2025 Volkswagen Atlas 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 and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. The rear end retained its shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, though some materials felt less premium.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered five trim levels, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line providing a sporty appearance. The Atlas featured polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale look. Inside, diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents created a warm environment, complemented by digital instrumentation and a large infotainment touchscreen. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by 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 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80 felt more energetic, though the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with an off-road setting increasing ground clearance to 10 inches. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for a large SUV.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engines with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD. The engine was refined, and the torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm was satisfying for daily driving. However, the ride quality was brittle over road imperfections, and excessive body motions at highway speeds contributed to a wallowy ride. The handling was predictable, with the brakes performing well under duress.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up and 101 cubic feet with seats folded. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding seats, though second-row seats had limited movement if the driver's seat was set for taller occupants. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Access to the third row was outstanding, with adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 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 climate control. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. The Klipsch sound system varied by model, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker version. A 360-degree camera system provided multiple viewing angles, and additional features included a digital rearview camera and in-car camera.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group’s MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, though the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as incorrect song titles on SiriusXM. The navigation system was confusing, leading to unnecessary driver distraction.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist offered highway-driving assistance, with the advanced version allowing hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with standard driver-assistance features like Front Assist, Active Side Assist, and Travel Assist. It included adaptive cruise control and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS “Top Safety Pick.”