2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing both its interior and exterior. These updates were more than just minor tweaks, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle was refreshed with a new shape, dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with standard features such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. Various interior colour and material combinations were available, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The interior felt premium with leather-wrapped surfaces, while the centre stack, though functional, appeared dated compared to newer industry trends.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements, with the body shell carrying over from the Armada. The QX80 retained body-on-frame construction, unlike many SUVs that had shifted to unibody construction. The front-end styling, introduced in 2018, featured a grille and headlight design consistent with other Infiniti SUVs, giving the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with automatic high beams and an auto-leveling feature on higher trims. The base Luxe trim rode on 20-inch wheels, while the ProACTIVE trim featured 22-inch wheels.

The interior design closely resembled the Armada, with Infiniti adding wood trim, contrast stitching, and standard perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery. The dashboard maintained the same shape, and the 4WD selector and switchgear were similar to the Armada. Despite the similarities, the interior felt luxurious, though it might not satisfy those seeking exclusivity. The QX80 offered a comfortable ride, thanks to its independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature, with Hydraulic Body Motion Control on ProACTIVE models to limit body roll during cornering. However, the QX80 felt less composed in corners, and its size could be a liability on tight trails.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the three-row RX 350 L models were limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h L used the same setup with a total output of 308 horsepower. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it provided a smooth driving experience with standard AWD and adaptive variable suspension on F Sport models. Fuel efficiency was a strong suit, with the RX 350 achieving 10.8 L/100 km combined, while the RX 450h used 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-litre V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, with standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The V8 produced 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for highway overtaking. However, the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction offered a truck-like ride, but the independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature provided a comfortable ride. The QX80's handling was less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms (8,500 pounds).

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was wide and tall in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility. However, the cargo area was smaller than its rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to competitors, with about 560 litres less rear storage area than the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a centre console. An eight-seat configuration was available on the ProACTIVE grade. The front seats offered 10-way and eight-way adjustability, with heating and cooling as standard, but lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with enough room for adults in the third row. Cargo space was 470 litres with all rows in place, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with both the third and second rows folded. The QX80's cargo space trailed behind the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but a power liftgate and power 60/40-split-folding third row were standard.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured an infotainment system that was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. The system was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity provided a solution. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other integrations. The physical control of the infotainment system improved with a touchscreen and a more responsive touchpad. The RX included six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and standard navigation. The system included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. A rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch monitors was also standard. The touchscreens were backed by analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive. The QX80 included helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. The 2020 enhancements added features like daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Backup Collision Intervention and Blind Spot Intervention were included on the ProACTIVE grade.