2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a robust new front end with vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers. The rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims offered aggressive styling with blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint colors, enhancing its outdoorsy appeal. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a cleaner design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. Higher trims featured twin 12.3-inch displays, and the cabin materials were upgraded for a more upscale feel.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in size while retaining its body-on-frame architecture. The new frame improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling updates were most notable at the front, with a large grille and stacked-headlight setup creating a distinctive look. The rear maintained its general shape but featured full-width LED taillights. The interior was modernized with dual 14.3-inch screens and a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for controls. The QX80 introduced Google built-in apps for navigation and voice recognition, although the graphics felt reminiscent of Nissan's non-luxury models. The cabin offered luxurious features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, with ample passenger space across all three rows.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower, providing more lively performance. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The X-Line and X-Pro trims enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. Fuel efficiency was average, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined, while turbo models managed 23 mpg.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 introduced a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous V8. This new engine delivered 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 felt more energetic than its predecessor, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The air suspension and adaptive damping provided a comfortable ride, with adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for a large SUV. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row remained tight. It offered advantages over smaller SUVs with its three-row configuration. The Sorento provided 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, with optional captain's chairs. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. Higher trims included a power liftgate for convenience.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 increased cargo space by up to 28%, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX80 featured power-folding seats and a power liftgate for easy reconfiguration. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The cabin included luxurious amenities like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen across all trims. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and included USB-C outlets in all rows. Higher trims boasted a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin included dual 14.3-inch screens and a 9-inch touchscreen for controls. It introduced Google built-in apps for navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The QX80 featured Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker setup. A 360-degree camera system provided multiple viewing angles, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included the Drivewise suite of active safety features, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in IIHS tests, though its LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. It included ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The advanced version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.