2026 INFINITI QX80 vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its design was characterized by a tall, upright stance with high shoulder lines and a simple two-box profile. The vehicle featured large 20- or 22-inch wheels and a distinctive front end with a bold, black two-part grille inspired by a bamboo forest. LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights added to its striking appearance. At the rear, a taillight light bar spanned the width, echoing the piano key design, and sat above wide Infiniti lettering. The interior was modern and luxurious, with high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The Sport models offered a Dusk Blue interior theme with a darkened color palette, enhancing the vehicle's upscale feel.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold reinterpretation of its design, which could polarize opinions. Its grille, with a flat, faceless look, spanned the entire front end, dividing opinions. The vehicle's personality changed significantly with different colors and trim levels, with body-colored vertical strakes at each edge. In lighter colors, these strakes appeared jarring, while in darker shades, they blended harmoniously. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile displayed unique faceted and angular fender sculpting, while the rear view adopted a different style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, reminiscent of Volvo's interiors.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-liter V8 engine to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, delivering 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and full-time four-wheel drive optional on base trims and standard on higher trims. The 4WD system lost low-range gearing, focusing on Auto and 4H modes. The twin-turbo V6 provided immediate power delivery, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The body-on-frame platform boasted increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness, maintaining a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The suspension system included front and rear double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, air springs, and adaptive dampers on higher trims. Despite its size and mass, the QX80 offered a comfortable ride, though it exhibited notable body lean and was challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid variant added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid provided ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The vehicle delivered a luxuriously smooth ride, with the X-Pro Prestige trim offering comfort despite its lifted off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride excelled in comfort and control on winding roads, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring adjustment, but brake response was immediate during panic stops.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a spacious SUV, measuring 211.2 inches long on a 121-inch wheelbase, accommodating up to seven passengers. The interior featured synthetic leather as standard, with eight-way power-adjustable seats and front-seat heating. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs had power adjustments and ventilation on top trims, with massaging seats in the Autograph trim. The third-row bench was larger than most, providing good room for adults or children. Cargo space was generous, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. Power-folding third-row seats were standard, though controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The Hybrid SX Prestige featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench in non-Hybrid trims. Cargo capacity was 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.7 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded, and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks flat. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a pair of 14.3-inch screens, including a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system featured Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and 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 for climate controls and other settings was less intuitive. The QX80 offered a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system on higher trims. Additional tech features included a head-up display, dashcam, in-car camera, and a surround-view camera system with multiple views.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The system was generally easy to use, though it required a firm tap and had occasional delays. The Telluride offered customizable themes for the infotainment screen and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system on higher trims. Supporting trims featured an eight-speaker system.

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, active blind-spot monitors, rear automatic braking, and more. ProPilot Assist 2.1 was optional, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had occasional operational issues, and the blind-spot cameras were considered distracting. The highway driving assist was effective on longer trips. Crash test scores from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time of writing.