QX80 vs Range Rover
Both the QX80 and the Range Rover sit in the full-size luxury suv class, and Infiniti and Land Rover are clearly watching each other. The QX80 has the edge in 2 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance QX80 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Range Rover wins
- Space & Practicality QX80 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.4
- Off-road & Towing8.9
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing7.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Range Rover has better fuel economy
The QX80 gives up a lot on fuel economy (combined): 18 mpg, compared with 21 mpg on the Range Rover. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The QX80 has room for 8 seats
Few buyers will miss this one. The QX80 brings 8 seats to the table; the Range Rover brings 5 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The QX80 has 110 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the QX80 wins comfortably with 516 lb-ft against 406 lb-ft. The QX80’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The QX80 has 55 hp more power
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 450 hp for the QX80, 395 hp for the Range Rover. The QX80’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Range Rover has better highway fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (24 mpg for the Range Rover, 20 mpg for the QX80) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
QX80 leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the QX80. The QX80 wins here with 110 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. In short, the QX80 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
QX80: 516 lb-ft Range Rover: 406 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
QX80: 450 hp Range Rover: 395 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Range Rover leads
This is one of the Range Rover’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the QX80 falls well short. In its favor, the Range Rover has better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the Range Rover.
Fuel economy (combined)
QX80: 18 mpg Range Rover: 21 mpg The Range Rover uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
QX80: 20 mpg Range Rover: 24 mpg The Range Rover uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
QX80 leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the QX80. The QX80 stands out with room for 8 seats. The QX80 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Bottom line for space & practicality: the QX80 has the edge.
Seats
QX80: 8 seats Range Rover: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The QX80 and the Range Rover match each other closely in this area. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the QX80 and the Range Rover part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 450 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 395 hp |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 406 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD (4WD) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 18 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg | 19 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 22 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 101 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,500 lb | 8,200 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 60,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | QX80 | Range Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QX80 if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 5 seats)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (516 lb-ft vs 406 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (450 hp vs 395 hp)
Choose the Range Rover if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 18 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (24 mpg vs 20 mpg on the highway)
- you mostly drive in town (19 mpg vs 16 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the QX80 or the Range Rover?
For most people, the QX80 is the stronger choice, unless you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The QX80 and the Range Rover are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. To me, the standout is that the QX80 offers room for 8 seats. Then there’s 110 lb-ft more torque, another point for the QX80. I don’t want to sell the Range Rover short, though: it has better fuel economy.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the QX80. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the Range Rover.
My pick: the QX80 gets my vote, but the Range Rover is the right call if your top priority is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.