2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, enhancing torsional and lateral stiffness by 25% and 57%, respectively. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille extending onto the hood and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The QX80 offered four trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and a standard panoramic moonroof. Inside, it received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting, though shiny black plastic trim was prevalent. Upholstery options ranged from leatherette to semi-aniline leather, depending on the trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade distinguished itself with bold design choices, especially after a 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular look. The Palisade's design was both balanced and upscale, offering a sense of value. Inside, even the base SE trim provided a modern and upscale feel, with higher trims featuring premium materials like leather and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB ports in the front seatbacks and second-row smartphone storage. It was available in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500. Our test vehicle, a Calligraphy trim with AWD, showcased a luxurious interior with features like a massaging driver's seat and heated third-row seats.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The new engine and transmission provided a more energetic feel, though the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The QX80's suspension varied by trim, with air suspension and adaptive damping available. It offered an off-road setting for increased ground clearance and could lower for improved aerodynamics. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for its class.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The Palisade's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it averaged 22 mpg in combined driving. The ride was firm at lower speeds but smoother on highways. The powertrain was satisfying, with smooth shifts and a pleasant engine sound. However, fuel efficiency was lower than expected, with recorded figures below EPA estimates. The Palisade's steering and suspension provided a reasonable feel, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rear rows down. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding seats, though second-row movement was limited with taller drivers. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats were available, and the QX80 boasted an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seating, with our test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger setup. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with ample legroom and climate control. The third row was also heated, with USB-C ports and air vents. Storage was thoughtful, with adjustable cupholders and smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access, and cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim, with up to 24 speakers and Individual Audio tech. A 360-degree camera system offered multiple views, and additional cameras enhanced visibility.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while slightly dated, was functional and comprehensive. It included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and infotainment touchscreen, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Features included Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The voice recognition system was effective, and the Palisade offered a head-up display and surround-view camera system.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. It offered ProPilot Assist for highway driving, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like Blind Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS through 2024 but missed it in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new test. NHTSA ratings included five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance.