2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Lexus NX

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 2020, 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 welcome lights, power-folding, auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and adaptive front lighting. The SUV also featured automatic on/off LED headlights with high beam assist, body-color running boards, a power-sliding tinted moonroof, and roof rails. Buyers could choose from nine paint jobs and three interior color schemes, with the Limited-grade models receiving premium materials like matte silver and open-pore Ash wood trim. Despite the upscale cabin filled with soft-touch materials, some trim pieces lagged behind competitors in quality, and the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2021 Lexus NX, offered in three versions—NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and NX 300h hybrid—retained a familiar appearance with sharp design lines similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the NX F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The interior's material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster familiar to Lexus drivers, though it appeared outdated compared to newer digital displays. The center stack, featuring a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, was functional but lacked open small-item storage space.

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. Despite its heavy build, the QX80's powertrain managed the load well, though the transmission 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 achieved slightly lower figures. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its steering systems varied by trim, with the Limited model featuring vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assist steering. The SUV's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and standard rear auto-leveling suspension contributed to a relatively smooth ride and an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures. The NX F Sport featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—affecting throttle response and power-steering assist. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush, spacious seating in the first two rows, with tighter third-row seating best suited for small 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 perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery, with Alcantara seats as an option. The driver’s seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the passenger’s seat was eight-way power-adjustable, both with lumbar support. Heated and climate-controlled front seats were standard, with heated outboard second-row seats available. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled, comfortable interior with ample room for adults in the front and second rows. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX provided 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came standard with an 8-inch upper infotainment touch screen and a 7.0-inch lower touch screen, allowing for simultaneous navigation and audio system display. 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. Optional upgrades included two 8.0-inch rear-seat displays, a WiFi hot spot, and a 17-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system was functional but not particularly modern in design.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package, which included predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the system added HomeLink to its Navigation package, enabling Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. Optional features included a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app and Enform Services Connect were also available.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features such as 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 QX80 received "good" scores in moderate overlap front and side crash tests from the IIHS and better side crashworthiness ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.