Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 42 advantages that the Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD has over the Audi Q7.
| MSRP Range | |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD | |
| Audi Q7 | |
Engine
The Escalade ESV AWD utilizes more effective sequential electronic fuel injection system than the Q7, which uses electronic fuel injection system. The sequential electronic fuel injection system allows for more precise control of the fuel mixture providing the Escalade ESV AWD with improved engine response, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Escalade ESV AWD, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Q7, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| Power To Weight Ratio | ||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 14.8 | |||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro 3.0L V6 | 24.7 | |||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro 3.0L V6 | 18.9 | |||
| Q7 3.0T S Line Prestige quattro 3.0L V6 | 16.3 | |||
The Escalade ESV AWD offers a Standard oil gauge enabling the driver to monitor the engine's oil pressure. An oil gauge is Not Available in the Q7.
WarrantyPowertrain Warranty
Cadillac's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Audi's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| Powertrain Warranty Months | Powertrain Warranty Miles | |||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 60 | 100000 | ||||
| Q7 | 48 | 50000 | ||||
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Escalade ESV AWD has a larger fuel tank than the Q7, 31.0 gal. vs. 26.4 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
Safety and SecurityAirbags
Both the Escalade ESV AWD and the Q7 feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Escalade ESV AWD is heavier than the Q7, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| Curb Weight AT | ||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 5,963 lbs. | |||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro | 5,291 lbs. | |||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro | 5,567 lbs. | |||
| Q7 3.0T S Line Prestige quattro | 5,412 lbs. | |||
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Escalade ESV AWD is longer than the Q7, 222.9 in. vs. 200.3 in.
The Escalade ESV AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.
An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the Escalade ESV AWD. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the Q7.
The Escalade ESV AWD come with an Standard vehicle theft tracking/notification system that can assist authorities to track and pin-point vehicle location in the event of theft. This type of theft tracking system is Not Available in the Q7.
Adjustable foot pedals, Standard in the Escalade ESV AWD, provide for a more comfortable reach to the pedals and allow the driver to sit at a safe distance from the steering wheel and airbag. This feature is Not Available on the Q7.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Escalade ESV AWD but Optional Q7 (3.0 TDI Premium quattro, 3.0T Premium quattro). HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Escalade ESV AWD has more interior space than the Q7 in the following areas:
| Shoulder Room, Front | Head Room, 3rd row | Leg Room, 3rd row | Head Room, Rear | Leg Room, Rear | Shoulder Room, Rear | Shoulder Room, 3rd row | Head Room, Front | |||||||||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 65.2 in. | 38.1 in. | 34.9 in. | 38.5 in. | 39.5 in. | 65.2 in. | 64.7 in. | 41.1 in. | ||||||||||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro | 58.7 in. | 35.6 in. | 29.2 in. | - | 37.1 in. | 58.1 in. | 48.6 in. | 39.5 in. | ||||||||||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro | 58.7 in. | 35.6 in. | 29.2 in. | - | 37.1 in. | 58.1 in. | 48.6 in. | 39.5 in. | ||||||||||
| Q7 3.0T S Line Prestige quattro | 58.7 in. | 35.4 in. | 29.2 in. | 37.2 in. | 37.1 in. | 58.1 in. | 48.6 in. | 40.0 in. | ||||||||||
Cargo Space
The Escalade ESV AWD has 45.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 10.9 cu. ft. in the Q7. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.
Standard front fold-down armrests provide the driver and front passenger a place to rest their forearms for added comfort and reduced driving fatigue. Front fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Q7.
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard third row folding seat for increased cargo space. A third row folding seat is Not Available in the Q7.
Owners of the Escalade ESV AWD have the ability to increase the vehicle's interior cargo space by way of a Standard removable (or fold-flat) third row seat. This feature is Not Available with the Q7.
Payload and Towing
The Escalade ESV AWD has a higher towing capacity than the Q7, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| Tow Capacity, Max | Tow Capacity, Std | |||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 7,700 lbs. | 7,700 lbs. | ||||
| Q7 | 6,600 lbs. | 5,500 lbs. | ||||
The Escalade ESV AWD has a higher payload capacity than the Q7, meaning it can handle a greater total weight of passengers and cargo.
| Payload Capacity, Max | Payload Capacity, Std | |||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 1418 lbs. | 1418 lbs. | ||||
| Q7 | 1279 lbs. | 1279 lbs. | ||||
An automatic load-leveling system compensates for the increased load placed upon the suspension during towing by adjusting the vehicle's suspension height for the best possible ride and handling. This feature is more common on the Escalade ESV AWD than the Q7, as shown below:
| Automatic Load-Leveling | ||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | Standard | |||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro | Optional | |||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro | Not Available | |||
| Q7 3.0T S Line Prestige quattro | Optional | |||
General Suspension
An adaptive variable suspension electronically senses and adapts to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. An adaptive variable transmission is more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Q7, as shown below:
| Adaptive Variable Suspension | ||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | Standard | |||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro | Optional | |||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro | Not Available | |||
| Q7 3.0T S Line Prestige quattro | Optional | |||
Chassis
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Escalade ESV AWD is greater than that of the Q7. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| Track, Front | Track, Rear | |||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | 68.2 in. | 67.0 in. | ||||
| Q7 | 65.0 in. | 66.0 in. | ||||
The Escalade ESV AWD's wheelbase is longer than the Q7's, 130.0 in. vs. 118.2 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Escalade ESV AWD may provide better handling capability than those on the Q7. Details below:
| Tire Aspect Ratio | ||||
| Escalade ESV AWD Luxury | 45 | |||
| Escalade ESV AWD Platinum Edition | 45 | |||
| Escalade ESV AWD Premium | 45 | |||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro | 50 | |||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro | 55 | |||
The Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition) features Standard chrome-plated wheels, for improved looks and increased value. Chrome-plated wheels are Not Available on the Q7.
The Escalade ESV AWD (Base, Luxury, Platinum Edition) comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the Q7.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
The Escalade ESV AWD has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Optional in the Q7 (3.0 TDI Premium quattro, 3.0T Premium quattro).
Cooled front seats offer increased comfort, on very hot days, by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. As shown below, they are more commonly found in the Escalade ESV AWD than the Q7.
| Front Cooled Seats | ||||
| Escalade ESV AWD | Standard | |||
| Q7 3.0 TDI Premium quattro | Optional | |||
| Q7 3.0T Premium quattro | Not Available | |||
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Optional in the Q7 (3.0 TDI Premium quattro, 3.0T Premium quattro).
The Escalade ESV AWD features a Standard hands free or voice activated telephone. This feature is Not Available in the Q7.
The Escalade ESV AWD provides a Standard separate rear heating and A/C system for the rear passengers comfort. A separate rear heating and A/C system is Optional in the Q7 (3.0 TDI Premium quattro, 3.0T Premium quattro).
With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Escalade ESV AWD (Luxury, Platinum Edition, Premium) owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Q7 (3.0 TDI Premium quattro, 3.0T Premium quattro) as a power sunroof is Optional.