escalade Iq
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Lower starting price ($80,800)
Few notable weaknesses
Cadillac Escalade Iq
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Q8 or Escalade Iq?
The Q8 produces 500hp @ 5500 and 568lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Escalade Iq delivers 750hp and 785lb-ft of torque. The Escalade Iq is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and Escalade Iq?
The Q8 starts from $80,800 and the Escalade Iq from $127,405. The Q8 is cheaper by $46,605 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or Escalade Iq?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Escalade Iq can tow 8000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the Escalade Iq?
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.