2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 stood out with its distinctive styling, borrowing elements from its larger sibling, the XC90. This gave it an upright appearance, contrasting with the more hatchback-like designs of competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and BMW X2. The SUV-based design provided an upright driving position and ample head- and legroom. The XC40 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The Momentum trim, despite being the base model, was well-equipped with features like 18-inch wheels, LED signature headlights, and a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display. The R-Design added sporty elements, while the Inscription trim featured luxurious touches like a panoramic sunroof and driftwood door inlays.

In contrast, the 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a flagship appearance with a restyled front end that mirrored the QX50 and Q60. The QX80's nose was more elegant than its Nissan Armada counterpart, featuring slim LED headlights and a curved rectangular grille. The boxy profile was offset by sensuous curves on the hood and front bumper. The Limited trim, tested in 2019, introduced two-tone 22-inch rims, stainless steel running boards, and a luxurious black-and-white interior with leather surfaces and microsuede inserts. However, the doors were thin-sounding and poorly insulated, leaking cold air in freezing conditions.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission with a unique shifter design. Despite the shifter's confusing operation, the XC40 delivered brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive handling. The suspension balanced comfort and responsiveness, with minimal body roll in turns. Drive modes included Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-Road, and Individual, with Dynamic mode enhancing performance. Fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined, though observed fuel economy was 21 mpg.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, with its body-on-frame chassis, boasted an impressive 8,500-pound tow rating. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine produced 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 offered selectable 4-wheel drive with High and Low range options. Its fully independent suspension, equipped with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, provided a controlled ride, though the vehicle's size and weight were always apparent. Fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city, 19 highway, and 15 combined for the 4WD model.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 made excellent use of its space, offering ample front-seat head- and legroom. The center console featured a removable trash bin and a wireless charging pad. The backseat provided surprising legroom and smart storage trays. The hands-free power liftgate worked efficiently, revealing a decent-size load floor with additional storage below. The rear seats could be easily dropped to provide 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space, second only to the BMW X1 among subcompact SUVs.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered standard seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, or an optional second-row bench for eight passengers. The captain’s chairs were luxurious and could tip forward for easier third-row access. With all seats flat, the QX80 provided 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior featured wide armrests, ample storage, and standard 3-zone climate control. However, it lacked a cooled drink bin and 4-zone climate control, and the heating system was slow to warm up.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 featured a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, housing most vehicle controls. The Sensus system was user-friendly, with a home screen and large font bands for easy navigation. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly, and the available Multimedia Package added a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, some functions, like heated seats, required multiple steps to access.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's dash was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons. However, the technology was outdated, with a low-resolution monochrome display on the instrument panel. The navigation system was poorly rendered, and the vehicle lacked Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a head-up display, and other modern features. The 15-speaker Bose stereo was only adequate. The rear-view mirror with a live camera-feed overlay was a notable feature, but overall, the QX80's tech offerings were lacking.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, whiplash protection, road-sign information updates, and a rear-collision warning system. The City Safe automatic braking system could detect cars, pedestrians, and large animals. The optional Vision Package added blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alert, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. However, the XC40's large C-pillars created significant blind spots, and the shifter design posed safety concerns.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 included standard forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, with optional 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 out of 5 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, and its older body structure was not as strong as it should be.