Infiniti QX60 vs. Infiniti QX80: A Personal Journey Through Luxury SUVs

I’ve always been drawn to the allure of luxury SUVs—their commanding presence, plush interiors, and the promise of adventure wrapped in comfort. Searching for the perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality led me to test the 2025 Infiniti QX60 and QX80, two three-row SUVs that embody Infiniti’s vision of luxury but cater to different lifestyles.

In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience, comparing their features, performance, and quirks to help you decide which fits your needs, whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on cross-country adventures.

Comparison Table: Infiniti QX60 vs. Infiniti QX80

My Quest for the Perfect Luxury SUV

My journey began with a simple goal: find a luxury SUV that balances daily practicality with the thrill of the open road. I spent days test-driving the 2025 QX60 and QX80, navigating city traffic, cruising highways, and even towing a small trailer to see how they perform.

The QX60 feels like a sleek, efficient family hauler, while the QX80 is a commanding beast built for power and prestige. My insights come from behind-the-wheel experiences, owner forums, and expert reviews from sources like MotorTrend and Edmunds, giving me a well-rounded perspective on these Infiniti siblings.

Exterior Design: Style Meets Statement

Infiniti QX60: Sleek and Sophisticated

The QX60’s exterior is a masterclass in understated elegance. Its sculpted lines, slim LED headlights, and bold grille gave it a modern edge during my test drive through suburban streets.

The new Black Edition package, with gloss-black 20-inch wheels and an illuminated emblem, added a sporty flair that turned heads without shouting.

At 198.2 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, the QX60 is nimble for a three-row SUV, making it a breeze to park in tight urban spaces. I zipped through a crowded lot with confidence, something I couldn’t always say about larger SUVs. It’s perfect for city dwellers or families who want luxury without the bulk.

Infiniti QX80: Bold and Commanding

The QX80, on the other hand, is a statement on wheels. At 211.2 inches long and 83.3 inches wide, its muscular stance and massive grille dominated the road during my drive.

The redesigned 2025 model, with flush door handles and elaborate LED lights, feels like a luxury yacht, exuding power and prestige.

Parking the QX80 in a busy mall lot was a challenge, requiring careful maneuvering. Its 76.6–77.9-inch height (adjustable with air suspension) adds to its imposing presence, but it’s less agile in tight spaces. If you want to stand out, the QX80 delivers, though it demands confidence in confined areas.

QX60 Exterior Pros

• Sleek, modern design: Aerodynamic lines and LED headlights shine.
• Maneuverable size: Easier to park and navigate in cities.
• Black Edition flair: Gloss-black accents add sporty appeal.

QX60 Exterior Cons

• Less imposing: Lacks the QX80’s commanding presence.
• Understated for some: May not feel bold enough for statement-seekers.

QX80 Exterior Pros

• Bold, luxurious aesthetic: Muscular design turns heads.
• Premium details: Flush handles, LED lights elevate style.
• Commanding presence: Ideal for those who want to stand out.

QX80 Exterior Cons

• Bulky size: Challenging in tight parking or urban settings.
• Less agile: Feels cumbersome in confined spaces.

Interior Comfort: Where Luxury Lives

Infiniti QX60: Family-Friendly Refinement

Sliding into the QX60’s cabin felt like settling into a cozy, upscale lounge. The Zero Gravity front seats were supportive on long drives, and the available quilted leather and ash wood trim added a touch of class.

With 140.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and seating for up to seven (or six with captain’s chairs), it’s ideal for families.

The second-row seats, which slide forward even with a child seat installed, made accessing the third row a breeze—a feature I appreciated as a parent.

However, the third row’s 28.0 inches of legroom felt cramped for adults, better suited for kids. Cargo space is solid at 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.4 cubic feet with seats folded, though rivals like the Acura MDX offer more.

Infiniti QX80: A Private Jet on Wheels

The QX80’s interior is a step above, with a spacious, opulent cabin that seats up to eight and offers 152.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The second row’s 39.2 inches of legroom let me stretch out comfortably, and the available massaging seats were a highlight on a long highway drive. The materials—semi-aniline leather, open-pore wood—felt a cut above the QX60’s.

Cargo space is a standout, with 22.0 cubic feet behind the third row and 101.0 cubic feet max, perfect for hauling gear or luggage. The third row, while improved, still feels tight for adults at 28.8 inches of legroom. The QX80’s cabin is quieter, thanks to acoustic glass, making it a serene escape for long trips.

QX60 Interior Pros

• Family-oriented design: Easy third-row access with child seats.
• Comfortable seating: Zero Gravity seats enhance long drives.
• Flexible cargo: 75.4 cu.ft. max suits family needs.

QX60 Interior Cons

• Tight third row: Limited legroom for adults.
• Less premium materials: Base trims feel less opulent than QX80.

