2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched as a 2016 model. This flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, showcased a sleek and athletic design with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design and materials conveyed a sense of quality and luxury, with thoughtful details like the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and a crystal gear selector handle.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, offering a large, yet well-proportioned SUV with a distinctive Infiniti grille and tasteful LED lighting. The QX80's exterior was further enhanced by stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. Inside, the QX80 featured upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats and tasteful wood trim. However, the design was beginning to show its age compared to newer competitors. Despite this, the cabin remained a comfortable and attractive space, though it fell short of the high expectations set by the premium full-size SUV market. The QX80's interior, while luxurious, did not quite match the level of sophistication found in some of its rivals.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The driving experience was smooth and engaging, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and linear power delivery. The QX80's four-wheel drive system, based on the Nissan Patrol, offered impressive off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The SUV's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kilograms, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean effectively, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. However, the vehicle's thirst for premium fuel was a notable downside.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it cramped. The XC90 provided 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. Towing capacity reached up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof and effective climate control, making it comfortable in various weather conditions.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, with a nearly two-foot step-in height. Inside, the cabin was spacious, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 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 welcome lighting.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering smartphone-like gestures and Bluetooth functionality. However, the system was occasionally glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The Advanced package included a 360-degree camera system and advanced air cleaner. The XC90 also provided multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 boasted a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A Bose 17-speaker 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 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked ratings from the IIHS and received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The structurally similar 2021 model had a four-star overall crash protection rating.