2026 Hyundai Venue vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

The traditional body-on-frame SUV is rarely a wise choice these days. These vehicles are heavy and inefficient, but they can be the right option for buyers who need to carry lots of passengers and either tow trailers or go off-roading. The 2026 Infiniti QX80 carries up to seven people and can tow up to 8,500 pounds, while also adding luxury and some thoughtful features that help it stand out against competitors such as the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the 2026 QX80 is unchanged except for a new Sport trim level.

Verdict: The 2026 Infiniti QX80 appeals for luxury, space, technology, and towing capacity, but poor fuel economy and cumbersome handling mean more nimble crossover SUVs are better for most families.

Automakers have traditionally had a hard time making money on entry-level subcompact cars, because they have low profit margins, but America has largely moved away from cars to crossover SUVs—and higher prices. That allows car companies to offer an entry-level subcompact SUV for thousands more than a similar sedan or hatchback.

Such is the case with the Hyundai Venue, which costs more than its predecessor, the subcompact Accent that was dropped after the 2022 model year. While the price is higher, the advantage for buyers is a vehicle that generally has more cargo space and is more practical. We recently drove the 2026 Hyundai Venue SEL w/2-Tone Roof (yes, that’s the trim level name) to find out if a subcompact crossover is a better buy than a cheaper subcompact car.

Verdict: The Hyundai Venue sacrifices refinement for a price point that isn’t as low as a comparable subcompact car. We’d be tempted to spend a little more for a slightly larger compact car with more power, features, and refinement.