2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 traditional SUVs. The QX80's front end, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive Infiniti grille and headlight design, giving it a confident yet understated appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior closely mirrored the Armada, with enhancements like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, the overall design felt more Nissan than Infiniti, which might have left some buyers seeking exclusivity wanting more.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended body, offered a sophisticated and recognizable Jeep aesthetic. Its design included the iconic seven-slot grille and modernized lighting, with high-end trims featuring black roofs and chrome accents. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology, reminiscent of a Mercedes. The spacious cabin accommodated adults comfortably in all three rows, and the panoramic roof and ample USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were somewhat inadequate, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

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. While the engine was responsive, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, provided a comfortable ride, though it was less composed in corners. Its 4WD system and towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms made it capable off-road, but its size and wheel-tire combinations limited its trail prowess.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 felt underpowered, especially when fully loaded, while the V8 provided a more satisfying performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission struggled with the V6 but performed better with the V8. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. Its air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, or an eight-seat option with a bench seat. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,694 litres with seats folded. The centre console provided limited storage, and the cupholders were not well-designed.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and audio controls. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The second row offered captain's chairs or a bench seat, and the panoramic roof added to the airy feel. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high. The infotainment system occasionally lagged, and some graphics were hard to read.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a dual-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was not user-friendly, with small screens and confusing controls. However, features like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced driving convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, including massage seats, a head-up display, and night vision. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and other driver aids standard. The Summit trims included additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included standard safety features like knee airbags and trailer sway control, along with various driver aids.