INFINITI QX80 vs Kia Niro

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its unmistakable family resemblance to the Nissan Armada, presented a robust and stylish exterior. Its unique front-end styling, characterized by the distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart from its sibling. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added an upscale touch, while the 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels enhanced its overall appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats and tasteful wood trim. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was beginning to feel outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Niro showcased a modern and purposeful design, with a beefier look and increased dimensions compared to its predecessor. The Niro maintained its compact crossover footprint while offering a strong profile and handsome proportions. The introduction of the Aero Blade design element provided aerodynamic support and added a touch of uniqueness to its appearance. Inside, the Niro's cabin was ergonomically friendly, with accessible storage space and redesigned cupholders. Kia's commitment to sustainability was evident in the use of vegan leather and eco-friendly materials, creating a premium vibe without compromising on environmental responsibility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive performance and a satisfying exhaust note, although it was notably thirsty for fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience. With standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the QX80 demonstrated off-road capability, aided by its computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. Its towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms made it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine paired with a 32 kW electric motor, producing a combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the QX80, the Niro Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres combined. Its driving range of nearly 950 kilometres on a single tank of regular fuel was noteworthy. However, the Niro Hybrid's acceleration felt sluggish, and its shift points were initially intrusive. Over time, the vehicle adapted to different driving styles, providing a comfortable and pleasant driving experience. The Niro Hybrid's cabin was quiet, with minimal wind and road noise, contributing to a refined ride.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its second-row bench-seat configuration. However, the third-row seating was cramped, especially 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 QX80's tall ride height required climbing into the vehicle, but the spacious greenhouse provided an open and airy feel. The power-sliding moonroof, while large, was smaller than panoramic designs found in other models.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Niro excelled in interior space, offering best-in-class room for passengers and cargo. With 645 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,803 litres with the seats folded, the Niro provided ample storage capacity. The interior was ergonomically friendly, with accessible storage and redesigned cupholders. Kia's commitment to sustainability was evident in the use of eco-friendly materials, creating a premium feel without compromising on environmental responsibility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation with lane guidance and voice recognition. A Bose 17-speaker premium sound system was standard, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system was notable, limiting the QX80's technological capabilities.

The 2023 Kia Niro, while receiving updates, retained an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard on the base LX model. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch system with navigation, a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The introduction of Green Zone Drive Mode allowed the Niro to switch to electric-only power in designated areas. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, USB ports, and keyless entry, with higher trims offering additional comforts like wireless smartphone charging and a head-up display.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety items included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. However, the QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, with no overall crash protection rating available.

The 2023 Kia Niro prioritized safety, with previously optional advanced driving assistance systems now standard. These included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keep assist. Available features included smart cruise control and highway driving assist. While safety ratings for the 2023 model were not yet available, the previous-generation Niro received favourable ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.