Compare the2026 Subaru AscentVS 2026 Infiniti QX80

The Ascent has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The QX80 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Ascent achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Infiniti QX80 has not been tested.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Ascent. But it costs extra on the QX80.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Ascent’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The QX80 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Subaru Ascent’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Infiniti QX80 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Ascent uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The QX80 uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Ascent and the QX80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The Subaru Ascent has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The QX80 is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

There are over 3 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Ascent’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ascent’s reliability 11 points higher than the QX80.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Ascent second among upper midsize suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The QX80 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 55 more problems per 100 vehicles, Infiniti is rated below average.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Ascent lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The QX80 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Ascent gets better mileage than the QX80:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Ascent uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The QX80 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Ascent has a standard locking fuel door, which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the QX80. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The Ascent has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The QX80 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Ascent stops much shorter than the QX80:

The Ascent Touring handles at .80 G’s, while the QX80 Autograph pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Ascent Touring executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the QX80 Autograph (27.2 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Ascent’s turning circle is 3.6 feet tighter than the QX80’s (38 feet vs. 41.6 feet).

The Subaru Ascent may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1400 to 1600 pounds less than the Infiniti QX80.

The Ascent is 1 foot, 2.4 inches shorter than the QX80, making the Ascent easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Ascent is 7.3 inches narrower than the QX80, making the Ascent easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

Unibody construction lowers the Ascent’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The QX80 doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Ascent Limited is quieter than the QX80 Autograph (70 vs. 77 dB).

The Ascent has 2.1 inches more front headroom and 2.2 inches more rear headroom than the QX80.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Infiniti. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 15% lower rating, Infiniti is ranked 7th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Ascent’s exterior PIN entry system. The QX80 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Ascent has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The QX80 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Ascent to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The QX80 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Ascent retains 50.27% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 35% resale value of the 2026 Infiniti QX80 after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $33702 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Ascent, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Ascent outsold the Infiniti QX80 by over three to one during 2025.