2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a good-looking crossover SUV, though its styling never sparked groundbreaking or breathtaking descriptions. It didn't garner parking lot attention or preferential valet treatment, but it maintained a pleasant and non-distracting appearance, fitting in seamlessly with its surroundings.

One of Acura's standout features was its adoption of LED headlights early on. The Jewel Eye headlights on the MDX added functionality and a touch of sophistication to the SUV's front end. With five LED elements per side arranged horizontally within the same housing as the turn signals and running lamps, these headlights flanked a trapezoidal grille prominently featuring the Acura logo, anchoring a distinctive and expressive face.

Despite being a three-row SUV, the MDX maintained a pleasantly sleek and low-slung form with chiseled details and a fast roofline. The paint and chrome were consistently flawless, showcasing Acura's meticulous attention to detail.

Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and straightforward look, avoiding the overly padded and stitched interiors proliferating in other luxury vehicles. The center stack was a highlight, featuring twin infotainment screens—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation over an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen—and three rows of buttons with a prominent command wheel at the center.

Thanks to high-quality materials and superior fit and finish, the MDX felt solid and well-built. Knobs and switches operated with authority, and the materials evoked a rewarding tactile experience.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 blended elements of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling, reflecting its lineage. The body shell, borrowed from the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and distinct rear window curve. Both SUVs sported front fender vents and adhered to a body-on-frame construction, contributing to their ruggedness.

The QX80's front end, however, was distinctively Infiniti. Introduced in the 2018 model year, the front-end styling included a recognizable grille (with dark chrome trim available) and headlight design similar to other Infiniti SUVs, lending the QX80 an assertive yet not overly flashy appearance. This helped differentiate it from its Nissan counterpart.

Equipped with standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, the QX80's headlights featured automatic high beams, windshield-wiper interlock, and an available auto-leveling feature. The base Luxe trim rode on 20-inch wheels, while Premium Select and Sensory trims sported 22-inch wheels.

Inside, Infiniti dressed up the interior with wood trim, contrast stitching, and standard leather upholstery (perforated semi-aniline leather on Sensory models). Despite these touches, the overall design heavily resembled that of the Armada. The dashboard preserved the same shape, with distinctive scalloped sections defining driver and front passenger zones. Carryovers from the Armada included the 4WD selector and various switchgear, and even the foot-operated parking brake, which was less high-end.

While the QX80's interior felt properly luxurious, discerning buyers might have found the lack of exclusivity disappointing.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a choice between two powertrains. The standard option was a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. The MDX Sport Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, collectively producing 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive.

Driving the gasoline-only model equipped with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD), the MDX displayed excellent straight-line performance with enthusiastic acceleration. The paddle shifters allowed for sequential shifting, but the transmission’s well-behaved nature meant that simply selecting the right drive mode (Comfort or Sport) delivered precise shifts when needed.

The MDX was surprisingly nimble around corners, especially with the SH-AWD system that incorporated torque-vectoring technology. This feature, which directed power to the outside wheel during cornering maneuvers, significantly improved handling and made the MDX easier to drive quickly. This system was particularly effective when accelerating from a standstill around a corner, providing seamless power distribution and eliminating any drama or tire squeal.

Additionally, the MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road bumps adeptly, offering a comfortable ride over long distances.

In comparison, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, while 4WD was available for an extra $3,100.

The naturally aspirated V8 produced 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque—falling slightly short of competitors like the V8 Cadillac Escalade and twin-turbo V6 Lincoln Navigator—but it was more than sufficient to propel the large SUV. The engine's responsiveness made highway overtaking stress-free, though the transmission shifts felt rough, like crumpled gears rather than smooth transitions.

Despite its body-on-frame construction, typically resulting in a truck-like ride, the QX80 featured front and rear independent suspension with a rear auto-leveling feature to adjust for cargo or trailer loads. Sensory models included Hydraulic Body Motion Control to limit body roll during cornering.

This setup ensured a very comfortable ride, crucial for a luxury vehicle. Some shudders were detectable over bumps, which was expected for a body-on-frame vehicle, yet they were minimal given the SUV's size and standard 20-inch wheels. The interior remained notably quiet.

However, the QX80 felt less composed in corners, even with the Hydraulic Body Motion Control. The vehicle’s threshold for uncomfortable body roll was low, and any exuberant driving could cause it to list like a torpedoed ocean liner. Sensory models' speed-sensitive power steering facilitated a relaxed driving style to counteract this, offering enough precision for confident road placement.

On the plus side, the QX80's body-on-frame construction allowed for superior towing and off-road capability. The 4WD system featured a low range, and a forward skid plate was standard, enhancing the SUV’s off-road readiness. However, the QX80’s large size and on-road-focused wheel/tire combinations limited its off-road prowess. Additionally, it lacked the advanced off-road driver aids found on the Lexus LX and Land Rover Range Rover. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped, surpassing the Cadillac Escalade but slightly trailing the Lincoln Navigator’s 8,700-pound capacity in certain configurations.

