2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, was significantly larger than its siblings, the two-row QX50 and three-row QX60. For the 2020 model year, it was available in two trim levels: Luxe and Limited. The exterior, refreshed in 2018, boasted a commanding presence with modern features such as welcome lights, power-folding, auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling functionality. The QX80 also featured automatic on/off LED headlights with high beam assist, body-color running boards, a power-sliding tinted moonroof, and roof rails. Buyers had a choice of nine paint jobs and three interior color schemes, with the Limited-grade models receiving matte silver and open-pore Ash wood trim. Despite the upscale cabin filled with soft-touch materials, some trim pieces didn’t match the quality found in other SUVs in its class, and the piano-black plastic center stack was prone to fingerprints.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces. Material selection was high-quality, with real wood, real metal, and honed surfaces, providing a pleasing unity of design.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It required premium unleaded fuel and delivered a measured roll to full speed, though it was evident that the QX80 was a heavy SUV. The transmission shifted relatively smoothly but was clunky when downshifting. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the RWD model getting 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined, while the 4WD model got 13 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined. The QX80 Luxe offered both rear- and four-wheel drivetrains, while the Limited came standard with 4WD. It featured Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes and had two different steering systems. The QX80’s light wheel feel made low-speed navigation easy, but high-speed steering required constant attention. The optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and standard rear auto-leveling suspension provided a relatively smooth ride and an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. The PHEV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieved 65 MPGe combined, with a gasoline-only rating of 27 mpg combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered modes for driving on battery power only, reserving battery power, or hybrid mode. It featured speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension with five-link setups front and rear. Handling was good, with minimal body roll and powerful, predictable braking.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush, spacious seating in the first two rows, but the third row had limited legroom, making it suitable for small children or pets. It provided seating for seven with standard captain’s chairs in the second row, and a 60/40 split-folding bench was available. The leather-appointed seats came in perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery, with Alcantara seats available. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable with two-way power lumbar support, and the passenger’s seat was eight-way power-adjustable. Heated and climate-controlled front seats were standard, with heated outboard second-row seats available. The QX80 had a heated, leather-wrapped, tilting, and telescoping steering wheel, a dual-occupant memory system, and entry and exit seating assist. Cargo space was generous, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably and a third for shorter rides. The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The front row featured cupholders, cubbies, and a small storage bin in the center-console armrest. The interior design was uncluttered, with everything functioning well and laid out smartly.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper infotainment touch screen and a 7.0-inch lower touch screen, allowing for navigation and audio system information to be displayed simultaneously. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry, remote start, tri-zone climate control, a moonroof, a CD player, a 12-volt outlet, and four USB ports. Upgrades included two 8.0-inch displays, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a WiFi hot spot. A 13-speaker Bose stereo was standard, with a 17-inch Bose system available. SiriusXM services, including Travel Link and Traffic, were available with a four-year trial period. The infotainment system was easy to use but not particularly modern in design.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a new center-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three views and elevated the cabin’s tech level. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 had a good roster of standard and available safety features, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and automatic collision notification. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, distance-control assist, and lane-keep assist. The IIHS gave it "good" scores in moderate overlap front and side crash tests, while the NHTSA rated it better for side crashworthiness than front and noted a moderate rollover risk.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in all categories except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Available features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.