2026 INFINITI QX80 vs 2026 Lexus GX

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence with its big, blocky design typical of body-on-frame SUVs. It featured a tall and upright stance, high shoulder lines, and a simple two-box profile complemented by a standard rear spoiler and large 20- or 22-inch wheels. The front showcased a striking black two-part grille with a waterfall upper portion inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. At the rear, a taillight light bar spanned the width, echoing the piano key design above the wide Infiniti lettering. The QX80 Sport trim added a wider mesh pattern for its frameless grille, dark matte chrome exterior trim, and gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps, emblems, and wheels. Inside, the QX80 exuded modern luxury with four available screens, synthetic or real leather options, and high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The Sport models featured a Dusk Blue interior theme with a darkened color palette.

The 2026 Lexus GX offered a rugged and utilitarian design, especially in the GX 550 Overtrail trim, which emphasized its off-road capabilities. The Overtrail trim featured gray wheel arch cladding, simulated skid plates, ladder-type roof rails, knobby all-terrain tires, and exclusive gray wheels, giving it a ready-for-anything appearance. The Nori Green Pearl color added an outdoorsy touch, contrasting with the more common black, white, or gray options. Inside, the Overtrail model had a utilitarian yet quality-focused cabin with tan artificial leather, black bolsters, and olive-green simulated suede trim. The interior emphasized utility with industrial design themes and advanced digital driver and touchscreen infotainment displays. The GX's boxy design was complemented by the iconic Lexus grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and hood blisters for better visibility. The tall windows aided visibility, while the rear featured a recessed liftgate with a simple horizontal taillight above a substantial bumper.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-liter V8 to a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and full-time four-wheel drive optional on the base trims and standard on the top trims. The new 4WD system offered only Auto and 4H modes, reducing the QX80's off-roading capabilities. Despite the lack of a V8's baritone, the V6 provided immediate power delivery, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds in Car and Driver testing. The QX80 maintained its robust towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, supported by a body-on-frame platform with increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness. The suspension system included front and rear double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, air springs, and adaptive dampers on higher trims, offering adjustable ground clearance for various driving conditions. However, the QX80's size and weight resulted in notable body lean and challenging maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system with a locking center differential. The Overtrail trim enhanced off-road capabilities with an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select settings, hill-descent control, and a low-speed cruise control system. It rode on 18-inch matte-gray wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires and an aluminum front skid plate. The adaptive variable suspension with a one-inch lift and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) improved wheel articulation off-road. The GX excelled in challenging conditions, with its locking center diff and wheel articulation overcoming obstacles. On-road, the adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, though the all-terrain tires were less suited for spirited driving. The V6 offered speedy acceleration, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, the GX's drag coefficient and curb weight resulted in lower fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a massive SUV, measuring 211.2 inches long on a 121-inch wheelbase, providing ample space for up to seven passengers. The interior featured standard synthetic leather, eight-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar adjustment, and front-seat heating. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs had power adjustments and ventilation on top trims, with massaging seats in the Autograph trim. The third-row bench was spacious, accommodating two adults or three children, with power-folding seats standard. Cargo space was generous, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. However, the Cadillac Escalade offered more cargo space in its standard-wheelbase form.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail required some effort to enter, especially for shorter individuals, but offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe artificial leather, heating, and ventilation. The Luxury trim added real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet. The second-row bench accommodated three teenagers, though the flat cushion and backrest angle were less comfortable for adults. Storage space was limited, with small door trays and lower bins. Wireless smartphone charging was a $75 option. The high load height and protruding bumper were practical for roof access but could soil clothes during loading.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with advanced technology, featuring dual 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The infotainment system included Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, with a 5G connection for a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services. The infotainment screen was user-friendly, but the lower screen's climate and drive mode controls were less intuitive. The QX80 offered a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker system on higher trims. Three-zone automatic climate control was standard, with a biometric cooling system on top trims. Additional tech included a head-up display, dashcam, in-car camera, and a surround-view camera system with multiple views.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display with configurable data panels for off-roading and trailering information. The 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was user-friendly but had low contrast in daytime mode. The system included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The GX also offered a head-up display, panoramic-view monitor, and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was obscured by the steering wheel. The infotainment system's inability to display multiple menus simultaneously was a drawback, but the shortcut menu improved usability.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, active blind-spot monitors, rear automatic braking, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera system. ProPilot Assist 2.1 was optional, offering hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2026 Lexus GX included a wide range of driver-assistance systems, with most bundled in the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package. This included high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The PDA system was helpful but could cause discomfort with automated braking. Lane-centering assist required manual overrides, and adaptive cruise control braking was less smooth. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable.