2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the sharp angles and straight lines of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered a unique look, it didn't quite resemble an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, maintaining a family resemblance while offering unique front-end styling with a distinctive Infiniti grille. The QX80's design was upscale, with LED lighting and tasteful chrome accents. Its 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels added to its stylish exterior. Inside, the QX80 featured more upscale materials than the Armada, with wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. Despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was becoming outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors. While the cabin was comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high expectations set by its price point.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second motor for a total of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, though it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. It offered a smooth ride and sufficient power, with instantaneous torque for quick acceleration. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivered strong performance and an appealing exhaust note, though it was thirsty for fuel. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the QX80 offered smooth and seamless power delivery. Its four-wheel-drive system, based on the Nissan Patrol, provided off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The QX80 managed body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, but its nearly three-ton curb weight was a reminder of its size. It boasted a towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms, suitable for large trailers or boats.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk," prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, with a step-in height of nearly two feet. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good front-seat head- and legroom, though not as generous as some competitors. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to others in its class, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with it folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the cabin featured premium touches like illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, which communicated information through a light strip. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included navigation, voice recognition, and connected services. A Bose 17-speaker sound system was standard, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was included, though HDMI adapters were missing. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, missing out on advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control with lane-centring.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners. The QX80 received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, with the 2021 model earning four stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS had not rated the QX80 for safety.