2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its familial resemblance to the Nissan Armada, presented a robust and attractive exterior. Its unique front-end styling, characterized by the distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart from its sibling. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added an upscale touch, while the stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels enhanced its overall appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats and tasteful wood trim. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was beginning to show its age compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a more contemporary appearance, albeit with an over-styled design. The exaggerated forms, from the scowling headlights to the dramatically sculpted rear, were a departure from Toyota's traditionally conservative designs. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's cabin was anything but subtle, with oversized elements like the 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. However, the mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made the interior visually overwhelming. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid's cabin was quiet on the road, a testament to Toyota's focus on noise reduction.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive performance and a satisfying exhaust note, although it was notably thirsty for fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The QX80's off-road capabilities were commendable, thanks to its standard four-wheel drive in Canada and a computer-controlled transfer case. With a towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms, the QX80 was well-suited for hauling heavy loads. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean effectively, aided by the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, it lacked high-speed passing power, with the gas engine offering only 175 pound-feet of torque. The SUV's towing capacity was limited to 1,588 kilograms, and its brakes showed signs of fading during mountain driving. The Highlander Hybrid's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, offered some versatility, but its soft suspension and CVT made for a less engaging driving experience. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel economy, though it fell short of expectations.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80's tall ride height required a climb to enter, but once inside, the spacious cabin provided a comfortable environment. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was somewhat limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and moonroof added convenience, while illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting enhanced the premium feel.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered seating for seven or eight, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for occasional use, as access was tight and comfort was limited. The Highlander Hybrid's interior featured standard three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with additional amenities in higher trims. Cargo space was practical, with 453 litres behind the third row and 2,387 litres with all seats folded. However, the centre armrest storage console design was unnecessarily complex, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Bose 17-speaker Performance Series sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system was notable, given the QX80's premium positioning.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced fresh technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The Highlander Hybrid's technology was user-friendly, though the graphics could benefit from sharper contrast.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.