Infiniti
QX80
Owner report available
Jeep
Grand Cherokee
Owner report available
Infiniti QX80 vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
The short answer
Based on available data, the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes out ahead of the Infiniti QX80 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
QX80
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and purchase context. For the long-running generation produced from approximately 2014 through 2024, the consensus among owners is that it is a fundamentally solid, comfortable, and powerful full-size SUV that suffers from significant drawbacks in fuel economy, technology, and certain costly reliability issues. The 5.6L V8 engine (VK56VD) is very frequently praised for its power, smoothness, and general reliability.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or model year. Feedback indicates the pre-2020 models with the dual-screen infotainment are particularly disliked, while the 2022-2024 models with the updated single free-standing touchscreen are seen as an improvement.
Known issues
- Catalytic converter failure: Very expensive failure occurring frequently just outside of warranty, with repair costs cited from $1,700 to $2,600. Mentioned as a widespread issue across model years. Frequency: very frequent.
- Extremely poor fuel economy: Real-world consumption reported as low as 11-12 MPG in mixed driving. Considered a defining characteristic of the V8 model. Frequency: very frequent.
- Dated/Unreliable Infotainment System: Systems described as ancient, laggy, prone to freezing, and featuring a confusing dual-screen setup (pre-2020). Newer 2025 models also reported with infotainment glitches like screens turning off.
Grand Cherokee
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. Long-term owner reports for the WK2 generation (approximately 2011-2021) indicate a pattern of initial satisfaction followed by significant reliability concerns, particularly after surpassing 100,000-120,000 miles. Owners of earlier models (e.g., 2005 with the 4.7L V8) express concerns about durability and high maintenance costs.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Isolated positive reports exist for the V8-powered models (e.g., Summit Reserve) for their power and towing capability, and for the Overland trim of the WK2 generation for its luxury features.
Known issues
- Poor long-term reliability / high repair frequency: Vehicles reported to be trouble-free for the first 100,000-120,000 miles, then experiencing frequent, costly failures (e.g., engines, transmissions, electrical systems) leading to breakdo…
- Electrical system problems: Parasitic battery drains, faulty sensors, infotainment glitches, and module failures affecting various functions. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine failures: Specific reports of blown head gaskets on certain models (mentioned as common around 60,000 miles by a former technician), coolant leaks requiring full engine replacement, and camshaft issues. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Infiniti QX80, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Infiniti QX80 is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Infiniti QX80 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Infiniti QX80 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti QX80 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Infiniti QX80 seats more passengers than the Jeep Grand Cherokee on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Infiniti QX80 is classed as a SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti QX80 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The EPA rates the 2027 Infiniti QX80 at 17–18 mpg combined and the 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 21–23 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Infiniti QX80 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Jeep Grand Cherokee than the Infiniti QX80. See the known issues comparison above.