Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 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 accents. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels added to its upscale appearance. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was seen as outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, priced from $41,995, offered minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls, but the mismatched textures and reflections made it visually overwhelming. The interior quality was questioned, with controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was quiet on the road, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong performance and an appealing exhaust note, though it was thirsty for fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts and effective power distribution. The QX80's off-road capability was notable, with a computer-controlled transfer case and 9.2 inches of ground clearance. It could tow up to 8,500 pounds and handled well for its size, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. While it offered electric-only driving at low speeds, high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, but it struggled with power and brake fade in mountainous terrain. It featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models having a Trail mode. The focus was on fuel economy, though the Predictive Efficient Drive system fell short of expectations, with the test vehicle averaging 28.7 mpg. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was unengaging, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good front-seat head- and legroom, though the third row was cramped. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than some competitors, and cargo space was limited, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with an optional bench seat.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best for occasional use, as access was tight and comfort limited. Standard features included three-zone climate control, heated seats, and power-adjustable front seats. The Highlander Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior had useful storage features, though some design choices were cumbersome.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included a Bose 13-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker system on the Sensory trim. A wireless smartphone charger was new for 2022. The dual-screen rear entertainment system lacked HDMI adapters, and the absence of ProPilot Assist was notable.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The Drive Connect plan added voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle had a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

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

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.