Chevrolet Tahoe vs INFINITI QX80

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, largely due to its brand equity and practical capabilities. Since its inception in 1995, the Tahoe has been a top choice for those needing a vehicle that can tow substantial loads while accommodating up to nine passengers. Chevrolet maintained a conservative approach in refreshing the Tahoe's design, introducing a new grille and updated lighting elements that aligned with the aesthetics of other Chevy trucks. The Tahoe offered six trim levels, each benefiting from these updates, with the Z71 trim focusing on off-road capabilities. Inside, the Tahoe featured a new 17.7-inch touchscreen display, enhancing the cabin's tech appeal. The dashboard saw a redesign with more stylish climate control buttons and sophisticated air vents, while the electronic shifter buttons were replaced with a steering-column-mounted stalk.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold, blocky design typical of body-on-frame SUVs, with high shoulder lines and a simple two-box profile. Its front featured a distinctive two-part grille inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. The rear showcased a taillight light bar echoing the piano key design. The QX80 Sport trim introduced a wider mesh pattern for its frameless grille and dark matte chrome exterior trim. Inside, the QX80 offered a luxurious and modern environment with high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The technology included four screens, with options for synthetic or real leather upholstery, and the Sport models featured a Dusk Blue interior theme.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stood out with its naturally aspirated V8 engines, offering a choice between a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine was also available, providing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, making it the most fuel-efficient option with up to 27 mpg on the highway. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard except for the Z71 trim, which featured four-wheel drive. The Tahoe's steering was surprisingly light for its size, though the brake pedal felt heavy and difficult to modulate. Suspension options included an independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and Air Ride adaptive suspension for select trims.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with full-time four-wheel drive optional on base trims and standard on higher trims. The QX80's 4WD system lost low-range gearing, focusing on Auto and 4H modes. The V6 provided immediate power delivery, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The body-on-frame platform offered increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness, maintaining an 8,500-pound towing capacity. The suspension included front and rear double-wishbone setups, with air springs and adaptive dampers available on higher trims, allowing for adjustable ground clearance and improved handling.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe was designed for those needing to carry many passengers and tow heavy loads. With the 5.3-liter V8, RWD, and Max Trailering package, it could tow up to 8,400 pounds, while the 6.2-liter V8 and diesel maxed out at 8,200 pounds. The Tahoe featured a 24-gallon fuel tank, allowing the diesel variant to cover nearly 650 miles on the highway. Cargo volume was impressive, with 122.9 cubic feet available with all seats folded, though only 25.5 cubic feet remained with all seats in use. The Tahoe offered a 24-inch wheel option, requiring Magnetic Ride Control for improved ride quality, though it added significant cost.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 offered ample interior space, measuring 211.2 inches long on a 121-inch wheelbase, accommodating up to seven passengers. Standard features included synthetic leather, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and front-seat heating. Higher trims added leather upholstery, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered power adjustments and ventilation, with massaging seats available on top trims. The third-row bench provided good space for adults or children, with power-folding seats standard. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet behind the second, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen, an 11-inch driver information screen, and an optional 15-inch head-up display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Google Built-in offering seamless integration of Google apps. The user experience had some drawbacks, with a cluttered steering wheel and a challenging driver information display. Familiar physical controls remained for key functions, though the premium Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to rivals.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a pair of 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment, with Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 5G connection provided a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services. The infotainment screen was user-friendly, though the lower screen's controls were less intuitive. The QX80 excelled with features like a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, three-zone automatic climate control, and a biometric cooling system. Additional tech included a head-up display, dashcam, in-car camera, and a surround-view camera system with advanced views.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA for the 2025 model year, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars in overall crash safety. The IIHS rated the 2024 Tahoe as Acceptable in the small overlap front test and Poor in the moderate overlap front updated test. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a teen driver monitoring system. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving tech was expected to be available in 2025.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist 2.1 offered hands-free driving on certain highways, though it required driver attention. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of publication.