A Full-size Luxury SUV That Offers Better Value For Money Than The Lexus LX

Toyota's reputation for reliability is near-spotless and by extension, the same goes for its luxury arm, Lexus. While this helps Toyota and Lexus cars retain value in the long run, it also allows the company to command premium over some of its competitors. This gives some of Lexus’ rivals more of a fighting chance. This includes Infiniti, which doesn't have nearly the same presence as Lexus, but also offers a full-size luxury SUV, in the form of the QX80, at a significantly lower starting price. 

While Toyota and Lexus products are the obvious choice, I think it's important to shed light on other alternatives and compare, and the Infiniti QX80 certainly has a few pleasant surprises. 

Some interesting figures 

Luxury SUVs are a particularly profitable segment. According to ISeeCars, 19.2 percent of US car sales are luxury vehicles. Of those, 62 percent go to luxury SUVs (according to 2021 data), According to Global Market Insights, the 2022 luxury SUV market was valued at $4.1 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 percent between 2023 and 2032. In layman's terms, luxury SUVs are becoming ever-more popular. 

What's the Infiniti QX80's biggest advantage over the Lexus LX? 

Let's jump right into it. Infiniti QX80 is more affordable while offering similar tech to the Lexus LX.  

Here's how the 2024 Lexus LX trims look and how they are priced: 

1. Lexus LX600 (base): $93,913 

2. Lexus LX600 Premium: $101,865 

3. Lexus LX600 F-Sport: $108,125 

4. Lexus LX600 Luxury: $109,865 

5. Lexus LX600 Ultra Luxury: $134,490 

2024 Infiniti QX80 trims and pricing: 

1. Infiniti QX80 Luxe: $76,145 

2. Infiniti QX80 Premium Select: $80,295 

3. Infiniti QX80 Sensory: $87,830 

Infiniti QX80 vs Lexus LX utility 

While the Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX are some of the best three-row luxury SUVs, they lie on completely different foundations. The J300 Lexus LX features a body-on-frame chassis, which makes it better for towing and going offroad while the Infiniti QX80's unibody chassis makes it better-suited for the road. However, the Infiniti QX80 has a trick up its sleeve. Here's how the two SUVs compare: 

1. Towing capacity. Infiniti QX80 has a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds versus Lexus LX's 8,000 pounds 

2. Three-row seating. Both SUVs offer third-row seating. However, while the Lexus LX offers seating for eight occupants, the Infiniti QX80 can take only seat seven. 

3. Cargo capacity. Infiniti QX80 offers 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down.  

The Lexus LX offers 11 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 44 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 64 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down. Without the optional third-row seats, cargo space is 46 and 71 cubic feet respectively. 

4. Offroad credentials. The Infiniti QX80's ground clearance is 246-254 mm while the Lexus LX has 205 mm. Approach and departure angles for the Lexus LX are 21-25 degrees and 21-23 degrees respectively, while the QX80's approach and departure angles are 16.5-24.2 degrees and 22-24.5 degrees respectively. Breakover angles are 20 degrees for the Lexus LX and up to 23.6 degrees for the QX80. 

How do Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX compare in terms of drivetrains? 

Unlike the Lexus LX, Infiniti's luxury SUV hasn't given up on V-8 power. The VK56VD engine is a naturally aspirated, DOHC unit with direct injection. Its 5.6 liters of displacement are good for 400 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 413 pound-feet at 4,000 RPM.  

For the current generation, the Lexus LX went down the downsizing route. It relies on a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 good for 415 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 479 pound-feet at 2,000-3,600 RPM.  

In some markets, the Lexus LX is available with a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V-6 diesel, putting out 309 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 516 pound-feet at 1,600-2,600 RPM. 

Lexus LX vs Infiniti QX80 fuel economy 

Needless to say, fuel economy isn't the strong suit of either of these luxury fortresses on wheels. Still, the Lexus LX’s twin-turbo V-6 petrol engine is easier on the wallet with 19 MPG combined (EPA). This translates to 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway.  

The sound of a V-8 engine usually comes at a price and the Infiniti QX80 is no exception. It returns 15 MPG combined (EPA), with 13 MPG in the city and 19 on the highway. Going for the rear-wheel-drive-only version only gets you 1 MPG more, so I wouldn't recommend it. 

How do Lexus LX and Infiniti QX80 compare in terms of reliability? 

The Lexus LX is, essentially, a more luxurious J300 Land Cruiser, or at least it used to be. With the new Land Cruiser J250 sharing the smaller platform of the Lexus GX, the LX has become its model entirely. In true tradition, the reliability score is high. The Lexus LX consistently scores 83 out of 100 with J.D. Power and 5/ 5 according to Cars.com.  

Lexus LX common problems and recalls. The current-generation Lexus LX has only one safety recall concerning the transmission, which allows the car to creep forward. However, very few cars were affected by this issue. 

The Infiniti QX80's reliability score, according to RepairPal.com is 3.5/ 5, which is above average, but not as good as the Lexus LX. 

The Infiniti QX80 is a bit of an unknown. There isn't enough data on reliability, but according to one of the few consumer reviews I found on Cars.com, the cooling fan clutch is a weak spot. The VK56 engine is generally reliable and has a long life if maintained properly, but there are a few weak spots.

Those include the timing chain, which has a notoriously low lifespan, defective high-pressure fuel pumps, and catalytic converters that may fall apart, causing the engine to suck debris in. The AC condenser is also prone to failure, and it is also recommended you keep an eye on the cooling system. The VK56 engine is also sensitive to low-quality fuel.

Also see Torque News editor Armen Hareyan's 2022 Infiniti QX80 review here. 

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.