2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

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 its upright, boxy profile, giving it a distinctive look. The rear-quarter glass and LED taillights, connected by a thin chrome strip, helped break up the body’s chunkiness. The Limited trim, introduced in 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.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V, part of the fifth generation, had a familiar and fun design with curvy, car-like lines. Its styling leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern family transportation choice. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with low-quality plastics. The base CR-V started at an MSRP of $26,270, with four trim levels available. The CR-V featured standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with larger options on higher trims, and a retractable moonroof on all but the LX trim. The interior was spacious and well-packaged, with clever storage solutions and a roomy cargo compartment.

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 for hauling and driving. The 7-speed automatic transmission was quick to shift, and the selectable 4-wheel drive system offered versatility for different driving conditions. 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 QX80's ride was controlled, thanks to its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, but it still felt heavy and prone to shaking over rough patches.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CR-V's CVT was well-tuned, providing a responsive and smooth driving experience. Its car-like demeanor translated to excellent road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. The CR-V's low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. FWD models achieved an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 29 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered seven-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs and power-reclining third-row seats. An optional second-row bench allowed for 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 was spacious, with wide central armrests and ample storage space. Standard 3-zone climate control ensured comfort, but the heating system was slow to warm up. The Limited trim included heated front and second-row seats, as well as a heated steering wheel.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and packaging. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The CR-V's seating position and low cowl provided great visibility. The cargo compartment offered 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, and a two-position load floor added versatility. Clever storage solutions, like the deep center console and large door pockets, made the CR-V practical for everyday use.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's technology was a letdown. The dash featured large knobs and buttons, but the main touchscreen and controls were unresponsive in cold weather. The instrument panel's monochrome display was outdated and nearly illegible. The navigation system was poorly rendered, and the QX80 lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a head-up display. 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 the QX80's most notable tech features.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system also showed its age. The base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with limited features, while higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, and the navigation system was subpar. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 came with standard forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Optional safety features included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the QX80 did not perform well in NHTSA frontal crash tests, scoring only 2 out of 5 stars for the driver and 3 for the passenger. It earned 5 stars in side-impact tests and an overall rating of 4 stars. The IIHS had not tested the QX80.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the “Honda Sensing” system as standard, offering forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Automatic high beams were also standard, with blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring available on EX trims and above. The CR-V earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.