2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, although the red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements. The body-on-frame construction and independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, while the front-end styling gave it an assertive look. The interior, though luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, closely resembled the Armada. The QX80 offered standard LED headlights and 20-inch wheels, with higher trims getting 22-inch wheels. Despite its luxury, the interior design felt more Nissan than Infiniti.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured 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 and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec model's 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires enhanced handling, though adaptive dampers would have been a welcome addition.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available for an additional cost. The independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control provided a comfortable ride, though the QX80 felt less composed in corners. The SUV's size and body-on-frame construction made it better suited for towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, though rear-seat comfort was compromised by the need to maximize utility. Cargo volume measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The trunk featured a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor for organization.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, a three-row SUV, came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats lacked thigh support, but passenger space in all three rows was competitive. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The power liftgate and power-folding third row made switching between passenger and cargo hauling easier.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console. While an improvement over Lexus's approach, TTI still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec model included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. Acura also offered Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery and smartphone projection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was confusing. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features, making driving the large SUV easier.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade to the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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 adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.