2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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. This gave the QX80 a confident yet understated appearance, distinguishing it from its Nissan counterpart. The SUV came equipped with standard LED lighting and offered larger wheels on higher trims, enhancing its road presence. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, the overall design and features, such as the foot-operated parking brake, were more aligned with Nissan's offerings, potentially leaving those seeking exclusivity wanting more.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fresh take on a classic, retained Jeep's iconic design cues while introducing modern elements. It was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a range of trims from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, sleek headlights, and a tapered roofline. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort across trims. The Summit Reserve trim stood out with its premium leather seats, advanced audio system, and panoramic sunroof, providing a plush experience. Despite some reflective issues with higher trim controls, the Grand Cherokee's interior was well-received, offering a balance of style and functionality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 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, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, coupled with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims, provided a comfortable ride, though it exhibited some body roll in corners. Its towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms was impressive, surpassing competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, the QX80's size and wheel-tire combinations were more suited for on-road driving, lacking advanced off-road aids found in rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered versatility with its choice of a 3.6-litre V6 or a 5.7-litre V8 engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, with towing capacities of 2,812 kg and 3,265 kg, respectively. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems, catering to different off-road needs, with the Trailhawk trim excelling in rugged terrain. Fuel efficiency varied, with the V6 achieving better consumption rates. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was praised, with or without the Quadra-Lift air suspension, offering a nimble and refined driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row configuration, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the trim. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though the seat cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was ample, with the third row suitable for adults, but cargo capacity lagged behind competitors, offering 470 litres with all seats up and 2,694 litres with seats folded. The interior provided practical storage solutions, though some areas, like the centre console and cupholders, were limited in functionality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritized driver and passenger comfort, with heated seats and steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added ventilated seats and massagers, enhancing luxury. Visibility improvements were notable, aiding off-road and everyday driving. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, but the two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L variant provided additional legroom and cargo capacity for those needing more space.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. While the system offered various controls, its user interface was complex, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced driving ease, providing clear visibility and eliminating blind spots.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, equipped with Uconnect 5, offering improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. The Grand Cherokee's tech suite extended to a head-up display, Night Vision system, and a passenger interactive display, providing entertainment and assistance. The McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV integration further elevated the tech experience.

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, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a robust safety structure with extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel. Its ADAS package included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and Intersection Collision Assist. Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with a hands-free version expected in 2022, showcasing the Grand Cherokee's advanced safety capabilities.