2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling, with curvy and car-like lines, bore a family resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. This reminded drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements. While the body shell carried over from the Armada, the QX80's front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, giving it an assertive yet not overly flashy look. The QX80 featured standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with additional features like automatic high beams and an auto-leveling option. The interior, though luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, still bore a resemblance to the Armada, with some switchgear and the dashboard shape carried over. Despite this, the QX80 maintained a properly luxurious feel, though it might not satisfy those seeking exclusivity.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CR-V feeling quick, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, offering excellent handling and a firm yet comfortable ride. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its nimble handling and impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 miles per gallon combined and AWD models managing 29 mpg.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, 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. While the engine was responsive, the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, provided a comfortable ride, though it felt less composed in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain with low range. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The CR-V's cargo compartment matched the Volkswagen Tiguan in volume, offering 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's smart storage solutions included a deep center console and a two-position load floor in the rear, making it easy to live with and accommodating for various storage needs.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row configuration, with standard seven-seat and optional eight-seat configurations. While passenger space was competitive, it wasn't class-leading, with the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offering more space. The QX80's cargo space, at 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, trailed behind its competitors. The interior featured a power liftgate and power 60/40-split-folding third row, enhancing its practicality. However, some storage solutions, like the front-door cupholders and center console, were less than ideal.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. Despite these shortcomings, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger for added convenience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker system and a Theater Package for rear-seat entertainment. However, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The QX80 also included helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and ease of use.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with the "Honda Sensing" system as standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for trims below Touring due to headlight performance. A safety recall for a possible rear subframe failure affected a limited number of vehicles.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While these features were common in mainstream SUVs, Infiniti made them standard, enhancing the QX80's safety profile.