2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

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. This construction choice, while less common among modern SUVs, provided a distinct profile with a recognizable roofline and rear window curve. The QX80's front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design that aligned with other Infiniti SUVs, offering an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with higher trims offering additional features like auto-leveling headlights. Inside, the QX80's interior closely resembled the Armada, with enhancements like wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan elements, such as the dashboard design and switchgear.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe and Silverado 1500. This gave the Suburban a supersized appearance with a tall hood and long proportions. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with our RST test vehicle featuring a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from comfortable to plush, depending on the trim. Our RST model included 10-way power front seats and Jet Black leather with Victory Red stitching. Despite its spaciousness, the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark. The Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, but its interior offered ample room for passengers and cargo.

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 provided responsive performance, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension and a rear auto-leveling feature, ensuring 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, with a maximum capacity of 3,855 kilograms, surpassing competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new turbodiesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, emphasizing fuel efficiency. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-litre V8, providing effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. With a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms, the Suburban was well-suited for hauling, aided by features like hitch guidance and multiple camera views.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, or an eight-seat option on the ProACTIVE grade. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though the seat cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo space was 470 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The centre console provided limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating. The third row was spacious, with easy access. Cargo space was impressive, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Suburban featured a power-sliding centre console and ample storage options. However, its size made it challenging to park in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those used to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A 17-speaker Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system were standard. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided helpful driving aids.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered advanced technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System included an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch system on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The Suburban also featured multiple camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, and a range of audio systems, with a premium Bose system available on higher trims.

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

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.