A Full-Size Luxury SUV That Offers Better Value for Money Than the Lexus LX

Toyota’s reputation for reliability is near-spotless and by extension, the same goes for its luxury arm, Lexus. While this helps Toyota and Lexus vehicles retain value over time, it also allows the company to command higher premiums than its competitors. This gives some of Lexus’ rivals more of a fighting chance. This includes Infiniti, which doesn’t have nearly the same presence as Lexus, but also offers a full-size luxury SUV, in the form of the QX80, at a much lower starting price.

While Toyota and Lexus products are obvious choices, I think it’s important to shed light on other options and compare them, and the Infiniti QX80 certainly has a few good surprises.

Some interesting statistics

Luxury SUVs are part of the bargain. According to IseeCars, 19.2 percent of US car sales are luxury cars. Of that, 62 percent goes to luxury SUVs (based on 2021 data), According to Global Market Insights, the 2022 luxury SUV market was valued at $4.1 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 percent. between 2023 and 2032. According to common people, luxury SUVs are becoming more and more popular.

What is the biggest advantage of the Infiniti QX80 over the Lexus LX?

Let’s jump right into it. The Infiniti QX80 is more affordable while offering the same technology as the Lexus LX.

Here’s what the 2024 Lexus LX trims look like and how they’re priced:

1. Lexus LX600 (base): $93,913

2. Lexus LX600 Premium: $101,865

3. Lexus LX600 F-Sport: $108,125

4. Lexus LX600 Luxury: $109,865

5. Lexus LX600 Ultra Luxury: $134,490

2024 Infiniti QX80 discounts and prices:

1. Infiniti QX80 Luxe: $76,145

2. Infiniti QX80 Premium Select: $80,295

3. Infiniti QX80 Sensory: $87,830

Infiniti QX80 vs Lexus LX utility

While the Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX are some of the best three-row luxury SUVs, they’re on completely different footings. The J300 Lexus LX has a body-on-frame chassis, which makes it better for towing and off-road while the Infiniti QX80’s unibody chassis makes it more suitable for the road. However, the Infiniti QX80 has a trick up its sleeve. Here’s how the two SUVs compare:

1. The ability to pull. The Infiniti QX80 has a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds versus the Lexus LX’s 8,000 pounds.

2. Three rows of seats. Both SUVs offer third-row seats. However, while the Lexus LX offers seating for eight people, the Infiniti QX80 can accommodate only seven.

3. Cargo capacity. The Infiniti QX80 offers 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 95.1 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down.

The Lexus LX offers 11 cubic feet behind the third row seats, 44 cubic feet behind the second row seats, and 64 cubic feet with the second and third row seats down. Without the optional third-row seats, cargo space is 46 and 71 cubic feet, respectively.

4. Off-road characteristics. The ground clearance of the Infiniti QX80 is 246-254 mm while the Lexus LX has 205 mm. The Lexus LX’s approach and departure angles are 21-25 degrees and 21-23 degrees respectively, while the QX80’s approach and departure angles are 16.5-24.2 degrees and 22-24.5 degrees respectively. Recess angles are 20 degrees for the Lexus LX and up to 23.6 degrees for the QX80.

How do the Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX compare in terms of drivetrains?

Unlike the Lexus LX, Infiniti’s luxury SUV hasn’t given up on V-8s. The VK56VD engine is a naturally aspirated, DOHC unit with direct injection. Its 5.6 liters of displacement is good for 400 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 413 pound-feet at 4,000 RPM.

For the current generation, the Lexus LX went through a downsizing process. It’s based on a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 good for 415 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 479 pound-feet at 2,000-3,600 RPM.

In some markets, the Lexus LX is available with a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V-6 diesel, producing 309 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 516 lb-ft at 1,600-2,600 RPM.

Lexus LX vs. Infiniti QX80 fuel economy

Needless to say, fuel economy is not the strong suit of one of these luxury castles on wheels. Still, the Lexus LX’s twin-turbo V-6 gasoline engine is easier on the wallet with 19 MPG combined (EPA). This translates to 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway.

The sound of a V-8 engine usually comes at a price and the Infiniti QX80 is no exception. It returns 15 MPG combined (EPA), with 13 MPG in the city and 19 on the highway. Going for the rear-wheel-drive-only version will get you 1 MPG more, so I wouldn’t recommend it.

How do the Lexus LX and Infiniti QX80 compare in terms of reliability?

The Lexus LX is, in essence, a more luxurious Land Cruiser than the J300, or at least it used to be. With the new Land Cruiser J250 sharing the Lexus GX sub-platform, the LX has become its flagship. In a true tradition, the reliability score is high. The Lexus LX scores 83 out of 100 with JD Power and 5/5 according to Cars.com.

Lexus LX common problems with recalls. The current generation Lexus LX has only one safety recall on the transmission, which allows the car to move forward. However, very few cars were affected by this issue.

The Infiniti QX80 reliability score, according to RepairPal.com is 3.5/ 5, which is above average, but not as good as the Lexus LX.

The Infiniti QX80 is little known. There isn’t enough data on reliability, but according to one of the few consumer reviews I found on Cars.com, the cooling fan clutch is a weak point. The VK56 engine is generally reliable and has a long life if properly maintained, but there are a few weak points.

These include a timing chain, which has a very short lifespan, faulty fuel pumps, and catalytic converters that can come apart, causing the engine to suck dirt inside. The AC fan may also fail to work, and is recommended as well. you keep an eye on the cooling system. The VK56 engine is also sensitive to low quality oil.

Also see Torque News editor Armen Hareyan’s review of the 2022 Infiniti QX80 here.

About the author

Dimitar Angelov’s car interests made him an expert on many types of cars. Japanese brands like Toyota are closer to his heart, although performance cars are generally his favorite segment, which is why he is always on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s passion for cars and writing skills led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communication, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to drive any car and share his feelings. You can follow Resignation where X, It is connected, Instagramand Facebook.