2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The cabin design prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before luxury. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, was substantially larger than the QX50 and QX60. It was available in Luxe and Limited trims, with a refreshed exterior featuring modern details like LED headlights, adaptive front lighting, and a power-sliding moonroof. The QX80 offered nine paint jobs and three interior color schemes, with Limited models getting premium materials like open-pore Ash wood trim. The cabin was upscale with soft-touch materials, though some trim pieces lagged behind competitors. The infotainment system was updated to a sleeker display, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2019 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride with a low center of gravity but lacked adequate torque for strong acceleration. The Forester came standard with symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over performance. Subaru's SI-Drive system allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. The Forester also featured X-Mode terrain management for various driving conditions. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The QX80's powertrain handled its heavy load well, though the transmission was clunky when downshifting. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city, 20 highway, and 16 combined, while the 4WD model got 13 mpg city, 19 highway, and 15 combined. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped maintain stability. The SUV had a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim, with other trims providing 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance were beneficial for off-road conditions and ease of entry for older buyers. The cabin was designed with numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, providing a functional and comfortable driving experience. The tall greenhouse and excellent rearward visibility were standout features.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 provided plush, spacious seating in the first two rows, but the third row had limited legroom, making it suitable for small children or pets. Standard seating for seven included captain’s chairs in the second row, with an optional 60/40 split-folding bench. The leather-appointed seats were available in perforated semi-aniline leather or Alcantara with quilting. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the passenger’s seat was eight-way power-adjustable, both with lumbar support. The QX80 offered 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded, and a power liftgate was standard.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight suite included Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved at a stoplight. This feature, along with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower infotainment touch screen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry, remote start, tri-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Optional upgrades included a rear-seat entertainment system, WiFi hot spot, and a 17-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system was functional but not particularly modern in design.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags and a reversing camera, making the Forester a very safe vehicle with excellent visibility.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The QX80 received "good" scores in moderate overlap front and side crash tests from the IIHS and had a moderate risk of rollover according to the NHTSA.