2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a commanding presence with its elegant front end, which was restyled in 2018 to align with other Infiniti models like the QX50 and Q60. The QX80's design featured slim, slanted LED headlights and a curved rectangular grille with a classic crosshatch pattern. The hood and front bumper had sensuous curves that contrasted with the upright, boxy profile starting behind the windshield. The rear-quarter glass and similarly shaped LED taillights, connected by a thin chrome strip, helped break up the body’s chunkiness. Standard 20-inch wheels, tall side mirrors, and a towering roof emphasized its big-rig persona. However, the turn signals on the rear bumper were cheap incandescent bulbs, which seemed out of place.

The Limited trim, new for 2019, added two-tone 22-inch rims, unique grey metallic paint, stainless steel running boards, and a special black-and-white interior. This trim featured black and white leather surfaces, microsuede inserts, and wavy stitching on the seats. The interior was covered in soft, padded leather, including the steering wheel, doors, dash, center stack, floor-mat edges, and grab handles. The roof was covered in microsuede, and the interior was finished with white and black contrast stitching, white piping, and light gray ash wood. Despite the high-quality materials, the doors were thin-sounding and poorly insulated, leaking cold air in freezing conditions.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission combination and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. The Rogue's design remained attractive despite its age, featuring a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL trim's 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its appeal.

Inside, the Rogue's age was more apparent. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms were outdated compared to modern wide, horizontal, angular motifs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, built on a body-on-frame chassis, boasted an impressive 8,500-pound tow rating, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes GLS, BMW X7, and Lexus LX 570. Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, the QX80 handled heavy loads effortlessly. The 7-speed automatic transmission, without a Sport mode or steering-wheel paddles, shifted quickly and could rev-match downshifts like a sports car. The steering was light yet stable, making the QX80 easy to maneuver.

The QX80 offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard on the Luxe trim, with selectable 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional on the Luxe and standard on the Limited. The 4WD system could automatically route power or lock the split 50/50 in High or Low range, with Snow and Tow modes for specific conditions. While not matching the off-road capabilities of an LX 570 or Range Rover, the QX80's fully independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control provided a controlled ride. However, the QX80's high center of gravity and three-ton weight were always noticeable, and the ride could be rough on uneven surfaces. Fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg over 580 miles, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city, 19 highway, and 15 combined for the 4WD model.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the powertrain was adequate for the Rogue's 3,671-pound weight, it struggled during acceleration, passing, and climbing. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue's response was often more noise than action. The EPA rated the FWD Rogue at 29 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and smoothed out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL's 19-inch wheels and tires did not make it fun to drive. The electrically assisted steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a chore to drive.

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 captain’s chairs were luxurious and comfortable, with an option for power-tipping to ease third-row access. 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. Standard 3-zone climate control and ceiling vents ensured a steady breeze, but the heating system was slow to warm up. The Limited trim included heated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, though featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, were comfortable with high cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the view, and rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports kept passengers happy. The Rogue offered 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, with underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's dashboard was user-friendly, with large knobs and well-marked buttons. However, the touchscreen and controls were slow to respond in cold weather. The QX80's technology was outdated, with a low-resolution monochrome display on the instrument panel and a poorly rendered navigation system. Missing features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a head-up display, panoramic moonroof, and massaging seats. 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 lacked expected tech features for its price.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. NissanConnect Services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response and subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

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

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with 3-star protection for the driver in frontal impacts. The IIHS rated the Rogue poorly for headlights and front-passenger protection, preventing a Top Safety Pick designation.