2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Subaru Outback

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. The QX80's exterior was equipped with standard LED lighting and offered 20-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim. 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 utilitarian than exclusive.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the Outback's station wagon roots, offering a higher ride height and rugged design elements that brought it closer to an off-road vehicle. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers, the Wilderness was equipped for adventure. Its unique design included a distinctive grille, black wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior featured water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a practical layout. The Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its exclusive Geyser Blue paint and robust roof rack, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a vehicle with both style and substance.

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. It offered standard four-wheel drive in Canada, providing a responsive driving experience, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims, delivered a comfortable ride, albeit with some body roll in corners. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a 4WD drivetrain with low range and a skid plate, while its towing capacity reached 3,855 kilograms.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the engine provided ample power, the CVT's performance was less engaging, with its characteristic droning and simulated gear changes. The Wilderness trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. Its approach, breakover, and departure angles were improved, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but was limited by its tires, while off-road, it excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats provided power adjustments and heating/cooling functions, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was ample across all three rows, with a large console and climate controls for second-row passengers. Cargo space was competitive, with 470 litres behind the third row and up to 2,694 litres with seats folded. However, storage solutions were limited, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats provided generous space and heating options. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded, with waterproof materials and LED lighting enhancing practicality. The Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, 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 provided additional convenience and safety features.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While physical controls were available for some functions, the touchscreen was necessary for most operations. The voice recognition system required specific prompts, making it less user-friendly. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was surprising given its target demographic.

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

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective and user-friendly, though it lacked Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology.