2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a bold redesign that gave this compact SUV a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by standard LED headlamps in a narrow and angled configuration. The inclusion of functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag than its predecessor, despite the boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces in most grades, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available in higher trims, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a platform with the Nissan Armada, yet it distinguished itself with a unique front-end styling, thanks to the familial Infiniti grille. The QX80's grille was prominent but tastefully integrated, complemented by LED lighting and conservative chrome use, giving it an upscale look. The stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels added to its exterior appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin featured upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's style was considered somewhat outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency over the previous generation. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was enhanced by a 27% improvement in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version recorded 9.2 city and 7.2 highway.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 boasted a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive performance and a satisfying exhaust note, though it was notably thirsty. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, with adaptive shift control and manual mode. The QX80's four-wheel drive was standard in Canada, with a computer-controlled transfer case offering settings for various terrains. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kg, and its handling was aided by the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, which minimized body lean during cornering.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured several functional updates, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space under the centre stack. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access to the second row, which offered 996 mm of headroom without the moonroof. Standard features included heated front seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle on the A-pillar. The cabin provided a spacious and airy feel, with good front-seat head- and legroom. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the interior featured premium touches like illuminated kick plates and radiant exterior welcome lighting.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless phone charging and a 10.8-inch head-up display. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A Bose 17-speaker Performance Series premium sound system was standard, along with a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was included, though HDMI adapters were missing. The absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, as the QX80's older architecture couldn't support the advanced driver-assistance system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention alert. The ProActive grade added a smart rearview mirror and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA rated the QX80 with three stars for rollover resistance, while the structurally similar 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS had not rated the QX80 for safety.