2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 exhibited 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 introduced in 2018 that provided an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with higher trims offering auto-leveling headlights. The interior, while luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, closely resembled the Armada, with a dashboard and switchgear that carried over, potentially disappointing those seeking exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the previous model's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch, while the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level offered in Canada.

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 a responsive driving experience, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims, offered a comfortable ride, though the SUV felt less composed in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 3,855 kilograms, surpassing competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and it included Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview enhanced ride quality, while a new electronic brake booster improved braking response. The Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its ground clearance and traction settings, and achieved a fuel consumption rate of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat layout on the ProACTIVE grade. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row, but cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The centre console provided limited storage, and front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustments and available massaging functions. The second-row captain’s chairs offered heating, ventilation, and massage options, while the third row provided roomy accommodations. The Navigator excelled in storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased cargo capacity further, making it ideal for larger families and loads.

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. 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 notable tech features, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The system allowed for extensive personalization, and the voice recognition was improved, though not flawless. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services, while the optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

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

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety and convenience. ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required, highlighting the technology's limitations and the need for human oversight.