2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction maintaining a robust, traditional SUV feel. Its exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, complemented by front fender vents. The front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that lent the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior mirrored the Armada's design but was elevated with wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan switchgear, which might have disappointed those seeking exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and ruggedness, particularly in its Wilderness trim. The Forester's exterior, with its suspension lift and protective cladding, aimed for a rugged look, though it might not have appealed to everyone. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces, exuding quality and purpose. The interior featured water-repellant StarTex upholstery and copper-coloured accents, while the infotainment system was user-friendly, despite having multiple display screens. Overall, the Forester's design focused on utility and ease of use, making it a practical choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Its body-on-frame construction provided a truck-like ride, but the independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control in the ProACTIVE model ensured a comfortable experience. Despite its size, the QX80 offered a smooth highway ride, though it felt less composed in corners. Its 4WD system, with low range and a skid plate, enhanced off-road capability, and it boasted a towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with improved torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.1 L/100 km. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The Forester's suspension, particularly in the Wilderness trim, provided excellent ride quality and off-road capability, with improved ground clearance and approach angles. The dual-function X-Mode system further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row configuration, with seating for seven or eight passengers. The front seats featured power adjustments and heating/cooling, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo capacity was 470 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The interior included a centre console with limited storage and cupholders that struggled to hold drinks securely.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating position. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's roof rails supported a three-person roof tent, enhancing its versatility. Interior comfort was high, with ample space for passengers and practical storage solutions. Cargo space was generous, with 818 litres available, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded, making it one of the roomiest in its class.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. While the system offered various controls, its user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety, providing clear views and eliminating blind spots.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and Starlink services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim featured a forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though a breadcrumb function for navigation would have been beneficial.

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

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and stability. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the DriverFocus system in higher trims monitored driver alertness.