2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$43,000 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant dimensional disparity between the 2026 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 INFINITI QX50 is length, with the Highlander stretching 10.2 inches longer at 194.9 inches versus the QX50's 184.7 inches. Performance metrics reveal the QX50 boasts 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, slightly ahead of the Highlander's 265 horsepower, although the Highlander counters with superior torque at 310 lb-ft versus the QX50's 280 lb-ft. Fuel economy is virtually identical, both achieving 25 MPG combined (the QX50 uses premium unleaded, while the Highlander uses regular). However, cargo hauling capacity shows a massive gulf: the QX50 offers 31.4 cubic feet, significantly more than the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Priced at $43,000, the QX50 undercuts the Highlander's MSRP of $45,270, making the QX50 the cheaper, smaller, and more cargo-efficient option despite needing premium fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50's slightly better combined MPG of 25 helps reduce frequent refueling costs over consistent commuting miles.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

Despite having less specified cargo volume (16 cu ft), the Highlander's superior exterior dimensions (10.2 inches longer) suggest greater overall passenger space, crucial for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander provides 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the QX50's 280 lb-ft, which is preferable for acceleration feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 commands a lower entry price of $43,000 and offers vastly superior cargo capacity at 31.4 cu ft.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, starting at $43,000.
You require maximum storage space, as the 31.4 cu ft cargo capacity significantly surpasses the competitor's.
You prefer the marginally higher 268 horsepower output paired with a standard AWD system.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You need maximum pulling power, benefiting from the 310 lb-ft of torque.
You desire a vehicle built around regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded.
You benefit from the larger physical footprint, evidenced by its 194.9-inch length and 68.1-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX50	Toyota Highlander
Length	184.7"	194.9"
Width	74.9"	76.0"
Height	66.0"	68.1"
Wheelbase	110.2"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/448.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	39.6 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.8 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R19	P235/65R V
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Toyota
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

Which vehicle uses less expensive fuel?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is engineered for regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2025 INFINITI QX50 recommends premium unleaded, which typically carries a higher price per gallon.

How significant is the difference in power output?

The difference is marginal in terms of peak horsepower, with the QX50 having 268 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp. However, the Highlander possesses a notable advantage in torque delivery, boasting 310 lb-ft compared to the QX50's 280 lb-ft.

Which car is better for moving large items?

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 offers substantially more utility, providing 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Toyota Highlander specifies only 16 cu ft of cargo volume based on these figures.

Are these crossovers similar in size?

No, they differ dimensionally, especially in length; the Highlander measures 194.9 inches long, while the QX50 is shorter at 184.7 inches. The Highlander is also slightly wider and taller overall.

What are the base MSRP differences?

The INFINITI QX50 is the lower-cost option, starting at $43,000. The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a higher entry price of $45,270.

Do both models include All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

Yes, according to the specifications provided, both the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander are configured with all-wheel drive as standard equipment for this comparison.