2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's positioning as a "premium grade" brand, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic. It was available in various trims, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, with the Denali trim being particularly popular among buyers who valued substance over a flashy badge. The Yukon Denali boasted a distinctive design with an exclusive dashboard, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, setting it apart from its Chevrolet and Buick counterparts. The exterior featured a bold grille, chrome accents, and 22-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence on the road.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from the Nissan Armada with Infiniti's unique styling cues. Its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, while the front-end design, introduced in 2018, gave it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. The QX80 featured standard LED lighting and a choice between 20-inch and 22-inch wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the QX80 offered a luxurious feel with wood trim and leather upholstery, although some elements, like the foot-operated parking brake, felt less premium.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced its cornering and traction capabilities. Despite its size, the Yukon handled well, though the 22-inch wheels could make the ride feel less smooth over rough surfaces. The Yukon Denali's towing capacity was 3,629 kilograms, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was responsive, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control provided a comfortable ride, though body roll was noticeable during cornering. The QX80's 4WD system included a low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capabilities. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms, surpassing some of its luxury SUV rivals.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, while the third-row seat offered improved comfort and thigh support. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres available in the standard Yukon and 4,097 litres in the Yukon XL.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an eight-seat option available. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating and cooling, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, and the second-row captain's chairs provided additional storage and USB ports. Cargo space was less than some competitors, with a maximum of 2,694 litres available. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and a power-folding third row for added convenience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch displays. The system offered over-the-air updates and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Yukon also included a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80's InTouch dual-screen infotainment system included 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch monitors. While the QX80 offered various controls, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to operate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided additional convenience and safety.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The Yukon had not been crash-tested at the time of review, but its substantial curb weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crashes. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added Backup Collision Intervention and Blind Spot Intervention for added safety.