2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 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 look. Standard LED lighting and a choice between 20-inch and 22-inch wheels added to its 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 foot-operated parking brake hinted at its Nissan roots.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 maintained its family resemblance to the Nissan Armada, sharing the same platform and mechanicals. Its front-end styling, however, was uniquely Infiniti, with a prominent yet tasteful grille and LED lighting that added an upscale touch. The ProActive grade featured stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats and wood trim. Despite these enhancements, the interior design closely mirrored the Armada's, and the QX80's style was beginning to show its age. While the cabin was comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high standards set by competitors in the premium full-size SUV market.

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, providing robust performance, though the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on ProACTIVE models, offered a comfortable ride, though some body roll was noticeable during cornering. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 3,855 kilograms, surpassing competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 retained the same 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts and quick kickdowns for passing. The QX80's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its 4WD system, with settings for Automatic, 4Hi, and 4Lo, and ample ground clearance. The SUV handled gravel roads with ease, though its low-profile tires required caution on rugged terrain. Towing capacity remained at 3,855 kilograms. The Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering, though the QX80's tall stature reminded drivers of its nearly three-ton weight.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, or an eight-seat option with a bench seat. Front seats were power-adjustable with lumbar support, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo space measured 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down, trailing competitors. The centre console provided limited storage, and front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, with a nearly two-foot step-in height. The cabin offered a spacious feel, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than panoramic designs, and the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was similar to the 2021 model, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting added a premium touch.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 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 system, but 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.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 introduced a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system included navigation, voice recognition, and a wireless smartphone charger. A Bose 17-speaker sound system was standard, along with a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. However, the absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, as the QX80's older architecture could not support the advanced driver-assistance system.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The ProACTIVE grade added Backup Collision Intervention and Blind Spot Intervention.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The NHTSA had not rated the 2022 model, but the structurally similar 2021 model received a four-star overall rating. The ProActive grade offered a smart rearview mirror and adaptive cruise control.