2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Land Rover Defender showcased a blend of classic and modern design elements. Its boxy profile and angular headlights connected it visually to other Land Rover models, while the interior emphasized durability and adventure-readiness, reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims like S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured a County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics, enhancing its nostalgic appeal. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, partial leather upholstery, and a panoramic glass roof, with options for premium leather and additional climate control features.

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 torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling updates were most notable at the front, with a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup. The rear maintained its shape but featured full-width LED taillights. Offered in Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autobiography trims, the QX80 included standard 20-inch wheels, with 22-inch wheels on higher trims. The interior boasted a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting, though shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. Leather upholstery varied by trim, with semi-aniline leather available on higher models.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, provided 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender could tow up to 7,716 pounds with the six- and eight-cylinder engines, while the four-cylinder version towed up to 5,500 pounds. The Carpathian Edition's V8 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Off-road capabilities were impressive, especially with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. The V6 produced 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 felt more energetic than its predecessor, though active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. Base models had steel-sprung suspension, while higher trims included air suspension with adaptive damping. The suspension could adjust ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80's handling was average for its size, with the air suspension unable to completely smooth out bumps.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row. Cargo capacity depended on the model, with the Defender 130 providing up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version, while the Defender 90 provided up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured practical hard plastic surfaces.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 increased cargo space by up to 28%, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. Reconfiguring the interior was easy with power-folding seats and a power liftgate. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats were available. The QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, which, while smaller than some competitors, was simple and utilitarian. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup was complemented by home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin included dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The infotainment system's graphics were similar to Nissan's, and the lower touchscreen required firm presses. All models had Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims featuring a 24-speaker version. A 360-degree camera system offered multiple viewing angles, including an Invisible Hood view.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The lane-keeping assist was overly sensitive but could be deactivated. Crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It offered ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance, with hands-free driving and automated lane changes on higher trims. Crash-test ratings were not available.