2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was a flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, known for its substantial size compared to the two-row QX50 and three-row QX60. It was available in two trim levels: Luxe and Limited. The QX80's exterior, refreshed in 2018, boasted a commanding presence with modern features such as LED headlights with high beam assist, adaptive front lighting, and LED taillights. The SUV offered a range of comfort and convenience features, including a power-sliding tinted moonroof, roof rails, and a choice of nine paint jobs. Inside, the cabin was upscale with soft-touch materials, though some trim pieces fell short compared to competitors. The infotainment system had been updated to a more modern display, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. It offered eight color options, though many were shades of gray, black, or white. The interior was available in black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. The CR-V's seats had a modern, angular design, and the vehicle provided a decent ride quality. While not a standout in terms of looks, the CR-V was practical and functional, with a focus on comfort and utility.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite its heavy build, the QX80's powertrain managed the load well, though the transmission was less smooth when downshifting. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD model fared slightly worse. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped maintain stability. It had a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and featured a rear auto-leveling suspension for a smoother ride.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered smooth acceleration and predictable cornering, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing decent handling and ride quality. While not the most engaging to drive, the CR-V was reliable and efficient for everyday use.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, with tighter space in the third row. It could seat seven with standard captain’s chairs in the second row, or eight with an optional bench seat. The leather-appointed seats were available in various upholsteries, and the driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The tailgate varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free options available. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower infotainment touch screen, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation as standard. It offered a 13-speaker Bose stereo, with an upgrade to a 17-speaker system available. The infotainment system was functional but not particularly modern in design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and had a moderate rollover risk according to NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, with standard safety technologies like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.