2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, maintaining a body-on-frame construction that was shared with the Armada. Its profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, was reminiscent of its Nissan sibling, but the front end was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design that aligned with other Infiniti SUVs. This gave the QX80 a confident appearance without being overly aggressive. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with higher trims offering additional features like auto-leveling headlights. Inside, the QX80's interior was luxurious, with wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan elements, such as the dashboard design and switchgear. While the interior felt upscale, it lacked the exclusivity some luxury buyers might seek.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in previous years. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a bold grille that contributed to its tough, distinctive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX offered standard semi-aniline leather, but the overall interior experience was not as refined as expected for a luxury SUV. Despite its shortcomings, the GX's exterior styling remained appealing to those seeking a rugged SUV appearance.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard. The engine was responsive, making highway overtaking stress-free, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as desired. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension and a rear auto-leveling feature, providing a comfortable ride. However, the SUV felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms and a 4WD system with low range. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with adequate power for initial acceleration but requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The SUV's weight was evident at higher speeds, and braking required extra attention. The ride quality was typical of body-on-frame vehicles, with the kinetic dynamic suspension system unable to fully smooth out the ride. Despite its traditional SUV driving experience, the GX excelled off-road, with a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, but its off-road capabilities were a standout feature.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row configuration with seating for seven or eight, depending on the trim. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though the front seat cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The QX80 provided 470 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The centre console offered limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's position and tall seating made for an awkward driving experience. Visibility was generally good, except for the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small cupholders and in-door bottle holders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The GX was better suited as a two-row SUV, with the third row reserved for occasional use.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor were helpful features, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the system offered limited functionality. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX's tech offerings were minimal compared to modern luxury SUVs.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added features like Backup Collision Intervention.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models.