2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior design. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a robust front-end appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained elements of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable along its sides and rear. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, but its unique front-end styling, including the distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart. The QX80's design was tastefully executed, with LED lighting and conservative chrome use adding to its upscale appearance. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior. Inside, the QX80's cabin featured upscale materials, such as wood trim and quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, the design was beginning to show its age compared to competitors. While the cabin was comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high standards set by other premium full-size SUVs. Despite this, the QX80 remained a pleasant place to be, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 achieved 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with AWD models slightly less efficient. The AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and linear power. The QX80's 4WD system, based on the Nissan Patrol, offered impressive off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kilograms, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats. Despite its size, the QX80 managed body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, ensuring a stable ride during cornering and lane changes.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. The minivan featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows, providing ample legroom and cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The under-console storage for second-row passengers added convenience, while the flat-folding seats allowed for versatile cargo loading.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, owing to its tall ride height and body-on-frame construction. Inside, the cabin offered a spacious and airy feel, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting added a premium touch.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was responsive and easy to use, though it lacked a head-up display. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades available, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system, providing Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation with lane guidance and voice recognition. A Bose 17-speaker sound system was standard, along with a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was available, but the lack of HDMI adapters was a drawback. The QX80 did not include Infiniti's ProPilot Assist, limiting its advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection.