QX80 vs GLS
Rivals in the full-size luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the QX80 and the GLS are no exception. Scoring each area separately, the QX80 comes out on top 3 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance QX80 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLS wins
- Space & Practicality QX80 wins
- Off-road & Towing QX80 wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.4
- Off-road & Towing8.9
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing4.4
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
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The QX80 has 75 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the QX80 wins comfortably with 450 hp against 375 hp. The QX80’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The GLS has better fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (21 mpg for the GLS, 18 mpg for the QX80) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The GLS uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The QX80 has 147 lb-ft more torque
The spread here is large: 516 lb-ft on the QX80 versus 369 lb-ft on the GLS. Expect to notice it. The QX80’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The QX80 has room for 8 seats
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the QX80 leads 8 seats to 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The GLS has better highway fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the GLS makes its strongest case: 24 mpg against 20 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | QX80 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 75 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the QX80 is where you should land.
Total system output
QX80: 450 hp GLS: 375 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
QX80: 516 lb-ft GLS: 369 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLS leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The GLS leads where it counts. The GLS delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the GLS.
Fuel economy (combined)
QX80: 18 mpg GLS: 21 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
QX80: 20 mpg GLS: 24 mpg The GLS uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
QX80 leads
On space & practicality, the QX80 comes out slightly ahead. The QX80 brings room for 8 seats. The QX80 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. If this section decides it for you, choose the QX80.
Seats
QX80: 8 seats GLS: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
QX80 leads
A modest lead on off-road & towing belongs to the QX80. On the QX80, you get 800 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the QX80.
Max towing
QX80: 8,500 lb GLS: 7,700 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | QX80 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 375 hp |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 369 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | QX80 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 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 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,500 lb (winner) | 7,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | QX80 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 60,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | QX80 | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (450 hp vs 375 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (516 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want the higher towing capacity (8,500 lb vs 7,700 lb)
Choose the GLS if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 18 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (24 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- 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 GLS?
The QX80 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you specifically want better fuel economy, where the GLS has the edge.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the QX80 and the GLS. Here’s what matters most to me: the QX80 offers 75 hp more power. There’s more, too: the QX80 offers room for 8 seats. The GLS does have a strong card to play: 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 GLS.
My pick: the QX80. The GLS only comes out ahead if you know that better fuel economy would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.