2024 Subaru Outback vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique appeal that surpassed typical beige tones. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger, machine-finished wheels. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a step above the standard leather and synthetic options in other trims.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in size while retaining its body-on-frame architecture. The new frame improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear maintained its shape but featured full-width LED taillights. The QX80 offered trims from Pure to Autobiography, with varying wheel sizes and designs. Inside, the cabin received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, though shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. Upholstery options ranged from leatherette to semi-aniline leather, depending on the trim.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" engine, with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo engine provided a better driving experience, with the CVT mimicking eight gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increased to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 introduced a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. The new engine delivered 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 felt more energetic, though active sound enhancement added artificial noise. The suspension varied by trim, with air suspension and adaptive damping available. The QX80 offered 10 inches of ground clearance in off-road mode and adjusted ride height for aerodynamics and ease of entry. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average, typical for large body-on-frame SUVs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Feature availability was strong, with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power liftgate standard on most trims. The Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical touch.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. The interior was easily reconfigurable with power-folding seats. Passenger space was generous, with improved legroom and available heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The QX80 boasted a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included USB-C and USB-A ports, Wi-Fi capability, and a Harman Kardon audio system on most trims. Climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some physical buttons for convenience.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin included dual 14.3-inch screens and a 9-inch touchscreen for controls. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim, with up to 24 speakers. The QX80 offered a 360-degree camera system with multiple views and advanced safety features.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist offered advanced highway-driving assistance, with hands-free driving and automated lane changes on higher trims.