2025 INFINITI QX80 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, with a new frame 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 maintained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting, though some shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan marked the start of its third generation with a complete redesign, adopting sleek modernity inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and a larger visual grille, while the rear showcased a sportier tapering hatch and a single bar taillight. The interior modernization included a minimalist dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a tablet-like infotainment display. The gear selector moved to the steering column, creating more storage space. Materials quality was average, with soft-touch materials in key areas, but some hard plastics remained.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the previous V8's output. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80 felt more energetic, though active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The air suspension, standard on higher trims, adjusted damper firmness and ride height, offering a compliant ride but couldn't completely erase bumps. Handling was average for a large SUV, with reinforced frame improvements.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, increasing output to 201 horsepower but reducing torque to 207 pound-feet. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The cabin remained quiet, with well-managed tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, along with a potential hybrid powertrain.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. It offered 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX80 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 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior saw the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, reverting to traditional controls on the steering wheel. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently large rear window. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity wasn't finalized, but the new area appeared smaller, with angled liftgate limitations. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate were standard on most trims.

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. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim, with up to 24 speakers and Individual Audio tech. A 360-degree camera system offered multiple views, including an Invisible Hood view. Additional features included a digital rearview camera, dash cam, and in-car camera.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 15-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger. Capacitive-touch sliders remained, but a new volume knob improved usability. The Atmospheres feature combined ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on top trims. VW's Car-Net system included remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

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

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash-test results were also unavailable. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The Emergency Assist system could slow the vehicle if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-automated parking system.