2025 Nissan Armada vs. 2025 Infiniti QX80

If you’re shopping for a full-size SUV for driving in St. Louis, Missouri, you may find yourself torn between the 2025 Nissan Armada and the 2025 INFINITI QX80. These siblings from the same parent company take different approaches to luxury. The Armada offers practical utility with accessible luxury, while the QX80 prioritizes upscale comfort. Read as we compare these two vehicles in detail to help you determine which meets your needs and preferences.

Overview of Both Vehicles

The 2025 Armada and QX80 both see major makeovers. Nissan’s completely redesigned third-generation Armada adds two new trims to the lineup. The QX80 has its first total overhaul since 2011, making it more luxurious than ever. Although their styles are markedly different, these SUVs share the same sturdy platform and can accommodate up to eight people, depending on the seat configuration.

If you want a family vehicle that offers durability and practicality but still has some luxury touches, the Armada may be the perfect match. The INFINITI QX80 is ideal if you want to enjoy all the luxurious amenities a vehicle can offer while traveling around St. Louis. Both SUVs provide ample space and capability, along with numerous comfort features.

Performance and Engine Options

The Armada and QX80 ditch their V-8s for twin-turbo V-6 engines in 2025, but they feature different tuning. The Armada’s 3.5-liter engine produces 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The QX80’s version makes 450 hp with identical torque. Real-world testing reveals what this power gap means: the Armada PRO-4X accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at a speed of 98 mph. The QX80 takes 6.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph and 14.5 seconds for the quarter mile at the same speed.

The QX80 gets 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway but requires premium fuel to perform at its best, while the Armada achieves the same fuel economy on regular fuel. That can make a significant difference in the long-term cost of ownership. Both SUVs can tow up to 8,500 pounds and feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, making them equally capable of pulling trailers or boats.

Interior and Features

While both models feature leather seats, the QX80 comes with high-quality semi-aniline leather, unlike the Armada’s standard material. Space-wise, the QX80’s second row gives you 39.2 inches of legroom and 37.8 inches of headroom. The Armada offers the same second-row legroom but increases the second-row headroom to 40 inches. The third rows of both SUVs have the same 36.2 inches of headroom.

The QX80 edges ahead in cargo space, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, increasing to 59 cubic feet with the seats folded and 101 cubic feet with all the seats down. The Armada gives you 20.4, 56.3, and 97.1 cubic feet, respectively. The QX80’s second-row seats surpass the Armada’s with power adjustments, and many trims also offer cooling, heating, and massage functions. The QX80 offers heating for the third-row seats, a perk the Armada doesn’t have.

Technology and Safety

Technology-wise, the Nissan Armada features two 12.3-inch touch screens on its base trims, with higher trim levels offering a 14.3-inch setup. In contrast, the INFINITI QX80 comes standard with 14.3-inch dual screens, featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and crisp graphics. The QX80 features a 9-inch display for climate control, whereas the Armada relies on traditional buttons for temperature and fan settings. Audio quality significantly improves in the QX80 with its 24-speaker Klipsch stereo on upper trims compared to the Armada’s 12-speaker setup.

Safety scores put both vehicles at the top of their class. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2025 QX80 and Armada Top Safety Pick+ awards. Both SUVs offer impressive safety technology, with driver-assistance features, camera systems, and ProPILOT capabilities.

Pricing and Value for Money

Pricing reveals a significant gap. The Armada has a starting MSRP of $57,520 at the low end, up to $76,990 for the top trim. The QX80 starts at $82,450 and climbs to $110,595. The Armada offers a range of luxury features, but the QX80’s higher cost gets you brand status and premium materials.

Comfort and Ride Quality

Both SUVs feature comfort upgrades for 2025, including standard air suspension that absorbs bumps more effectively than most truck-based SUVs. They also offer quiet cabins for a relaxing drive around St. Louis. Braking performance is comparable: the Armada stops from 70 to 0 mph in 175 feet, and the QX80 needs 189 feet.

The Armada comes ready for work with a standard tow hitch, prewired trailer hookups, sway control, and a trailer brake controller. You also get up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance. For more capability, the PRO-4X trim includes standard four-wheel drive. The QX80 focuses on smooth, quiet, luxury cruising, while the Armada balances comfort with practical features that active families need.

Warranty and Ownership Costs

INFINITI comes with better warranty coverage. You’ll get a four-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and three years of complimentary maintenance. Nissan offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and up to three oil changes within two years or 24,000 miles with its Nissan Maintenance Care program.

Resale value strongly favors the Armada. After five years and an average of 13,500 miles per year, an Armada will depreciate 62%, while an INFINITI QX80 will depreciate 69% after the same. Add in the Armada’s regular fuel usage versus the QX80’s premium gas requirements, and the cost gap widens further. Even with similar maintenance needs due to shared parts, the Armada costs less to own over time.

Which SUV Matches Your Lifestyle?

If you’re looking for a practical family vehicle with luxury touches, impressive fuel economy, strong resale value, and more second-row headroom, the Armada is an ideal choice. The QX80 may justify its higher price and premium fuel costs if you want to enjoy top-tier luxury, deluxe materials, amazing sound systems, and executive seating. To compare these SUVs in person, contact us today or visit our team at AutoCenters Nissan in St. Louis. We can schedule a test-drive and help arrange financing that fits your needs and budget.