QX80 vs Navigator
Infiniti brings the QX80; Lincoln answers with the Navigator. Both play in the full-size luxury suv class. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range QX80 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.4
- Off-road & Towing8.9
- Engine & Performance9.2
- Fuel Economy & Range1.3
- Off-road & Towing10.0
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 QX80 has better fuel economy
The Navigator comes close with 17 mpg; the QX80 does slightly better with 18 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Navigator has better highway fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 22 mpg for the Navigator, 20 mpg for the QX80. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The QX80 has better city fuel economy
On paper, the QX80 is a touch ahead here, listing 16 mpg against 15 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the QX80 starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to engine & performance. Either car will serve you equally well on engine & performance.
Fuel Economy & Range
QX80 leads
The Navigator is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the QX80 leads by a clear margin. Point to the QX80 for better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The Navigator scores with better highway fuel economy. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the QX80.
Fuel economy (combined)
QX80: 18 mpg Navigator: 17 mpg The QX80 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
QX80: 20 mpg Navigator: 22 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the QX80 and the Navigator part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 450 hp Most powerful in class | 440 hp |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft Most torque in class | 510 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | 4x4 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 18 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg (winner) | 15 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 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 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,500 lb | 8,700 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 60,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 211.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | QX80 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $99,995 |
“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 want better combined fuel economy (18 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (16 mpg vs 15 mpg)
- you prefer staying with Infiniti
Choose the Navigator if…
- you cover long highway distances (22 mpg vs 20 mpg on the highway)
- you already know your way around Lincoln’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the QX80 or the Navigator?
For most people, the QX80 is the stronger choice, unless you know that better highway fuel economy would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the QX80 and the Navigator. The QX80 wins me over with better fuel economy. The Navigator does have a strong card to play: better highway fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize fuel economy & range will be happier with the QX80, and those who prioritize fuel economy (highway) with the Navigator.
My pick: the QX80, though I’d happily point you to the Navigator if what you want most is better highway fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.