2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a familial resemblance with the Nissan Armada, boasting a platform, mechanicals, and layout that were similar. Despite its large size, the QX80 was considered well-proportioned, neither too big nor too small. Its front-end styling was distinct, featuring a prominent yet tasteful Infiniti grille, complemented by LED lighting and conservative chrome use, which added an upscale touch. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, although its design echoed the Armada's. Despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's style was seen as outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, presented a modernized design. While the RX 350h looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned aesthetics, including a blacked-out grille and aggressive styling. The RX's design, however, was not considered particularly attractive, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a visual imbalance due to its wheelbase stretch. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach, featuring a new Lexus Interface infotainment system and contemporary textures. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a highlight, providing strong performance and an appealing exhaust note. However, it was also thirsty, with Infiniti recommending premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts and quick kickdowns for passing, although it lacked the gear count of some competitors. The QX80's off-road capability was notable, with a 4WD option and a computer-controlled transfer case. It had a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and managed body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient powertrain. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism. However, its fuel economy was lower, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg, offering a quieter and more efficient drive.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, with a step-in height of nearly two feet. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good front-seat head- and legroom, although the third row was cramped. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with an optional second-row bench seat. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim, with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters. The battery pack placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still short of some rivals.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It included navigation, voice recognition, and connected services. A Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker system on the Sensory trim. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, and the rear entertainment system was hindered by missing HDMI adapters.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface included cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and reflection issues. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model earning four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was available, and the RX offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park. Some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.