2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a commanding presence as Infiniti's flagship model. Its design, updated in 2018, featured a more elegant nose compared to its Nissan Armada counterpart, with slim LED headlights and a distinctive grille. The vehicle's boxy profile was softened by sensuous curves on the hood and bumper, while the rear design elements helped break up its bulk. The QX80's imposing stature was accentuated by standard 20-inch wheels and tall side mirrors. The Limited trim, introduced in 2019, added luxurious touches like two-tone 22-inch rims and a special black-and-white interior with high-quality materials, although the doors were noted for being poorly insulated in cold conditions.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, was a handsome SUV available in four core trims: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. It offered various packages and special editions, with prices starting at $22,280 for the base model. The Compass Limited with AWD, equipped with numerous options, reached a price of $39,755. Despite lacking the optional 19-inch wheels, the Compass was praised for its soft-touch surfaces and premium leather, though it was marred by some cost-cutting measures. The Compass was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a balance of style and functionality.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 excelled in towing capacity, boasting an 8,500-pound tow rating, surpassing many competitors. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for its size. The 7-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and the vehicle's steering was light yet stable. The QX80 featured a fully independent suspension with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, enhancing its on-road performance. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, produced 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Despite its potential, the engine was loud and sluggish, with a test average of 23.1 mpg, below the EPA's 25 mpg combined rating. The nine-speed automatic transmission was often harsh, and the suspension allowed too much vertical motion. However, the Compass excelled off-road, especially in Trailhawk trim, with features like an Active Drive Low AWD system and Selec-Terrain traction system.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered seven-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs and power-reclining third-row seats. It provided 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space with seats flat and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The interior was spacious, with ample storage and climate control features, though it lacked some luxury amenities like a cooled drink bin and 4-zone climate control.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, equipped with the Luxury Seat Group, featured premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents and power outlets for rear passengers. It offered 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, storage space inside the cabin was limited, and cupholders were awkwardly positioned.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's technology was outdated, with a poorly rendered navigation system and a lack of modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The most notable feature was the rear-view mirror with a live camera-feed overlay. The rear entertainment system was functional, but overall, the QX80's tech offerings were lacking for its price point.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. The system was intuitive, though some features were buried in menus. Voice recognition worked well, and the system impressed for its segment.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 came with standard forward automatic emergency braking and optional safety features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. However, it received poor frontal crash test ratings from the NHTSA, with an overall 4-star rating. The IIHS had not tested the QX80.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. These systems performed adequately, though the adaptive cruise control was overly sensitive. The Compass received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for headlight performance, and mixed ratings from the NHTSA.