2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

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 front-end styling, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive Infiniti grille and headlight design, giving it a bold yet refined appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxurious feel. 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 expect.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and a sleeker rear fascia. It maintained a car-based crossover design, avoiding the rugged look of some competitors. The Equinox's interior featured a creative dashboard design with a central touchscreen and air vents, offering decent materials and fit for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim and wheels, giving it a sportier appearance, though the interior felt subdued. Overall, the Equinox's design aimed for a balance between car-like comfort and SUV practicality.

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. It offered standard four-wheel drive in Canada, providing a responsive driving experience, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, delivered a comfortable ride, though it felt less composed in corners. Its towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms was impressive, but its size limited off-road capability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Equinox excelled in city driving with its torque, but its lack of horsepower was noticeable at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and while the Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, it provided decent comfort on various road surfaces.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with options for seven or eight seats. It featured power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The centre console provided limited storage, and phone storage options were inadequate.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox accommodated five passengers across two rows, offering decent headroom and legroom. The tall seating position provided good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by small windows. The climate control layout was user-friendly, and keyless entry and start were standard. Cargo space was limited, with 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with them folded. The Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or additional storage bins.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A 17-speaker Bose audio system and rear-seat entertainment were standard. However, the user interface was cumbersome, with small screens and confusing controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims received an 8-inch screen and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good graphics. The addition of wireless connectivity was a significant advantage, though phone storage was limited.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added advanced safety features, though some were standard on competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system, though some competitors offered these as standard.