2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

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, setting it apart from more ostentatious luxury SUVs. The vehicle came standard with LED lighting and offered larger wheels on higher trims, enhancing its road presence. Inside, the QX80's interior echoed the Armada's design, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, the overall feel remained more Nissan than exclusive Infiniti, which might have left some luxury-seeking buyers wanting more.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, carried over with minor tweaks. It was available in four trims in Canada, with the Execline trim offering the most features and an upscale look, thanks to R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels. The Atlas's design was big and boxy, with a simple yet premium interior. However, the use of low-cost materials, such as hard plastics, detracted from its overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The interior's practicality was marred by unlined storage areas that allowed items to rattle around, but the vehicle's overall comfort and space were standout features.

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, it came standard with four-wheel drive, offering a responsive driving experience, especially on highways. The body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims, provided a comfortable ride, though some body roll was noticeable in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 3,855 kilograms, surpassing competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options in Canada: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-litre V6. The turbo-four delivered 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 produced 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6, though more powerful, was less refined and efficient, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for different terrains, but its ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces and noticeable body float on undulating roads. The Atlas's handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option would have improved its ride dynamics.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, while an eight-seat option was available on higher trims. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, but cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 470 litres behind the third row and up to 2,694 litres with seats folded. The interior featured a power liftgate and a centre console accessible from both front and back, though storage space was limited.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults with generous head and legroom. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered various seating materials and features across trims, including leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. Cargo space was impressive, with 583 litres behind the third row and up to 2,741 litres with seats folded. The Atlas included numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A 17-speaker Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system were standard. However, the user interface was complex, with small screens and confusing controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and MIB3 infotainment system on higher trims, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system, but the navigation and voice recognition systems were unreliable, making smartphone integration a better option.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist system was prone to errors, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.