QX80 Interior Pros

• Spacious, luxurious cabin: More room for passengers and cargo.
• High-end features: Massaging seats, premium materials impress.
• Quiet ride: Acoustic glass enhances serenity.

QX80 Interior Cons

• Cramped third row: Still tight for adult passengers.
• Overwhelming size: May feel excessive for smaller families.

Performance: Power vs. Efficiency

Infiniti QX60: Nimble and Efficient

The QX60’s 3.5-liter V6, producing 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, is standard for 2025. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, it felt peppy enough for city driving during my test, though some reviews of previous model years noted engine noise. Its 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds is adequate but not thrilling.

Fuel economy is a strong suit, with 22/27/24 MPG (FWD) or 21/26/23 MPG (AWD), making it one of the more efficient in its class. Towing capacity tops out at 6,000 pounds, sufficient for small trailers or boats. The QX60’s handling is nimble for its size, but the 20-inch wheels made the ride firm over rough pavement.

Infiniti QX80: Powerhouse Performance

The QX80’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, new for 2025, churns out 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It’s a beast, towing up to 8,500 pounds with ease during my trailer test, outclassing most rivals except the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly, and the engine’s low-end torque made highway passing effortless. It hits 0-60 mph in a swift 5.75 seconds.

Fuel economy is a drawback at 16/20/18 MPG (AWD), requiring premium unleaded and frequent fill-ups of its 28-gallon tank. The available air suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control system provided a plush highway ride, but the QX80’s 6,491-pound curb weight made it feel bulky in city traffic. It’s built for power, not agility.

QX60 Performance Pros

• Strong fuel efficiency: 24 MPG combined (FWD) saves at the pump.
• Nimble handling: Easier to maneuver in urban settings.
• Adequate power: 295 hp suits daily driving needs.

QX60 Performance Cons

• Less refined engine sound; lower towing capacity (6,000 lbs vs. QX80’s 8,500 lbs).
• Firm ride: 20-inch wheels harsh on rough roads.

QX80 Performance Pros

• Powerful V6: 450 hp delivers thrilling performance.
• High towing capacity: 8,500 lbs for trailers, boats.
• Smooth highway ride: Air suspension absorbs bumps.

QX80 Performance Cons

• Poor fuel economy: 18 MPG combined is costly.
• Bulky handling: Less agile in city driving.

Technology: Modern Meets Extravagant

Infiniti QX60: User-Friendly and Practical

The QX60’s 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 17-speaker Bose audio system (standard on Luxe trim) filled the cabin with rich sound during my drives, perfect for music lovers. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and head-up display (higher trims) added a modern touch, though the single-screen setup feels less flashy than the QX80’s.

Safety tech is robust, with ProPILOT Assist 1.1, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera boosting confidence. I found the adaptive cruise control smooth in traffic, and the lane-keeping assist was unobtrusive. The system is practical and reliable but lacks the QX80’s wow factor.

Infiniti QX80: Tech-Forward Luxury

The QX80’s dual 14.3-inch screens—a gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen—are a showstopper. The 24-speaker Bose system delivered concert-quality sound, and features like TomTom Weather and Amazon Alexa integration felt futuristic during my test. The ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system, offering hands-free freeway driving on certain roads, was a game-changer, though it’s exclusive to higher trims.

The haptic climate control display and rear-seat entertainment system (Autograph trim) added luxury, but the tech can feel overwhelming for everyday use. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were lifesavers for maneuvering its bulk. The QX80’s tech is cutting-edge but comes at a premium.

QX60 Technology Pros

• Intuitive infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, easy to use.
• Strong audio: 17-speaker Bose system impresses.
• Comprehensive safety: ProPILOT Assist, surround-view camera.

QX60 Technology Cons

• Less flashy: Single screen vs. QX80’s dual displays.
• Fewer premium features: Misses hands-free driving tech.

QX80 Technology Pros

• Cutting-edge displays: Dual 14.3-inch screens stun.
• Top-tier audio: 24-speaker Bose system is exceptional.
• Advanced driver aids: Hands-free ProPILOT Assist 2.1.

QX80 Technology Cons

• Complex tech: Can overwhelm less tech-savvy drivers.
• Premium cost: Best features locked in higher trims.

Safety: Confidence on the Road

Infiniti QX60: Top-Tier Protection

The QX60’s IIHS Top Safety Pick designation (for 2025) and its predicted 5-star NHTSA rating (based on previous model year testing) gave me peace of mind during family test drives. Features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert worked seamlessly, with the surround-view camera making parking stress-free. The QX60’s safety suite is comprehensive and reliable, a standout in its class.

