2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced the SUV's visual appeal and presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, offering a luxurious enough interior to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, with a new frame enhancing torsional and lateral stiffness by 25% and 57%, respectively. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a large grille extending onto the hood and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. Other updates included full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs and a cleaner profile view with blacked-out roof pillar trim and flush door handles. The interior received a high-tech makeover, featuring a large horizontal display and 64-colour ambient lighting. Despite the shiny black plastic trim crowding out more premium materials, the QX80 offered leather seats in Luxe models, with semi-aniline leather in Sensory and Autograph trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road surface feedback while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, replacing the previous 5.6-litre V8. The new engine delivered 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The QX80 felt more energetic than its predecessor, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. Standard air suspension and adaptive damping adjusted damper firmness in real-time, providing a compliant ride and adjusting ride height for off-road settings or improved aerodynamics. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80 couldn't completely erase bumps, and its handling was average for a large body-on-frame SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs available. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing better leg support and visibility than previous models. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. It offered 623 litres with all rows in place, 1,670 litres with the third row folded, and 2,860 litres with both rows down. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats, with controls in the cargo area and on the infotainment touchscreens. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front and second-row seats were available, along with a heated third row. The QX80 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

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 climate control. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with a 14-speaker system in Luxe models and a 24-speaker version in Sensory and Autograph trims. A 360-degree camera system provided eight different angles, with additional views like the Invisible Hood view.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, offering braking and steering assistance. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 offered ProPilot Assist highway driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring. The more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.