2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 offered 20-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels, 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, though it retained some less premium features like a foot-operated parking brake.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a touch of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Touring trim level featured dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels, adding a sporty flair. Inside, the Odyssey provided a spacious and practical environment, with quality leather upholstery and a low console design. The interior was designed for family convenience, with ample storage space and a user-friendly centre stack. The Odyssey's design emphasized functionality, with features like Magic Slide second-row seats and a comfortable third-row seat, making it a practical choice for families.

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 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. However, it was less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive and had a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Odyssey provided an enjoyable driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and enjoyable to drive, making it a practical choice for families seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

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 the seat cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was 470 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The QX80 included a power liftgate and a power-folding third row, though storage space in the centre console was limited.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a low ride height. Inside, it featured quality leather upholstery, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Odyssey excelled in storage space, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility, while the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed. The Odyssey's design prioritized practicality and family-friendly features.

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. It included a rear-seat entertainment system 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 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, along with a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display. The Odyssey's infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked modern features like a larger screen or a tuning knob. The embedded navigation system required specific voice commands, making smartphone connectivity a better option for navigation.

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

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply to driving situations.