Compare | St. Peters, MO
Two big three row SUVs with twin turbo V6 engines and very different ideas about what luxury should feel like. This is how they line up for families and towing around here.
Both of these SUVs got serious redesigns recently, and both dropped the V8 for a twin turbo V6. So the old shorthand about engines doesn't help much anymore. The Lincoln Navigator and the Infiniti QX80 now split on cabin design, cargo layout, size options and the driver assist systems that do the work on a long highway run.
We sell the Lincoln Navigator, so we have a side in this. We've tried to be fair to the Infiniti QX80 anyway, because it's a good SUV and some shoppers are going to like it more. What follows covers how each one drives, where each one makes the most sense for a St. Charles County household, and the questions to bring on a test drive.
Quick answer: Choose the Lincoln Navigator if you want the ultrawide 48 inch panoramic display, the two piece Split Gate, and the option of the longer Lincoln Navigator L for more cargo behind the third row. Choose the Infiniti QX80 if you like features such as biometric cooling for second row passengers, Invisible Hood View for tight parking and Klipsch audio. Both offer three rows and hands free highway driving on select trims.
Engines
Twin turbo V6 in both
Lincoln only
Lincoln Navigator L, Split Gate
Infiniti QX80 only
Biometric cooling
How Do the Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX80 Compare?
On paper they look closer than they used to. The Lincoln Navigator runs a twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 with a 10 speed automatic. The Infiniti QX80 switched to its own twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 when it was redesigned for 2025, paired with a nine speed automatic. Both have three rows and both are built to tow.
Where they part ways is the feel inside. The Lincoln Navigator leans into a wide, open cabin with one screen that runs across the dash. The Infiniti QX80 uses two 14.3 inch touchscreens plus a separate 9 inch screen for climate, seats and drive modes. Neither layout is wrong. Sit in both and you'll know quickly which one you'd rather live with.
We keep a side by side on our 2026 Lincoln Navigator comparison page if you want to see how the Lincoln Navigator lines up against the Infiniti QX80 and two other full size rivals.

Which One Has the Nicer Cabin and Technology?
The Lincoln Navigator's centerpiece is its 48 inch panoramic display across the dash, with Lincoln Digital Experience built on Google. Available Lincoln Rejuvenate pairs seat massage, heating and ventilation with lighting, sound and scent while you're parked. Black Label themes like Atmospheric add quilted seat inserts and their own materials.
The Infiniti QX80 has a few clever ideas of its own. Biometric cooling detects when a second row passenger is warm and cools them automatically, which is a real perk on a humid July afternoon in the 90s. Klipsch audio comes in 14 or 24 speaker versions, and an available air suspension can adjust ride height.
The Lincoln Navigator fits you if
- You want one wide display instead of separate screens
- You need more cargo room behind the third row and would consider the Lincoln Navigator L
- You like the idea of a split tailgate you can sit on at a game
- You want BlueCruise hands free highway driving and plan to keep a plan active
The Infiniti QX80 fits you if
- You want biometric cooling for kids in the second row
- You park in tight garages and like the Invisible Hood View camera
- You prefer a dedicated control screen for climate and seats
- You want seating for eight with a second row bench
Shop the Lincoln NavigatorValue Your Trade
Which Is Better for Cargo, Car Seats and the Third Row?
Size choice is the clearest difference. The Lincoln Navigator comes in a standard length and the longer Lincoln Navigator L, which adds room behind the third row. If you haul hockey bags, a stroller and groceries in the same trip, that extra length matters. The Lincoln Navigator's third row splits 40/20/40, so you can fold one side for long items and still seat a passenger.
The Lincoln Split Gate is the other piece. It opens in two parts, and the lower half can serve as a seat, which is handy at a Saturday soccer game or a summer evening at Frontier Park. The Infiniti QX80 offers up to eight seats with a second row bench, and captain's chairs are available. Bring the car seats you use every day and try them in both before you decide.
Sit in both and you'll know quickly which one you'd rather live with.
Which Is Better for Highway Trips and Towing?
