2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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 profile, marked by a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, was shared with the Armada, while the front-end styling was uniquely Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design that lent the vehicle an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal, though the interior, despite its luxurious touches like wood trim and leather upholstery, closely resembled the Armada, potentially disappointing those seeking exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive design that required an acclimation period for some. Its blunt nose and floating roof design gave it a unique look, though the exaggerated styling elements could overwhelm the overall design. The Highlander Hybrid was available in various trims, with the Platinum model offering a range of features including a large touchscreen infotainment system and a premium audio setup. Despite its modern design, some interior elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt less refined, and the mix of illumination colours at night could be distracting.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Its body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims, provided a comfortable ride, though it was less composed in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms and a 4WD system with low range. However, its size and wheel-tire combinations were not ideal for tight trails.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower, significantly less than its predecessor. It boasted improved fuel efficiency, averaging 7.4 L/100 km in testing, but at the cost of driving enjoyment. The hybrid system, while efficient, resulted in a strained engine sound during acceleration, and the steering felt lifeless. The Highlander Hybrid's ride was comfortable on smooth roads but became unsettled on uneven surfaces, and its handling was not particularly engaging.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a centre console. An eight-seat option was available on higher trims. The front seats provided power adjustments and heating/cooling, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was ample, even in the third row, but cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with a maximum capacity of 2,694 litres. The centre console offered limited storage, and the design of cupholders and phone storage was not optimal.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Storage was adequate but not as generous as previous models, with a maximum cargo capacity of 2,387 litres. The design of the centre armrest and storage bin was less practical due to the placement of the wireless charger.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included a rear-seat entertainment setup and a Smart Rearview Mirror for improved visibility. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The Around View Monitor provided a 360-degree camera view, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim, along with a JBL premium audio system. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror were available, enhancing communication and visibility. The driver information display provided detailed data, though the sound quality of the JBL system varied depending on music type.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added advanced features like Backup Collision Intervention. Despite its luxury status, the QX80's safety features were comparable to mainstream SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. New features for 2021 included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance had some quirks, the safety systems were generally effective.