Battle of the Beasts Part 3: Escalade vs QX80 vs LX600 vs more!

[@Thelilantjr]

Thank you so much i really enjoyed this series. You did a great job

[@EngineAdventures]

Thank you for the support!

[@st1n256]

Looking for a family hauler right now - attracted by the quality and reliability of the LX 570 & Armada. The steep discounts on the Armada are pretty attractive. Driving through the Cascade mountains passes in the winter is likely the most demanding thing I’d be asking of it for the next several years. However, I’d like to get into over landing later, and the LX is better equipped for that. Would you just buy once and cry once (LX), or go Armada for cash savings and look to build a serious machine in the future (once ready)? Appreciate any tips and love your reviews!

[@EngineAdventures]

The Armada wouldn't be bad as an overlander. While not as robust in the drivetrain, it is very similar to the Nissan patrol, which is used regularly for overland in Australia. I would say the LX will be rattle free for a much longer time, and has more aftermarket support.

[@st1n256]

@@EngineAdventures Thank you! Seems the Armada shares the same Vk56 and transmission as the Patrol, but is lacking when it comes to the diffs. After more research, I'm leaning towards the Armada. Seems it's a much better value with current price discounts, the VK56 engine is a bulletproof beast, and the comfort on pavement is just as nice as the LX. Isn't as capable as the LX, but seems to still be plenty capable for most (easier) trails. Seems like the Armada is a great platform to build upon -- just requires a bit more effort in identifying aftermarket parts (internationally sourcing Patrol parts). Thanks again for the tips!

[@EngineAdventures]

@@st1n256 I love the VK56! I don't know what it would take to really beef up the Armada, but a few years ago I found someone on a forum who had done quite a bit to beef up his QX80. Might be worth searching the forums once you are ready to build an overlander. If you're not going really heavy or hard/fast off-road you'll probably be ok with basic upgrades. Otherwise likely need to do some more creative mods.

[@sportsinvestor101]

Infiniti Scottsdale is offering huge discounts on 23/24 V8 QX80 (over 15k+ off msrp). There are also Nissan dealerships in Florida, Texas and Mid West giving 10k+ off Armada brand new. If you cry once, get a 25 Armada (bigger version of GX550), faster, more power, etc for less $. Spend extra on off road goodies and it will beat the Toyota version. 25 Armada/QX80 is specifically targeted to dethrone Landcruiser. They succeeded with Nissan GTR. And these engineers and modified gtr engine will be use in 25+ Nissan Suvs.

[@sportsinvestor101]

​@st1n256 I see a lot of Patrols all over Central Asia and ME. Their latest models have old Armada look (17-20) but their external features goes neck and neck with Landcruiser 200. LC300 version coming out in 2025.

[@jimsomerville3924]

Nice comparisons. Did you measure the ground clearance on the vehicles? Those rear control arms on the Tahoe and Expedition look so low. I have a hard time believing they are 10" off the ground.

[@EngineAdventures]

No, for ground clearance I used factory ratings. I know this can vary as some manufacturers avoid the control arms as those move up when the tires move. Independent suspension is a funny thing, broke a camera when I tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe because it squatted so much over a bump the rear diff ended up maybe 5" off the ground instead of 9". With a solid axle that wouldn't have happened.

[@jimsomerville3924]

@@EngineAdventures Gotcha. Interesting point on independent suspension. It does help that the low point is connected to wheel so rises and falls with it. And probably not lower than shock mounts on many vehicles. Just seems poorly designed.

[@EngineAdventures]

I agree and that was my first thought when I saw it. Compare that to the Armada/QX80 rear control arms, world of difference. It must free up interior space as well because there is definitely more below the floor in the Tahoe/Expedition.

[@frankmahler2886]

Thank you for the video and your thought

[@EngineAdventures]

Thank you for watching and for the support!