2025 Lexus GX vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking new look that set it apart from its predecessors. Its exterior was reminiscent of classic Land Rover designs, with a boxy shape and a robust front accented by LED headlights and a tastefully sized grille. The Overtrail+ model featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, rock rails, and a distinctive Earth brown color. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with its clean design, quality switchgear, and chic dashboard layout. The seats, made of NuLuxe faux leather, offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The head-up display was adjustable, and visibility was excellent, thanks to the tall windows and elevated ride height.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 embraced a bold, blocky aesthetic typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its tall stance, high shoulder lines, and large wheels contributed to its macho look. The front featured a two-part grille inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. The rear echoed this design with a taillight light bar. The QX80 Sport trim added a wider mesh grille and dark matte chrome accents. Inside, the QX80 was modern and luxurious, with four screens available, including one for rear passengers. High-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim adorned the interior, while the Sport models featured a Dusk Blue theme.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, allowing the GX to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Despite its 5,666-pound curb weight, the GX felt agile, with ample power across the rev band. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a locking center differential and downhill assist control enhancing its capabilities.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 switched to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and full-time four-wheel drive optional. The QX80 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, with a pleasing engine note and immediate power delivery. Despite its increased power and stronger frame, the QX80 maintained a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The suspension system provided a comfortable ride, though the vehicle's size and mass made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior space, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. Despite its spaciousness, the GX was relatively easy to park, with an overall length of 197 inches and a width of 78 inches.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a large SUV, measuring 211.2 inches long on a 121-inch wheelbase. It accommodated up to seven passengers, with synthetic leather seats and a range of adjustments for comfort. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench offered ample space, with power-folding features for convenience. Cargo space was substantial, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good sound quality, though it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with advanced technology, including a pair of 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment. It featured Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The QX80's infotainment system was responsive, though some controls were buried in sub-menus. The vehicle boasted a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker system available on higher trims. Additional tech features included a head-up display, dashcam, and in-car camera.

The 2025 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The Overtrail+ model included pedestrian detection. The GX featured a 360-degree camera system and 10 airbags for occupant protection. However, it had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and ProPilot Assist 1.1. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of publication.