Infiniti
QX80
Owner report available
Tesla
Model Y
Owner report available
Infiniti QX80 vs Tesla Model Y
The short answer
Based on available data, the Tesla Model Y 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.
Model Y
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear evolution over time. Early community feedback from the 2020-2021 period highlighted significant excitement for the vehicle's technology, safety ratings, and practicality, including mentions of a power liftgate and 7-seat capability. However, this was immediately tempered by very frequent and severe criticism of poor initial build quality, including panel gaps and other defects on early delivery units.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Discussions indicate a clear hierarchy where higher "Premium" trims are perceived as offering significant improvements over the base "Standard" model.
Known issues
- Poor initial build quality: panel gaps, misalignments, and various defects on delivery, particularly noted on early production units (2020-2021). Frequency: very frequent.
- Uncomfortable ride quality: harsh, firm suspension criticized for providing a poor ride, often described as among the least comfortable in the segment. Frequency: very frequent.
- Excessive road and wind noise: noticeable at highway speeds, attributed to thin glass and insufficient sound deadening, especially on Standard trim with single-pane glass. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Tesla Model Y 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 Tesla Model Y?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Infiniti QX80 and the Tesla Model Y. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti QX80 or the Tesla Model Y?
The Infiniti QX80 seats more passengers than the Tesla Model Y on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Infiniti QX80 is classed as a SUV, the Tesla Model Y as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti QX80 or the Tesla Model Y?
The EPA rates the 2027 Infiniti QX80 at 17–18 mpg combined and the 2027 Tesla Model Y at 114 MPGe, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Infiniti QX80 or the Tesla Model Y?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti QX80 than the Tesla Model Y. See the known issues comparison above.