2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on practicality while smoothing out its design. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport showcased bronze trim, while the Touring trim included a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The interior boasted a more intentional design, with options ranging from cloth to genuine leather upholstery, and structural dash elements that enhanced its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 INFINITI QX80 received a significant redesign, growing slightly in size and retaining its body-on-frame architecture. The front end featured a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup, giving it a bold look. The rear maintained its shape but added full-width LED taillights. The interior was modernized with high-tech features, including a large horizontal display and ambient lighting. Upholstery options ranged from leatherette to semi-aniline leather, with the Autograph trim offering premium materials throughout.

The 2025 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Lineartonic CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability on challenging terrain. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, with slight variations for higher trims.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 introduced a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It replaced the previous V8, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 offered RWD and optional 4WD, with air suspension and adaptive damping on higher trims. It provided a more energetic drive, though handling remained average for its size. The QX80 boasted a 10-inch ground clearance in off-road mode and a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate and increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them down. It offered a roomy second row, with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats on higher trims. The interior was designed for practicality, with a dark headliner to resist marks.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 expanded cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up and 101 cubic feet with them folded. It featured power-folding second and third-row seats, with options for captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom and available heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The QX80 excelled in towing capacity, making it suitable for larger loads.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like a wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trim offered a navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti with Google built-in apps, offering Google Maps and Assistant. The QX80 included a Klipsch sound system, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker version. Advanced camera systems provided multiple viewing angles for enhanced safety.

The 2025 Subaru Forester included Subaru’s EyeSight suite with enhancements for better detection of cyclists and pedestrians. Emergency Stop Assist was available on the Touring trim, along with a digital rearview mirror and reverse automatic braking. While crash-test ratings were pending, the 2024 model had received high marks.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was available, providing adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The system allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes on higher trims, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.