2025 INFINITI QX80 vs 2026 Audi SQ8
Comparison Overview
The primary financial separation between these luxury SUVs is the $17,250 MSRP difference, with the 2025 INFINITI QX80 starting at $82,450 compared to the 2026 Audi SQ8’s $99,700 entry price. Power output favors the SQ8, which produces 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the QX80’s 450 hp and 516 lb-ft. Despite its size advantage (211.2 inches long versus 197.0 inches), the QX80 is slightly more efficient, achieving 18 MPG combined versus the SQ8’s 16 MPG combined. However, the SQ8 offers significantly more utility, boasting 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the QX80’s 22 cu ft. Furthermore, the SQ8 utilizes required premium fuel while the QX80 only recommends it, adding a potential long-term operational cost distinction.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 INFINITI QX80
The QX80's slightly better 16/20 MPG city/highway fuel economy provides marginal savings over the SQ8's 14/20 MPG ratings.
2026 Audi SQ8
The 2026 Audi SQ8 provides substantially more usable space with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the QX80's 22 cu ft.
2026 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 delivers superior performance metrics, offering 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque compared to the QX80’s 450 hp and 516 lb-ft.
2025 INFINITI QX80
The INFINITI QX80 presents a significantly lower entry cost at $82,450, saving $17,250 against the SQ8.
Choose the INFINITI QX80 if...
- Budget constraints prioritize a lower initial outlay, as the QX80 is priced $17,250 less than the SQ8.
- You require a traditional large SUV footprint, indicated by the QX80's 211.2-inch length.
- You prefer the flexibility of recommended premium fuel over the SQ8's mandatory premium fuel requirement.
Choose the Audi SQ8 if...
- Maximum measurable performance is required, evidenced by the SQ8's 500 hp output.
- Superior hauling capability is necessary, given the SQ8’s 33.7 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prioritize All-Wheel Drive capability standard versus the QX80’s rear-wheel-drive base configuration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | INFINITI QX80 | Audi SQ8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.2" | 197.0" |
| Width | 83.3" | 79.0" |
| Height | 76.6" | 67.0" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 118.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 450 hp @ 5600 rpm | 500 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 16/20 MPG | 14/20 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.6/472.0 mi. | 315.0/450.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.6 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.3 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Klipsch Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | 600W | 730W |
| Speaker System | 14 | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Bang & Olufsen |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
Power Feature
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.8 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 64.2 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.9 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 |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 63.7 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.9 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 275/60R20 | 285/40R22 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 22 in |
Suspension
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | INFINITI | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 45000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX80 and 2026 Audi SQ8.
What is the precise horsepower and torque difference between the 2025 QX80 and the 2026 SQ8?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 has a 50 horsepower advantage, producing 500 hp compared to the INFINITI QX80's 450 hp. This translates to a 52 lb-ft torque lead for the SQ8 (568 vs. 516 lb-ft).
How does the difference in size (length and width) impact usability between the two models?
The QX80 is noticeably larger, measuring 211.2 inches long and 83.3 inches wide, suggesting more presence and potentially more interior passenger volume. Conversely, the SQ8 is shorter at 197.0 inches and narrower at 79.0 inches, which might benefit urban maneuverability.
Which vehicle offers better utility based on the provided cargo volume specifications?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 is the clear winner for hauling, offering 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially more than the 22 cubic feet available in the 2025 INFINITI QX80.
Are there significant drivetrain differences affecting traction in poor weather?
Yes, the base SQ8 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, generally providing better traction in low-grip situations. The INFINITI QX80 is listed with a Rear Wheel Drive configuration as standard.
Considering fuel economy, how does the QX80's 18 MPG combined compare to the SQ8's 16 MPG combined?
The QX80 is nominally more efficient, achieving 18 MPG combined versus the SQ8's 16 MPG combined rating. This results in the QX80 achieving 20 MPG highway while the SQ8 only achieves 20 MPG highway despite having less city mileage (14 vs 16 MPG).
Is the higher price of the SQ8 justified by its base features compared to the QX80?
The $17,250 price premium for the SQ8 is offset by higher performance specs (500 hp) and superior cargo space (33.7 cu ft). However, the QX80 offers a lower cost of entry at $82,450.
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