2022 GMC Yukon 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 the Armada. The SUV's profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, mirrored its Nissan sibling, while the front fenders featured similar vents. However, the QX80's front end was distinctly Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that aligned with other Infiniti SUVs, offering an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and a choice of 20-inch or 22-inch wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with wood trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel, though some elements like the dashboard and switchgear were recognizably Nissan.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, particularly in its Denali trim, embraced chrome to stand out among its peers. The Denali's front was dominated by a large chrome grille, flanked by C-shaped headlights, giving it a commanding presence. The Yukon offered a variety of trims, each with unique styling cues, such as the off-road-oriented AT4 with its dark grille and skid plate. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with seating for up to nine, depending on the configuration. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, with premium materials and thoughtful details like contrasting colours and natural wood accents. The Yukon also offered practical features like power-folding seats and a power-sliding centre console, enhancing both convenience and storage.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came standard with four-wheel drive, providing a responsive driving experience, though the transmission shifts were not the smoothest. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on ProACTIVE models, offered a comfortable ride, albeit with some body roll in corners. Its off-road capabilities were bolstered by a 4WD drivetrain with low range and a skid plate, while its towing capacity reached 3,855 kilograms (8,500 pounds).

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon featured rear-wheel drive on lower trims, with four-wheel drive standard on the AT4 and Denali. The AT4 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and a front skid plate. The Yukon's towing capacity reached 3,810 kilograms (8,400 pounds) with the right configuration. Its independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, though some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, while an eight-seat option was available on the ProACTIVE grade. The front seats featured power adjustments and lumbar support, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals, offering 470 litres with all seats up and 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 GMC Yukon improved third-row space significantly, offering 886 mm of legroom, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. Cargo space also increased, with 722 litres available behind the third row. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options were available for both the second and third rows. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The Yukon's pushbutton transmission controls were a modern touch, though they required some acclimation.

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. A rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch monitors was also standard. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features for driving.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre and a 15-inch head-up display on higher trims. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. While the Bose system's sound quality was not exceptional, the overall technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

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

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with consistent performance across crash tests.