2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, was notably larger than its siblings, the QX50 and QX60. For this model year, it was available in two trims: Luxe and Limited. The QX80's exterior, refreshed in 2018, boasted a commanding presence with modern features such as LED headlights with high beam assist, adaptive front lighting, and LED taillights. The SUV also offered conveniences like power-folding mirrors, a power-sliding moonroof, and roof rails. Inside, the cabin was upscale with soft-touch materials, though some trim pieces lagged behind competitors. The infotainment system had been updated to a more modern layout, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sporty yet subtle design. It avoided excessive off-road styling, focusing instead on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, with prices starting at $38,200 and climbing to $47,625 with additional packages and features. The interior of the RDX A-Spec was sporty, featuring front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read. Despite this, the RDX's cabin was not typical of compact crossovers, offering a unique blend of quality materials and sporty aesthetics.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite its heft, the QX80's powertrain managed the load well, though the transmission was less smooth when downshifting compared to competitors. Fuel efficiency was a downside, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, while the 4WD version dropped to 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system enhanced stability. It also featured a rear auto-leveling suspension and a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the SH-AWD system was available for improved handling. The RDX offered Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, with the A-Spec trim featuring exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels. While the RDX A-Spec lacked adaptive dampers, it still provided a rewarding driving experience with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes. The turbo engine's broad torque curve and the SH-AWD system contributed to its engaging performance.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, though the third row was cramped, suitable for children or pets. It accommodated seven passengers with standard captain’s chairs in the second row, and a 60/40 split-folding bench was optional. The QX80 featured leather-appointed seats with available semi-aniline leather upholstery and Alcantara options. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the front seats were heated and climate-controlled. Cargo space was generous, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, leading to a lack of leg support. Cargo volume was competitive, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RDX also featured a deep storage well and additional compartments under the cargo floor, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper and a 7.0-inch lower infotainment touch screen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Buyers could upgrade to a 17-speaker system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked modern design elements.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen for intuitive control, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system in the A-Spec trim. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal for minimizing driver distraction.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, being an older model, lacked some advanced driver-assist features but still offered a solid array of safety technologies. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and had a moderate risk of rollover according to NHTSA.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.