Infiniti QX80: Robust but Slightly Behind

The QX80 earns a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, reflecting its excellent performance in updated crash tests. NHTSA ratings are not yet fully available, but are expected to be strong. Its safety suite, including ProPILOT Assist 2.1 and Around View Monitor, performed well in my tests, especially the hands-free driving feature on highways. However, some advanced features are exclusive to pricier trims, and the QX60’s consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick designation is a strong point.

QX60 Safety Pros

• Top safety ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick, predicted 5-star NHTSA.
• Comprehensive aids: Blind-spot, cross-traffic alerts standard.
• Reliable performance: Safety tech works seamlessly.

QX60 Safety Cons

• None significant in this category.

QX80 Safety Pros

• Robust features: ProPILOT Assist 2.1, Around View Monitor.
• Advanced tech: Hands-free driving in higher trims.
• Confidence-inspiring: Strong safety suite for large SUV.

QX80 Safety Cons

• Best safety features in pricier trims.

Pricing and Value: Budget vs. Splurge

Infiniti QX60: Affordable Luxury

Starting at $50,200, the QX60 is a value leader in the luxury three-row SUV segment. Even the top Autograph trim, around $69,480, packs features like massaging seats and a 17-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. Used 2022-2023 models can be found for $35,000-$50,000, offering a budget-friendly entry into luxury, though check for transmission issues in older models.

Infiniti QX80: Premium Investment

The QX80 starts at $84,445, with the Autograph trim pushing past $112,590. Its price reflects premium features and power, but used 2020-2023 models range from $45,000-$70,000, a bargain for its capability. The trade-off is higher running costs, with premium fuel and maintenance adding up.

QX60 Pricing Pros

• Affordable entry: $50,200 starting MSRP is a steal.
• Strong value: Packed with features for the price.
• Lower running costs: Better fuel economy saves money.

QX60 Pricing Cons

• Misses high-end features: Lacks QX80’s premium tech.
• Older model issues: Some 2022-2023 units had transmission woes.

QX80 Pricing Pros

• Premium luxury: Top-tier features justify cost.
• Strong used value: Older models offer luxury at a discount.
• Towing prowess: 8,500 lbs worth the investment.

QX80 Pricing Cons

• High starting price: $84,445 is a big commitment.
• Costly to run: Poor MPG, premium fuel required.

Driving Experience: City vs. Highway

The QX60 shines in urban environments. Its compact size (relative to the QX80) and responsive steering made navigating city streets a breeze during my test. On the highway, it’s smooth but lacks the commanding presence of larger SUVs, with its V6 engine feeling adequate but not exhilarating.

The QX80 is a highway king. Its air suspension and powerful twin-turbo V6 made long drives plush and effortless, with passing power to spare. In the city, however, its size and 121.0-inch wheelbase required careful planning, especially in tight turns or parking lots.

Reliability: Built to Last?

The QX60 earns an “Average” J.D. Power Quality & Reliability rating (80/100, based on 2022 model year data), reflecting its solid build, though some 2022 models faced transmission complaints on owner forums. Regular maintenance (oil changes every 7,500 miles) keeps it dependable. The QX80’s long-term reliability for the new 2025 powertrain is yet to be fully established, but previous V8 models were generally robust. Its body-on-frame construction suggests durability.

QX60 Reliability Pros

• Solid reliability rating; industry-leading warranty.

QX60 Reliability Cons

• Some reported transmission issues in earlier model years.

QX80 Reliability Pros

• Robust V6 engine and body-on-frame construction.

QX80 Reliability Cons

• New powertrain’s long-term reliability is unproven.

Lifestyle Fit: Who Are These SUVs For?

The QX60 is tailor-made for families seeking affordable luxury. Its efficiency, safety, and maneuverability suit daily commutes, school runs, or weekend getaways. I pictured it parked at soccer practice, loaded with gear and kids.

The QX80 is for those who crave power and prestige. Its towing capacity and spacious cabin make it ideal for large families, cross-country trips, or towing boats. If you want a commanding presence, the QX80 delivers.

Recent Reviews: What Others Are Saying

MotorTrend praises the QX60’s value and fuel economy but notes its engine’s unrefined noise, while the QX80’s tech and towing earn accolades, though it trails rivals like the Lexus GX in driving dynamics. Edmunds lauds the QX60’s spaciousness and the QX80’s luxurious interior but flags its high price. Owner posts highlight the QX80’s upscale redesign but mention its fuel costs, while QX60 owners appreciate its reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Road, Your Choice

Choosing between the 2025 Infiniti QX60 and QX80 comes down to your lifestyle. The QX60’s affordability, efficiency, and agility make it a practical choice for families navigating daily routines or weekend trips. The QX80’s power, space, and tech cater to those seeking prestige and capability for towing or long journeys.

I loved the QX60’s nimble handling for city life and the QX80’s commanding presence on open roads. Test-drive both to feel their personalities, and let me know which one wins your heart! Your journey deserves a luxury SUV that matches your drive.