2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design overhaul to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. Originally rumored to be a Fiat design, the Cherokee's previous generation had a unique look that didn't resonate with everyone. The 2019 model introduced a more conventional front-end design, replacing the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the vehicle also saw changes, with the license plate moved to the center of the rear hatch, giving it a more modern appearance. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin layout, offering a sensible and logical control setup reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments and a user-friendly infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti's lineup, boasted a commanding presence with its refreshed exterior design. The QX80 featured modern details such as LED lighting, power-folding mirrors, and adaptive front lighting. Despite its upscale cabin filled with soft-touch materials, some trim pieces didn't quite match the luxury standards of its competitors. The QX80's infotainment system was updated to a sleeker design, though it still prominently featured piano-black plastic. The SUV offered a spacious interior with plush seating in the first two rows, but the third row was less accommodating, making it more suitable for children. The QX80 provided ample cargo space, surpassing many large luxury SUVs, and came with a standard power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engine options, including a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine, available across the lineup except for the base Latitude, provided solid acceleration but was noted for its noise. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine delivered 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.2-liter V6, standard on higher trims, offered 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission was standard, with various 4-wheel-drive systems available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly the Trailhawk trim, which featured enhanced suspension and crawl control systems. Towing capacity reached up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine, and fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the QX80 delivered a smooth ride, its fuel efficiency was a drawback, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, and the 4WD model slightly lower. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped maintain stability on curvy roads. The SUV's towing capacity was impressive at 8,500 pounds, and it featured a standard rear auto-leveling suspension for a comfortable ride. However, steering at higher speeds required constant attention, and the transmission was noted for being clunky when downshifting.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior was designed for functionality, with a control layout that allowed for easy access without distraction. Storage solutions were abundant, including deep door pockets and a spacious center console. The Cherokee offered a hands-free power liftgate, though its cargo space was limited, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with them folded. These figures were below average for the compact crossover class.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 provided plush seating in the first two rows, with the third row being less spacious. The SUV accommodated seven passengers with standard captain's chairs in the second row, and a bench seat was available. The QX80 featured leather-appointed seats with options for semi-aniline leather and Alcantara upholstery. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the passenger's seat was eight-way adjustable, both with lumbar support. The QX80 excelled in cargo space, offering 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, enhancing convenience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came equipped with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen as standard, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics and improved responsiveness. The infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, customizable screens, and intuitive menu layout.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured an 8-inch upper and a 7-inch lower infotainment touchscreen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Buyers could upgrade to a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked modern design elements, though it was responsive and easy to use.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway control. Optional packages added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, while lacking some of the latest driver-assist features, provided a solid array of standard safety technologies. These included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and had a moderate rollover risk according to NHTSA.