The 2020 Acura MDX served as a stylish alternative to minivans, incorporating several of their functionality-focused innovations. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, giving passengers easy access to the third row and allowing the sharing of legroom between rows. Headroom was ample across all three rows.

Cargo space was generous, starting with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third row flat created 43.4 cubic feet of space, and folding the second row (split 60/40) expanded the cargo hold to a substantial 90.9 cubic feet, with a reasonably flat load floor extending to the front seats. Additional features included a recessed cubby hole on the rear cargo wall’s left side and a covered underfloor storage area to conceal items like a briefcase or camera bag.

Up front, the MDX offered a spacious glove box, an overhead drop-down sunglass pocket, and a flexible center console with two large cupholders and a sliding armrest, providing access to a bin with USB, power, and auxiliary jacks. The bin had sufficient depth to store a tablet, small laptop, or medium-sized purse. All four door panels included water-bottle pockets and extra open storage spaces. Second-row passengers had access to a pair of cupholders on the back of the center console and front-seat back pouches, while third-row passengers enjoyed outboard armrests with storage bins and cupholders. The MDX also featured tri-zone climate control, offering individual heating/cooling options for the driver, front-seat passenger, and rear cabin positions.

In contrast, the three-row 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs with a center console. It also offered an eight-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat.

The QX80's standard features included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an eight-way front passenger's seat, both with two-way lumbar support and heating/cooling on Sensory models. However, the bottom cushions of both front seats were lacking in thigh support, potentially causing discomfort on longer trips. Additionally, a driver’s memory system for the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel was standard, along with a pair of USB ports and a 12-volt outlet on the center stack.

Passenger space was competitive but not class-leading. Larger rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offered more room, but most occupants wouldn't feel cramped in the QX80. Even the third row had adequate space for adults. Models with second-row captain’s chairs included a large console between the seats, offering substantial storage, climate controls, and USB ports on the back of the front-row console. Unfortunately, third-row passengers lacked charging ports.

Cargo space in the QX80 measured 16.6 cubic feet with all three rows up, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third row and second-row captain’s chairs folded. Although this trailed the segment-leading Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, it remained competitive. The power liftgate and power 60/40-split-folding third row in our test car facilitated easy transitions between passenger and cargo configurations.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a simplified approach to trim levels with technology-packed packages. The base MDX came well-equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging and email capability, a CD/MP3 and WMA-compatible compact disc player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. However, it lacked cutting-edge tech extras.

The $5,000 Technology Package added rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation with Acura Real-Time Traffic and Traffic Rerouting, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium 10-speaker audio system. The $6,750 Advance Package built upon the Technology Package, adding an Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, power front lumbar support, heated rear outboard seats, a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and two third-row USB charge ports.

An optional $2,000 Entertainment Package could be added to the Technology or Advance Packages, providing a DVD rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet, two pairs of wireless headphones, and different screen sizes: a 16.2-inch Ultra-Wide Full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility and two additional speakers for the Advance Package, and a 9.0-inch Full VGA screen with one extra speaker for the Technology Package.

Conversely, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 boasted the standard Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system were also standard. Optional features included a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch monitors, wireless headphones, auxiliary jacks, and 120-volt outlets.

However, the QX80's interface proved challenging. The touchscreens, backed by an array of analog controls—center console dial, center stack buttons, and steering wheel controls—were neither intuitive nor user-friendly. It took considerable trial and error to understand the control effects. The screens were small and inconveniently positioned far from the driver, complicating usability.

Despite these interface flaws, Infiniti included helpful tech, such as the standard Smart Rearview Mirror, which could switch from a traditional mirror to a streaming video display, eliminating blind spots caused by rear pillars or passengers’ heads. For 2021, the mirror was larger at 9.6 inches wide (up from 8.7 inches) and canceled out LED flicker from other vehicles’ headlights. The Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system was also available, offering individual front and rear views and an overhead view.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of passive and active safety features and advanced driver assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Additional safety equipment comprised a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines (upgraded to a surround-view camera with the Advance Package), front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, a driver’s knee airbag, stability control with traction control and motion-adaptive steering, Trailer Stability Assist on all-wheel-drive models, tire pressure monitoring with location and pressure indicators, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system with electronic immobilizer.

Acura developed the Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, designed to absorb crash impact and transfer energy away from occupants. The IIHS awarded the MDX "good" ratings in all crash-test categories, "acceptable" for headlights, "superior" for front crash prevention, and "acceptable" for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA gave the MDX a five-star overall safety rating.

In contrast, the 2021 Infiniti QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS hadn’t tested the QX80, which was common for high-end, low-volume vehicles.

Standard safety features in the QX80 included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention. These features were standard, aligning with most mainstream SUVs, but provided a commendable safety package.