2025 INFINITI QX80 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a modern, electric crossover. It retained some styling cues from the 2019 car-based crossover model but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV featured a tall hood, a distinctive front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a bold presence compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was longer and wider than these competitors, emphasizing its SUV-like appearance.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each offering unique styling elements. The LT had a colour-coordinated front fascia, while the RS featured a blacked-out design. The forthcoming SS model promised even more distinctive styling with a unique front fascia and larger wheels. Inside, the RS and SS trims offered a sporty interior with large air vents and optional red leather upholstery, although some interior components felt less premium.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. It retained a body-on-frame architecture with a new frame that improved stiffness. The QX80's styling updates were most noticeable at the front, with a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup. The rear retained its general shape but featured full-width LED taillights. The QX80's profile was enhanced with blacked-out roof pillars and flush door handles.

The QX80 was available in Luxe, Sensory, and Autobiography trims, all featuring 22-inch wheels. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-colour ambient lighting. Despite the premium features, shiny black plastic trim detracted from the overall luxury feel. The QX80 offered leather seating in Luxe models, with Sensory and Autobiography trims upgrading to semi-aniline leather.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, including single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD configurations. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kWh battery pack, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A unique single-motor FWD option was also planned for 2025. The Blazer EV SS promised a performance boost with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 96 km/h in under four seconds.

The Blazer EV's driving experience varied between RWD and AWD models, with the latter offering better traction. It excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, replacing the previous V8. It produced 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80's acceleration improved, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise to the cabin. Standard air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic settings.

Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for a large SUV. The air suspension helped manage bumps, but the body-on-frame construction couldn't match the solidity of unibody vehicles. The QX80's towing capacity was impressive at 3,855 kilograms, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a spacious interior, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate but lacked a frunk.

The interior provided ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. The Blazer EV's design emphasized style over practicality, with a focus on a high-tech feel.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 623 litres with all seats up, 1,670 litres with the third row folded, and 2,860 litres with both rows down. This gave it an advantage over competitors like the Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The QX80 featured power-folding seats and a power liftgate for easy reconfiguration.

Passenger space was generous across all three rows, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The third row was particularly comfortable, with well-placed cupholders and USB ports. The QX80's towing capacity was notable, making it a strong choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, focusing on Android users. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. Built-in route planning and over-the-air updates were included, though the touchscreen's angle could be inconvenient for passengers.

The Blazer EV offered a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience. The system's user interface was mostly intuitive, though some functions would benefit from physical controls.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The infotainment system's graphics felt similar to Nissan's, and the lower touchscreen required firm presses.

All QX80 models included Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker version with Individual Audio tech. The QX80 also featured a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and a digital rearview camera.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS trims.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was available, providing adaptive cruise control and lane centring.