2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. The vehicle's profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, mirrored the Armada, while the front fenders featured distinctive vents. The QX80's front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that aligned with other Infiniti SUVs, offering an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with higher trims offering additional features like auto-leveling headlights. Inside, the QX80's interior closely resembled the Armada, with enhancements like wood trim and leather upholstery, though some elements, such as the dashboard and switchgear, were recognizably Nissan. Despite its luxurious feel, the interior lacked exclusivity, which might have disappointed some buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The XC60 was built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared with other Volvo models. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the luxury feel. Overall, the XC60's design emphasized a balance of sportiness and elegance, appealing to those seeking a refined yet understated luxury SUV.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, the QX80 came standard with four-wheel drive, providing ample power for highway overtaking, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The body-on-frame construction contributed to a truck-like ride, but the independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature ensured a comfortable experience. The QX80 ProACTIVE models included Hydraulic Body Motion Control to limit body roll during cornering, though the SUV still felt less composed in corners compared to highway driving. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms and a 4WD drivetrain with low range. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations were not ideal for tight trails or off-road traction.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, with the B6 also featuring an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's mild-hybrid system provided smooth power delivery, and the vehicle excelled in offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, especially with the optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving the sprint in 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a three-row configuration, with a standard seven-seat layout and an optional eight-seat setup on the ProACTIVE grade. The front seats offered 10-way and eight-way adjustability, respectively, with standard heating and cooling, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though not class-leading. Cargo space measured 470 litres with all seats in place, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with both the third and second rows folded. The QX80 included a power liftgate and power 60/40-split-folding third row, though storage space in the centre console was limited.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Cargo space for mild-hybrid models was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite the pinched roofline. Large exterior mirrors aided in driving without relying heavily on driver aids.

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 standard navigation. A 17-speaker Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system were also included. 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 helpful features, enhancing visibility and ease of driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions, and the new layout with sideways swiping improved usability.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The ProACTIVE grade added Backup Collision Intervention and Blind Spot Intervention.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's 2021 model received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Volvo's driver assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, was available as an option.