2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a flagship appearance with a restyled front end that mirrored other Infiniti models like the QX50 and Q60. Its elegant nose, featuring slim, slanted LED headlights and a curved rectangular grille, contrasted with the boxy profile starting behind the windshield. The rear-quarter glass and LED taillights connected by a thin chrome strip helped break up the body’s chunkiness. The QX80’s imposing presence was further emphasized by standard 20-inch wheels, tall side mirrors, and a towering roof. However, the turn signals on the rear bumper were a letdown, using cheap incandescent bulbs instead of being integrated into the taillight clusters.

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, with microsuede on the roof and light gray ash wood completing the look. Despite the high-quality materials and assembly, the doors were thin-sounding and poorly insulated, leaking cold air in freezing conditions.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased the pinnacle of Volvo design, proving that a big and tall SUV could be as beautiful as a low-slung sedan. The R-Design trim featured a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, an aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, giving the XC90 a distinctive look. The subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized width and stability, a design cue from the 1999 S80 sedan. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior.

The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats on Inscription models, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim on the R-Design. The seats were sculpted and supportive, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats, available as a bench or captain's chairs, were almost as comfortable as the front. The cabin featured rich leather, padded materials for quality and safety, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and a twist-action ignition knob. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, with its 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 producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, the QX80 handled heavy loads with ease. The 7-speed automatic transmission, quick to shift and capable of rev-matching downshifts, contributed to the QX80's performance. The steering was light yet stable, making the QX80 easy to maneuver.

The QX80 offered rear-wheel drive as standard on the Luxe trim, with selectable 4-wheel drive 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. 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. 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 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6, with an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these numbers, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The T8 plug-in hybrid, with an 11.6-kWh battery, offered up to 18 gas-free miles and a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. However, the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90 remained more comfortable than sporty. The Four-C adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the steering lacked precision, and the body exhibited significant roll and dive.

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 to tip forward for easier 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 featured wide central armrests, ample storage space, and standard 3-zone climate control. However, the heating system was slow to warm up, and the Limited trim included heated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, with all climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Physical buttons were limited to defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The Sensus system was well-organized, but some safety features were buried in menus. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. Six-seat configurations were available on T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's dash featured large knobs and well-marked buttons, with a 4-axis rotary knob controlling the main touchscreen. However, the screen and controls were slow to respond in cold weather. The instrument panel's monochrome display was outdated and nearly illegible, lacking modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a head-up display, and massaging seats. The 15-speaker Bose stereo was adequate, and the rear-view mirror offered a live camera-feed overlay. The rear entertainment system accepted USB and HDMI inputs, but overall, the QX80's technology was lacking for its price.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering exceptional sound quality. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, with high-resolution maps and clear displays. Onboard apps were slow to load, but the system offered features like location sharing and media apps. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the digital screen and show individual tire pressures in the TPMS sensors.

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. The QX80 scored poorly in frontal crash tests by the NHTSA, with 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 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of boron steel roofs, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system. Volvo's history and dedication to safety were unmatched, making the XC90 one of the safest vehicles on the market.