2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, shared with the Armada, while the front-end styling was uniquely Infiniti, offering a bold yet refined appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior closely mirrored the Armada, with enhancements like wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan characteristics, such as the dashboard layout and switchgear. While the interior felt luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might seek.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, stood out with its elegant and understated design, despite its massive size. Sharing its basic structure with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique styling elements, including a body-colour grille and full-width taillights. Its interior was a testament to luxury, featuring seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's seats were particularly noteworthy, offering 30-way adjustability and exceptional comfort. While it lacked some of the advanced features found in its competitors, the Navigator's overall design and build quality made it a compelling choice in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for highway driving, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, offered a comfortable ride, though it struggled with body roll in corners. Its 4WD system and towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms made it a capable off-road and towing vehicle, though its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, provided a responsive and powerful driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity was slightly lower at 3,765 kilograms. While its adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, it lacked the refinement of some competitors' suspension systems. The Navigator excelled on highways, with its powerful engine and quiet cabin, though its handling was not as precise as some rivals.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat layout. Its interior featured power-adjustable front seats, though they lacked thigh support for long journeys. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals, offering 470 litres with all seats in place and up to 2,694 litres with seats folded. The centre console provided limited storage, and the design of the cupholders and phone storage was not ideal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers. Its boxy shape maximized cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's second-row seats were manually adjustable, and while they offered comfort, they lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, providing excellent visibility. However, parking the large SUV could be challenging, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. While the system offered a range of features, its user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety, though the overall technology package felt somewhat outdated.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated compared to newer competitors. It included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. The system was intuitive, though it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming, though it missed some advanced features found in rivals.

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 advanced features like Backup Collision Intervention. While these features were common in luxury SUVs, Infiniti's decision to make many of them standard was commendable.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety. While adaptive cruise control was available, the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.