2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

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 lagged behind competitors. The infotainment system had been updated to a sleeker design, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with a styling theme dating back a decade, received minor updates for the new model year. It featured a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The Odyssey was available in five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The Elite trim, tested in Lunar Silver Metallic, included perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting for an upscale feel. The Odyssey's interior was enhanced with new seating materials and tri-color floor mats. The minivan's design updates, including new wheel designs, aimed to modernize its appearance while maintaining its reputation as a practical family vehicle.

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 weight, the QX80's powertrain managed the load well, though the transmission was less smooth when downshifting. Fuel efficiency was a drawback, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The 4WD version fared slightly worse. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its off-road capabilities were notable. Steering was light at low speeds but required constant attention on the highway. The SUV's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and rear auto-leveling suspension contributed to a smooth ride and stable towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an average of 21.8 mpg in testing. While AWD was unavailable, the Odyssey's FWD setup was complemented by a new electronic brake booster for improved brake feel. The minivan's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use. The Odyssey's handling was further enhanced by 19-inch wheels on Touring and Elite trims.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, with tighter third-row seating best suited for children. Standard seating for seven included captain’s chairs in the second row, with an optional 60/40 split-folding bench. The leather-appointed seats were available in various upholsteries, and the driver’s seat featured a 10-way power adjustment. The QX80 provided ample cargo space, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage. The driver’s seat, adjustable in 12 ways, was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome. The Odyssey's interior was practical, with ample storage and thoughtful features like grocery bag hooks.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower infotainment touch screen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Optional upgrades included a rear-seat entertainment system and a 17-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked modern design elements.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The Odyssey's technology suite was extensive, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, despite being an older model, offered a solid array of safety features. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and moderate ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing across all trims. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The minivan earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS Top Safety Pick status.