2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a commanding presence with its elegant front end, featuring slim, slanted LED headlights and a curved rectangular grille. The sensuous curves of the hood and front bumper contrasted with the upright, boxy profile, while the rear-quarter glass and LED taillights connected by a thin chrome strip helped break up the body’s chunkiness. The Limited trim, new for 2019, added two-tone 22-inch rims, unique grey metallic paint, and a special black-and-white interior with luxurious leather surfaces and microsuede inserts. However, the doors were thin-sounding and poorly insulated, leaking cold air in freezing conditions.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand, featured noticeable design changes, especially in the front with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. The Denali trim, tested with optional all-wheel drive and extra-cost Satin Steel Metallic paint, showcased the Acadia’s upscale aspirations. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches, a redesigned center console, and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. The cabin mixed soft surfaces with hard plastic panels, and while the layout was logical and user-friendly, it lacked distinctive premium touches beyond the leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 excelled in towing capacity, boasting an 8,500-pound tow rating, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, provided ample power, even with a full load. The 7-speed automatic transmission offered quick shifts and rev-matching downshifts. The QX80’s steering was light yet stable, and its fully independent suspension with Hydraulic Body Motion Control adapted well to fast corners and rough surfaces. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city, 19 highway, and 15 combined for the 4WD model.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia’s ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience. The test vehicle’s powertrain included features like automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined and an average of 20.1 mpg in FWD mode. However, the driving character was unremarkable.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered seven-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs and power-reclining and folding third-row seats. An optional second-row bench increased capacity to eight passengers. The QX80 provided 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats flat and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The interior featured ample storage space, vents for a steady breeze, and standard 3-zone climate control. However, it lacked a cooled drink bin and 4-zone climate control, and the heat was slow to warm up. The Limited trim included heated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, depending on the trim level, seated five, six, or seven passengers. The Denali trim offered 6-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs, which could be replaced with a bench seat at no extra cost. The front seats were wide, supportive, and power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, and rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. Cargo volume measured 12.1 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded, providing ample space for various needs.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80’s dash was user-friendly, with large knobs and well-marked buttons. However, the touchscreen and controls were unresponsive in cold conditions. The technology was outdated, with a low-resolution monochrome display, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and a lack of advanced features like a head-up display or semi-automated driving functions. The 15-speaker Bose stereo was only adequate. The rear-view mirror with a live camera-feed overlay and the rear entertainment system with USB and HDMI inputs were notable features, but overall, the QX80’s tech offerings were lacking for its price.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included essential infotainment features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution and improved user experience. The test vehicle’s navigation and Bose premium sound system performed well, with voice recognition technology handling most prompts effectively. The system was easy to use, and new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror enhanced the technology offerings. The rear camera mirror provided an unobstructed wide-angle view, useful when the cargo area was full.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 came standard with forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, while lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring were optional. However, it performed poorly in NHTSA frontal crash tests, scoring only 2 out of 5 stars for the driver and 3 for the passenger. It scored 5 stars in side-impact tests and earned an overall 4-star rating. The IIHS had not tested the QX80, and its older body structure was not as strong as it should be.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on higher trims and as part of an optional package. The Denali trim offered enhanced automatic emergency braking at higher speeds. In crash tests, the NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests but missing assessments for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection for the front passenger.