Both handle a weekend run to Lake of the Ozarks. Lincoln BlueCruise offers hands free driving on qualifying divided highways with an active plan or trial. The Infiniti QX80's ProPILOT Assist 2.1 also allows hands off driving in certain highway conditions and is offered on select trims. Both systems need you watching the road.
For towing, both are rated for real loads when properly equipped. Ask our team for the exact Lincoln Navigator rating on the vehicle you're looking at, since drivetrain and packages change it. For 2027, rear wheel drive is standard on the Lincoln Navigator with four wheel drive available, and Ford Authority reports the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package comes only with four wheel drive.
St. Peters driver tip
Test drive both on the same loop: Mid Rivers Mall Drive to I-70, west to the Highway 79 exit, then back toward the store on Mexico Road. You'll get stop and go, a highway merge and a slower surface road in about half an hour, which tells you more than a lap around the block.

How Should a St. Charles County Family Choose Between Them?
Start with how you use the back of the vehicle. If the third row and cargo area get full most weekends, the Lincoln Navigator L is hard to match. If your third row mostly stays folded and you care more about clever comfort features up front, the Infiniti QX80 deserves a long look.
Then think about where you'll get it serviced. The Lincoln Navigator from our store can come with complimentary Pickup and Delivery while it's inside the new vehicle limited warranty, which saves a trip to the store on service days.
Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles
A qualifying Lincoln Navigator bought from our store can include Warranty Forever, which covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own it, with no deductible. The coverage stays with you, not the vehicle, so it doesn't transfer to the next owner.
Learn About Warranty ForeverQuestions Shoppers Ask About Engines and Driving
Does the Infiniti QX80 still have a V8?
No. Infiniti replaced the V8 with a twin turbo 3.5 liter V6 when the Infiniti QX80 was redesigned for 2025.
Does the Lincoln Navigator come with four wheel drive?
Yes. For 2027, rear wheel drive is standard and four wheel drive is available on every trim. Many St. Charles County buyers choose four wheel drive for winter roads.
Which one is quieter on the highway?
Both are built for quiet cruising. Drive them back to back on I-70 at the same speed and listen for yourself, since road surface makes a big difference.
Questions Shoppers Ask About Hands Free Driving
Is BlueCruise the same as ProPILOT Assist 2.1?
They do similar jobs. Each allows hands free or hands off driving in certain highway conditions, and each has its own rules for where it works. Neither replaces an attentive driver.
Does BlueCruise need a subscription?
BlueCruise needs an active plan or trial. Ask us what's included on the Lincoln Navigator you're looking at.
Is ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on every Infiniti QX80?
No. Infiniti offers it on select trims, so check the specific vehicle's equipment list.
Questions Shoppers Ask About Space and Seating
What is the Lincoln Navigator L?
It's the longer version of the Lincoln Navigator, with more cargo room behind the third row.
Can the Infiniti QX80 seat eight?
Yes, with a second row bench. Captain's chairs are available and reduce seating to seven.
What is the Lincoln Split Gate?
It's a rear gate that opens in two parts. The lower section can be used as a seat, a lot like a pickup tailgate.
Questions Shoppers Ask About Features
What is biometric cooling on the Infiniti QX80?
It detects when a second row passenger is too warm and directs cool air to them automatically.
What is Lincoln Rejuvenate?
It's an available Lincoln Navigator feature that combines seat massage, heating and ventilation with lighting, audio, scent and imagery. It only works while the vehicle is in Park.
Do both have premium audio?
Yes. The Lincoln Navigator offers a 28 speaker Revel Ultima 3D system, and the Infiniti QX80 offers Klipsch audio with 14 or 24 speakers.
Questions Shoppers Ask About Buying in St. Peters
Can I test drive a Lincoln Navigator at Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters?
Yes. Call 636-441-4400 to set a time so the vehicle you want is ready when you arrive.
Can I line up financing before I come see a Lincoln Navigator?
Yes. Our Get Pre Approved page lets you start online.
Where is the store?
We're at 4760 North Service Road in St. Peters, along I-70.
Browse Our New Lincoln Inventory
See every Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Navigator L in stock.
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