2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a commanding presence as Infiniti's flagship model. Its design, updated in 2018, featured a more refined front end with slim, slanted LED headlights and a curved rectangular grille, lending it an elegant appearance. The QX80's body, based on the Nissan Armada, was characterized by a boxy profile, but sensuous curves on the hood and front bumper added a touch of sophistication. The rear design, with LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, helped break up the vehicle's bulk. The Limited trim, introduced in 2019, offered a luxurious interior with two-tone leather, microsuede inserts, and light gray ash wood, although the doors were noted for being poorly insulated in cold conditions.

The 2020 Audi Q7 underwent design changes that enhanced its visual appeal, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, tested in the Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and new wheels, contributing to its modern look. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The Prestige trim's multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance, making the Q7 a visually appealing and comfortable luxury SUV.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 was a powerhouse in the large SUV segment, boasting an impressive 8,500-pound tow rating, surpassing many competitors. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, providing robust performance. The 7-speed automatic transmission offered quick shifts, and the QX80's steering was light yet stable. The vehicle featured a fully independent suspension with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, enhancing its on-road handling. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city, 19 highway, and 15 combined for the 4WD model.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 21 mpg during testing. The SUV's adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, enhancing its performance on different terrains. The Q7's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, and it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, making it a well-rounded performer.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered seven-passenger seating with standard second-row captain's chairs, providing comfort and luxury. The third-row seats were power-reclining and folding, and a second-row bench was available as an option. The QX80's cargo capacity was generous, with 95.1 cubic feet available with all seats flat. The interior featured ample storage space, but the climate control system lacked strength, taking time to warm up in cold conditions. Heated front and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel, were standard in the Limited trim.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third-row space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rows down, it reached 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with heated and ventilated front seats and a four-zone climate control system. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen occupying much of the available space. The panoramic sunroof added to the vehicle's appeal, providing a great view for passengers.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's technology was outdated, with a basic touchscreen and a monochrome display on the instrument panel. The navigation system was poorly rendered, and the vehicle lacked features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a head-up display. The 15-speaker Bose stereo was adequate, but the QX80's most notable tech feature was its rear-view mirror with a live camera-feed overlay. The rear entertainment system accepted USB and HDMI inputs, but overall, the QX80's tech offerings were lacking for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Q7's user interface was intuitive, and the Prestige trim offered a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system. The vehicle's 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was useful for remote work and learning, although some functions were unavailable while driving. The MMI Touch Response system was an improvement over previous setups, despite occasional unresponsiveness due to dry fingertips.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 came with standard forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, while other features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control were optional. The QX80 received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with poor scores in frontal crash tests. The IIHS had not tested the QX80, and its older body structure was noted as a weakness.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist and Adaptive Cruise Assist. The Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though they were rated "poor" by the IIHS for excessive glare. The Q7 received high ratings from the IIHS, with the headlight assessment being the only drawback preventing a "Top Safety Pick+" designation. The vehicle's adaptive cruise control and lane-assist features were not always reliable, but the Q7 offered strong collision protection.