2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, maintaining a body-on-frame construction that set it apart from many modern SUVs. Its exterior featured a distinctive Infiniti front-end with a bold grille and LED lighting, offering an assertive yet refined appearance. Inside, the QX80's interior echoed the Armada's design but was enhanced with luxurious touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. Despite these upgrades, the interior retained a Nissan feel, which might have left some buyers seeking exclusivity wanting more.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a stylish and timeless design that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance, defying its compact size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, and its exterior details, like roof rails and unique taillight patterns, added to its charm. The Venue's top-line Denim trim stood out with its distinctive paint job and white roof, while the SEL trim offered excellent value with standard features previously part of an optional package. Inside, the Venue's cabin was simple yet modern, with ample light and a practical layout, despite the use of inexpensive materials.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for highway overtaking, although the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, offered a comfortable ride, though it felt less composed in corners. Its 4WD system and towing capacity of 8,500 pounds made it suitable for off-road adventures and heavy-duty tasks, although its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a CVT, provided adequate performance for city driving, but lacked the power for more spirited driving. The Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in urban settings, but its FWD configuration and lack of AWD limited its versatility. While it didn't offer thrilling performance, the Venue's engine was well-suited for its economical and compact nature.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs. An optional eight-seat setup was available for those needing more passenger capacity. The front seats were power-adjustable, but lacked thigh support for long journeys. The QX80 provided competitive passenger space, though not class-leading, and its cargo capacity was limited compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade. The power liftgate and folding third row added convenience, but storage space in the center console and door cupholders was limited.

In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray for small items. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips, and cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. While the Venue's hatchback design offered more space than a sedan, it lagged behind competitors in cargo capacity. Despite its compact size, the Venue's interior was functional and well-suited for urban driving.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Optional upgrades included a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment package. However, the user interface was complex, with small screens and confusing controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive controls. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with customizable driver profiles. The Venue's interface was user-friendly, with physical buttons for easy access to media and settings. The attention to detail, like the tube-amp-style radio display, added charm to the Venue's tech package.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While the IIHS hadn't tested the QX80, its safety features were comprehensive for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its small size, offered a robust suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, providing peace of mind for its occupants.