2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was clearly aging, having been introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010. Despite some new design tweaks, including the hourglass grille, the GX retained a decade-old look. The interior also showed its age with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. However, the rugged capability of the GX, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, made it a reliable choice for those who valued off-road performance over modern aesthetics. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, had a more modern exterior, refreshed in 2018, with features like LED headlights and taillights, adaptive front lighting, and a power-sliding moonroof. The QX80 was available in two trims: Luxe and Limited, with the Limited offering more luxurious materials like open-pore Ash wood trim. The cabin was upscale with soft-touch materials, though some trim pieces didn’t match the quality of other luxury SUVs. The infotainment system was updated to a sleeker display, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. Despite not being the most powerful engine in its class, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power for real-world driving. The GX featured light yet responsive steering and a self-leveling air suspension that offered a smooth ride. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The QX80’s powertrain handled its heavy load well, though the transmission was clunky when downshifting. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the RWD model achieving 16 mpg combined and the 4WD model 15 mpg combined. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped maintain stability. The SUV had a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a standard rear auto-leveling suspension for a smooth ride.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain’s chairs provided easier access to the third row, though getting into the third row was still challenging for adults. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured plush seating in the first two rows, with tighter third-row seating best suited for small children. Standard seating for seven included second-row captain’s chairs, with an optional 60/40 split-folding bench. The leather-appointed seats were available in perforated semi-aniline leather, and the front seats were power-adjustable with heating and climate control. The QX80 had 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it featured a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, making it user-friendly despite its age.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper and a 7-inch lower touch screen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry, remote start, tri-zone climate control, and a moonroof. Upgrades included a rear-seat entertainment system and a 17-speaker Bose stereo. The infotainment system was functional but not particularly modern.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX offered excellent visibility with large windows and mirrors.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 had standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The QX80 received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and moderate ratings from NHTSA.