2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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 set it apart from the more car-like unibody SUVs. Its exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, with Infiniti's signature grille and headlight design lending it an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake hinted at its Nissan roots. While the interior was comfortable and luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might seek.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a practical and stylish alternative for those seeking an SUV. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages for added flair. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its blacked-out trim and dark gray wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a well-organized layout. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the interior was functional, with intuitive controls and ample space for passengers. The Traverse's design demonstrated a level of restraint, making it one of the more appealing options in its segment.

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 4WD system was standard in Canada, offering impressive towing capabilities of up to 3,855 kilograms. The QX80's independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control provided a comfortable ride, though it exhibited some body roll in corners. Despite its size, the QX80 was responsive on highways, though the transmission shifts could have been smoother. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a low-range 4WD system and a forward skid plate, though its size and wheel-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, the Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday tasks, and the Traverse returned a fuel economy of 11.3 L/100 km in combined driving. On the road, the Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it required careful handling over larger road imperfections. On highways, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse demonstrated athleticism, with its suspension limiting body roll and providing a flat cornering attitude.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, or an eight-seat option on the ProACTIVE grade. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was 470 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power liftgate and split-folding third row added convenience, though storage space in the centre console was limited.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS featured seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. It included power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. While the second-row seats offered generous space, the third row required cooperation from second-row passengers for comfort. The Traverse excelled in storage, with hidden compartments and ample cargo space. It offered 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with seats folded, though the third-row folding process could be cumbersome.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included a rear-seat entertainment setup and various analog controls, though the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims included a digital instrumentation panel and a Bose sound system. The voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility. The RS trim's surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert were valuable for parking and maneuvering.

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

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The IIHS rated the Traverse Good in most categories, though it received lower ratings for side impact and headlights.