2025 INFINITI QX80 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The QX80 was offered in four trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and designs, and included a panoramic moonroof as standard. Inside, the QX80 received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, although some shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. Upholstery options ranged from leatherette to semi-aniline leather, depending on the trim level.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model being the most balanced in appearance. Base prices varied significantly, with the Defender OCTA being the most expensive. The test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured upgraded interior materials and off-roading technology. It swapped standard 22-inch wheels for 20-inch ones with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. The exterior was painted in Gondwana Stone, which didn't complement the orange brake calipers and delicate-looking wheels. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with options for different upholstery colors. The interior maintained an industrial theme, focusing on quality materials and a purposeful design.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. This engine produced 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, offering more power than the outgoing V8. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80 felt more energetic with the new engine, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The suspension system varied by trim level, with air suspension and adaptive damping available. The QX80 offered an off-road setting for increased ground clearance and improved aerodynamics while underway. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80's handling remained average for a large body-on-frame SUV.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission connected to a standard all-wheel-drive system with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled off-road, with impressive ground clearance and approach angles. On-road, the Defender 130's weight and steering limited its agility, but it cruised comfortably on highways. The test vehicle's fuel economy was lower than expected, at 16.2 mpg.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. This resulted in 22 cubic feet with all seats in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The QX80 offered a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats for easy reconfiguration. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats were available, and the QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender offered excellent forward visibility, although the side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row added to the open feel. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less accommodating further back. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row seat accessibility and comfort. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered for easier loading. Cargo space was limited behind the third row, but folding seats expanded the capacity to 89 cubic feet.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. The infotainment system had a familiar interface, but the graphics resembled those of Infiniti's parent brand, Nissan. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims featuring a 24-speaker version with Individual Audio tech. A 360-degree camera system provided multiple viewing angles, and additional cameras were available.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's performance had improved, with accurate voice command responses and a more intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was impressive. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The QX80 offered ProPilot Assist highway-driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. A Driver Assistance Mode menu allowed customization of assistance levels. The lane-keep assist decisively corrected potential lane departures, although it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Defender.