Lexus GX vs INFINITI QX80

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. The vehicle featured a distinctive front with a bold, black two-part grille 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, and sat above 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 and high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The Sport models featured a Dusk Blue interior theme with a darkened colour palette.

The 2026 Lexus GX offered a rugged and outdoorsy appearance, especially in the GX 550 Overtrail trim. It featured grey wheel arch cladding, skid plates, ladder-type roof rails, and knobby all-terrain tires, giving it a ready-for-anything look. The GX's design was boxy yet stylish, with a recognizable Lexus grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Hood blisters and fender bulges conveyed its capability, while tall windows aided visibility. Inside, the Overtrail test vehicle had tan artificial leather with black bolsters and olive-green simulated suede trim. The cabin emphasized utility with industrial design themes, yet exuded quality with advanced digital driver and touchscreen infotainment displays. The GX's interior was practical, though not traditionally luxurious, and offered a sense of style despite its utilitarian focus.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-litre V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, boosting power to 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard full-time 4WD system in Canada. The QX80's body-on-frame platform boasted 25% more torsional rigidity and 57% more lateral stiffness than its predecessor. Despite the increased power and stronger frame, the towing capacity remained at 3,850 kilograms. The QX80's suspension system included front and rear double-wishbone suspension, air springs, and adaptive dampers, providing a standard ground clearance of 20 centimetres, adjustable for different driving conditions. However, its size and mass made it challenging to maneuver, with notable body lean and slow, heavy steering.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking centre differential. The Overtrail trim added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. The adaptive variable suspension and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System enhanced off-road capability. The GX's twin-turbo V6 offered speedy acceleration, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds. However, its drag coefficient of 0.39 and curb weight of 2,570 kilograms resulted in higher fuel consumption. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with impressive wheel articulation and effective hill descent control, while also providing a comfortable on-road experience.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a spacious SUV, measuring 5,365 millimetres in length with a 3,075-mm wheelbase, accommodating up to seven passengers. It featured standard leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front and outboard second-row seats. The Sport and Autograph trims offered semi-aniline leather and massaging front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs in these trims had power adjustments, and the Autograph trim included massaging second-row seats. The third-row bench was larger than most, providing good room 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 GX 550 Overtrail offered a practical interior with comfortable power-adjustable front seats featuring NuLuxe artificial leather upholstery. The Luxury and Executive packages provided real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail trim lacked a third-row seat, offering more cargo space with 1,291 litres behind the back seat and a maximum capacity of 2,548 litres. The second-row bench was wide enough for three teenagers, though the cushion was low and flat. Storage space was adequate, with small door armrest trays and centre console storage. The GX's high load height and protruding bumper made it convenient for roof access but could soil clothes when loading or unloading items.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a pair of 14.3-inch screens, including a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system featured Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 5G connection provided an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services. The QX80's infotainment screen was user-friendly, though the lower screen's climate and drive mode controls were less intuitive. The vehicle offered a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system available on higher trims. Additional tech features included a head-up display, wireless charging pad, dashcam, and in-car camera. The surround-view camera system offered nine views, including an Invisible Hood view.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system was user-friendly, though the daytime illumination mode's low contrast was a drawback. The Lexus Interface included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing simultaneous navigation and audio display. The GX 550 Overtrail included a panoramic view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was obscured by the steering wheel. The head-up display was available in most packages but not in the Overtrail package.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, active blind spot monitoring, and more. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 on the Autograph trim allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. Additional standard features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The PDA system provided subtle braking and steering inputs, though it could be uncomfortable. Lane-centring assist required manual overrides in curves. NHTSA and IIHS ratings were not available at the time of writing.