INFINITI QX80 vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its design was characterized by a tall and upright stance, high shoulder lines, and a simple two-box profile accentuated by a standard rear spoiler and large 22-inch wheels. The front featured a striking black two-part grille with a waterfall upper portion inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. At the rear, a taillight light bar spanned the width, echoing the piano key design above the wide Infiniti lettering. The QX80 Sport trim added a wider mesh pattern for its frameless grille and dark matte chrome exterior trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the QX80 was modern and luxurious, with technology softened by real leather, available in a quilted pattern. High-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim adorned the interior, while the Sport models featured a Dusk Blue interior theme with a darkened colour palette.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was known for its over-stylized design, featuring a large, dark, intricately patterned spindle grille flanked by squinting LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes. Its aggressive and complex front design was polarizing, with some finding it attractive and others considering it overdone. The profile was sporty yet less extroverted, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares suggesting a focus on road manners. F Sport elements included dark trim on mirrors, window surrounds, rocker panels, and roof rails, along with dark 20-inch wheels. The fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers, adding to its sporty appeal. Inside, the NX combined a sporty look with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver for a cockpit-like feel. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and optional two-tone Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its sporty interior vibe.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-litre V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, boosting power to 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD in Canada, the QX80 offered a robust performance. Despite losing low-range gearing, the 4WD system retained Auto and 4H modes. The V6 delivered immediate power, achieving a 0-96 km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds. The body-on-frame platform boasted 25% more torsional rigidity and 57% more lateral stiffness, maintaining a towing capacity of 3,850 kg. The suspension system included front and rear double-wishbone suspension, air springs, and adaptive dampers, providing a standard ground clearance of 20 cm, adjustable for various driving conditions. Weighing around 2,700 kg, the QX80 exhibited notable body lean and slow, heavy steering, though it offered a generally comfortable ride.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering 240 hp. The hybrid system provided standard AWD, with a rear motor adding torque. The NX achieved a 0-96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds. Despite adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension, the NX wasn't particularly sporty, with a tendency to lean in bends and a controlled rather than agile handling. The steering was weighty, firming up in Sport S and Sport S+ modes, but lacked feedback. The ride was firm yet comfortable, with the Sport damper setting making it busy on broken surfaces. The power delivery was adequate for traffic, though the engine droned under hard acceleration. Steering wheel paddles allowed for simulated downshifts, but didn't mimic regular automatic transmission gear ratios.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a spacious SUV, measuring 5,365 mm in length with a 3,075-mm wheelbase, accommodating up to seven passengers. Standard features included leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar support, heated and ventilated front and outboard second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Higher trims offered semi-aniline leather and massage functions for front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs in Sport and Autograph trims had power adjustments, with massaging seats in the Autograph trim. The third-row bench was larger than most, providing good space for adults or children. Cargo space was generous, with 623 litres behind the third row, 1,670 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model offered well-bolstered front seats with ample room, power adjustments, and comfort features like heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The rear cushion was comfortable for long trips, aided by a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. Cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with seats folded. The coupe-like roof shape limited cargo capacity compared to rivals, but it remained practical for everyday needs.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with dual 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment, featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 5G connection provided a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were buried in submenus. The QX80 offered a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker system available on higher trims. Additional features included a head-up display, wireless charging, a dashcam, and an in-car camera. A surround-view camera system with nine views enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A three-year Remote Connect subscription provided remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The instrument cluster was customizable, and the infotainment system was responsive and easy to use. A volume dial and embedded temperature controls simplified adjustments, while navigation required a subscription.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, and a surround-view camera system. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and performed well in crash tests. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems functioned effectively, though adaptive cruise control settings were somewhat complex to access.