2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a market with few wagons left, adopting crossover trends like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its rugged design was complemented by a Crimson Red Pearl paint and black leather interior, though it looked best in earthy tones. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to a niche market that proved successful, with the Outback being a popular choice among its lineup. The interior was well-executed, with minimal chrome and glossy black plastic, featuring easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display.

In contrast, the 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in size while retaining its body-on-frame architecture. The new frame improved stiffness significantly. The QX80 featured expressive styling, particularly at the front, with a large grille and stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its shape but updated with full-width LED taillights. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, though shiny black plastic detracted from the premium feel.

The 2025 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 horsepower. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making it a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. The Outback excelled off-road with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode, while the Wilderness model offered even more capability.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous V8, delivering 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with RWD standard and 4WD optional. The new engine and transmission improved acceleration, though active sound enhancement added artificial noise. The QX80 offered air suspension with adaptive damping, providing a compliant ride and adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic benefits.

The Subaru Outback’s wagon shape provided practicality with easy entry and exit, a low roof for loading, and a low center of gravity for quick direction changes. It offered 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded. The total passenger volume was 109 cubic feet, larger than its crossover competitors. Towing capacity ranged from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the engine.

The 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 rows folded. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding seats for easy reconfiguration. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 boasted a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most luxury SUVs.

The Subaru Outback’s technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a Harman Kardon audio system available. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player and USB ports for connectivity.

The INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti with Google built-in apps, offering Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store. The infotainment system had a Nissan-like familiarity, with firm touchscreen presses required. All models had Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker version with Individual Audio tech.

The Subaru Outback came equipped with EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, with expectations for similar performance in 2025.

The INFINITI QX80 included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It offered 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, though testing was limited due to a pre-production issue.