2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Ford Expedition

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 bold grille and headlight design. The QX80's exterior was equipped with standard LED lighting and varied wheel sizes depending on the trim. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, some elements, such as the foot-operated parking brake, felt less premium.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, including a refreshed exterior with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. It offered a range of trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition. The Expedition's interior featured a redesigned dashboard with advanced infotainment systems, including the optional Sync 4A with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Expedition's design emphasized practicality and comfort, making it a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment.

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 featured a standard four-wheel drive in Canada, offering a responsive driving experience, though the transmission shifts were not the smoothest. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims. Despite its size, the QX80 was capable off-road, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with higher output available on certain trims. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a fuel economy of 12.9 to 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The Expedition excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 4,173 kg. Its driving dynamics were enhanced by sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition, though the ride could be harsh on uneven surfaces. The Expedition was easy to park and shone on highways, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, or an eight-seat option on the ProACTIVE grade. 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 470 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The QX80 included a power liftgate and power-folding third row, though storage space in the centre console was limited.

The 2022 Ford Expedition provided exceptional comfort, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a spacious cabin. Second-row captain’s chairs offered ample legroom and climate controls, while the third row was easily accessible and comfortable, though headroom could be tight. Cargo space was 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,961 litres with all rear seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large centre console and hidden cupholders.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included a rear-seat entertainment setup and a Smart Rearview Mirror. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The QX80 also offered a 360-degree camera system for easier maneuvering.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was equipped with Ford’s Sync 4 and optional Sync 4A infotainment systems, featuring large touchscreens and wireless smartphone integration. The system included a Bang & Olufsen audio setup, though audio quality varied. Sync 4A offered advanced voice recognition and personal profiles, though it had some quirks. The Expedition also featured an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier towing.

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 Ford Expedition offered comprehensive safety features through Ford Co-Pilot360 packages, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring assist. The Platinum trim added a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also introduced BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, though some systems had quirks that could be frustrating.