Are you looking for the best full-size luxury SUV for your family? We compare the INFINITI QX80 and the Lincoln Navigator, so you can make the best choice.
If you’re shopping for a full-size luxury SUV, chances are you want strength, style, and space that make life easier and more enjoyable. Two models that deserve a spot at the top of your list are the 2026 INFINITI QX80 and the 2026 Lincoln Navigator. Both are bold, both are luxurious, and both promise to carry you, your family, and even your weekend toys in comfort. But which one fits you best? Read on to find out.
Step on the gas in the QX80, and you’ll feel its new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 come to life with 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smoother acceleration and steady towing. A newly stiffened chassis adds 57% more lateral rigidity, giving you confidence whether you’re merging onto the highway or pulling up to 8,500 pounds of gear.
The Navigator continues with its proven 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired to a smooth 10-speed automatic. If properly equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package, it edges ahead with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.
On paper, the numbers are close when comparing the Lincoln Navigator vs INFINITI QX80. On the road, both SUVs provide strength that feels almost effortless. Where the Navigator leans into its raw hauling strength, the QX80 feels tuned for refined control under pressure.
Open the door to the QX80, and the attention to detail is immediate. Ambient lighting with 64 color choices sets the tone, while hand-selected leathers, open-pore ash wood trim, and an artfully sculpted dash invite you in. Even small elements, like flush door handles and a grille pattern inspired by the raw, organic beauty of a bamboo forest, reflect INFINITI’s design philosophy of calm craftsmanship.
The Navigator favors indulgent versatility. Its second-row “Power Pitch and Slide” seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while Black Label trims add rich leather and real wood details. Lincoln’s design philosophy prioritizes plushness and the ability to personalize the space to your liking.
Both cabins impress, but they tell different stories: the QX80 feels like a curated sanctuary, while the Navigator is a flexible retreat tailored to every passenger.
Full-size SUVs are often judged by how well they treat those in the back rows. In the QX80, every row is designed for real comfort. With standard power-folding third-row seats, power-sliding second-row seats, and generous space across all three rows, it comfortably seats up to eight passengers. Its design ensures families and groups never feel like they’re drawing the “short straw” when riding in the rear.
The Navigator’s third row offers more legroom than its second row—making it one of the most adult-friendly setups in the class. Pair it with the extended-length L model, which will run you extra, and you’ll find up to 122 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded. That’s enough for large trips, business gear, or family adventures without compromise.
In the QX80, technology is seamlessly woven into the luxury. Dual 14.3-inch touchscreens handle navigation and infotainment. A 9-inch climate screen gives you fingertip control. The INFINITI InTouch™ system with built-in Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ keeps you connected. And if you love great sound, the available 24-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premier Audio system transforms road trips into concerts. Features like biometric climate control and even an in-car camera illustrate INFINITI’s thoughtful, innovative integration.
The Navigator’s expansive 48-inch panoramic display spans the dashboard, paired with an 11.1-inch touchscreen and 5.6-inch rear display. Add in BlueCruise hands-free driving and Revel® Ultima 3D audio, and the Navigator leans into a bold, tech-first statement.
Here’s where a practical difference emerges. The QX80 starts at around $83,750 for its Pure 2WD trim, placing it squarely in the mid-$80,000s.
The Navigator, by contrast, starts at just over $94,000 in its base-level Premiere trim, with Black Label L models climbing to roughly $121,000.
While both are positioned as luxury flagships, the QX80 appeals to buyers seeking value without giving up prestige, while the Navigator leans toward exclusivity.
| INFINITI QX80 vs. Lincoln Navigator at a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | 2026 INFINITI QX80 | 2026 Lincoln Navigator |
| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Horsepower / Torque | 450 hp / 516 lb-ft | 440 hp / 510 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 8,500 lbs | Up to 8,700 lbs (with Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package) |
| Interior Design | Hand-selected leathers, open-pore ash wood, 64-color ambient lighting, bamboo-inspired grille | Plush leather, real wood accents, massage & ventilated 2nd-row seats, Black Label luxury themes |
| Passenger Seating | Up to 8 passengers; power-sliding 2nd row; power-folding 3rd row | Up to 8 passengers; adult-friendly 3rd row; optional extended-length (L) model |
| Cargo Capacity | Spacious cargo with fold-flat versatility | Up to 122 cu. ft. (L model with rear seats folded) |
| Infotainment & Screens | Dual 14.3″ touchscreens, 9″ climate screen, INFINITI InTouch™ with Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ | 48″ panoramic display, 11.1″ touchscreen, 5.6″ rear display, BlueCruise hands-free driving |
| Audio | Available 24-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premier Audio | Revel® Ultima 3D Audio |
| Starting MSRP | Around $83,750 (Pure 2WD trim) | Just over $94,000 (Premiere trim); up to ~$121,000 (Black Label L) |
| Best For | Drivers seeking timeless craftsmanship, advanced tech integration, and strong value | Buyers prioritizing max third-row comfort, expansive cargo, and bold, tech-forward luxury |
When considering the QX80 vs Lincoln Navigator, both deliver commanding power, generous space, and modern technology. The Navigator distinguishes itself with expansive third-row comfort, cargo versatility, and cutting-edge displays. The QX80 shines with its handcrafted artistry, seamless tech integration, and a price point that delivers lasting value.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personality and budget: Do you want refined elegance that feels timeless at a lower price point or customizable indulgence with a modern, tech-forward twist and a higher price tag?
If you’re exploring large luxury SUVs, the INFINITI QX80 delivers commanding performance and thoughtful craftsmanship that elevate every mile—no matter which year you choose. Visit Ed Hicks INFINITI in Corpus Christi to experience how the QX80 compares to other top-tier models like the Navigator. Let our team help you discover the full-size SUV that fits your life with comfort, prestige, and purpose.
