2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

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, complemented by front fender vents. The front end, however, was purely Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that lent the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. Despite these enhancements, the interior still felt more Nissan than Infiniti, which might have left some buyers seeking exclusivity feeling underwhelmed.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling updates inspired by the larger MDX model, with changes to the grille surround and bumper designs. The RDX's interior was marked by a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. While the RDX's interior required some acclimation, it offered high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures. The RDX's design emphasized style and comfort, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact luxury SUV with a distinctive flair.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the engine delivered responsive performance, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, provided a comfortable ride, though it felt less composed in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain with low range.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system contributed to an enjoyable driving experience. The RDX's revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension offered a smoother ride and greater responsiveness. While the RDX was not a performance powerhouse, it provided a comfortable and communicative driving experience, making it a strong contender in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row configuration, with standard seven-seat and optional eight-seat layouts. While passenger space was competitive, it was not class-leading. The QX80's cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior featured power-adjustable front seats, though they lacked thigh support, and a center console with limited storage.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage. Its interior emphasized style and comfort, with standard 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The RDX's back seat, however, was less comfortable, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, along with hidden storage compartments.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. While the system offered various controls, it was not user-friendly, requiring trial and error to navigate. The QX80 also included helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required a learning curve but offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. It also offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The IIHS had not tested the QX80.

The 2022 Acura RDX aimed to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating with structural upgrades and new safety features, including a rear seatbelt reminder and enhanced AcuraWatch systems. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.