2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, stood significantly taller and broader than its siblings, the two-row QX50 and the three-row QX60. For that year, Infiniti offered the QX80 in two distinct trim levels—Luxe and Limited.

The QX80 had its exterior refreshed back in 2018, resulting in a more formidable presence. The modernized elements included welcome lights, power-folding, auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors integrated with LED turn signals, courtesy lights, and a reverse tilt-down feature. It also featured LED fog lights, headlight washers, adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling functionality, and LED taillights. The road ahead was illuminated by automatic on/off LED headlights with high beam assist.

To amplify comfort and convenience, the QX80 boasted body-color running boards with integrated splash guards, a power-sliding tinted moonroof with one-touch open/close, a skid plate, rear privacy glass, roof rails, and stainless steel running board caps.

Buyers had a choice of nine exterior paint jobs, with only a few exclusive to the top-tier model. For the interior, there were three color schemes: Wheat, Graphite, and Saddle Brown. The Limited-grade model featured matte silver and open-pore Ash wood trim.

Recent renovations elevated the cabin materials, although some trim pieces still lagged behind competitors. The overall fit and finish were commendable, and Infiniti revamped its infotainment system, adopting a sleeker, more modern display and surround.

Despite the cabin's plush, soft-touch materials and general attractiveness, the center stack's piano-black plastic prominently showcased fingerprints.

Our tester was the 2020 Infiniti QX80 Edition 30.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a substantial facelift, aligning its aesthetics closer to Nissan's signature exterior design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the Armada included the popular Midnight Edition Package, exclusive to the SL trim. During our test, we explored the Armada in its top-tier Platinum trim level in prototype form.

The redesigned exterior flaunted a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, making the SUV appear more modern yet retaining its traditional, robust styling. Body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield with front side windows were standard features. LED low-beam/high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, and power-adjustable/folding side mirrors with available LED fog lights and a power sliding moonroof further enhanced its look.

Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires. Upper trims featured a full-size spare tire, a rarity in recent models.

The Armada sported Nissan's new logo prominently on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps—a design touch that spread to other models like the 2022 Pathfinder and Frontier.

Significant design changes mostly affected the SUV from the A-pillar forward. Despite a largely new rear, the Armada retained an underbite prone to accumulating dirt, which aged the model amidst redesigned competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

Buyers could opt for the Armada Midnight Edition Package, adding black accents such as exterior logos, painted mirrors, roof rails, LED lamp finishers, the grille, and skid plates. For 2021, Nissan included a new color option, Coulis Red Pearl, alongside existing ones like Hermosa Blue Pearl and Mocha Almond Pearl, among others.

The interior of the Armada saw upgraded connectivity and infotainment but remained dated. While material options like Prima-Tex, leather, and quilted leather improved comfort, design choices like ruched door panels and hard plastic inlays detracted from its aesthetic appeal.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 and 2021 Nissan Armada shared Infiniti’s robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium unleaded fuel. Both models featured a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode.

The QX80's powertrain showed its capability despite the SUV’s heavy build. It delivered a measured acceleration to full speed, with the transmission performing relatively smoothly, albeit noted for clunky downshifting compared to the advanced 10-speed automatics in GM and Ford vehicles. However, the QX80 faltered significantly in fuel efficiency. The RWD version managed 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined, while the 4WD variant saw reductions to 13 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined—making it one of the least fuel-efficient models in its class. Buyers had the option to choose between RWD and 4WD for the Luxe trim, with the Limited trim coming standard with 4WD.

On terrain, the QX80 displayed its prowess, handling sand, mud, slippery climbs, and dirt trails effortlessly with suitable tires and experienced drivers. It offered Normal, Snow, and Mud driving modes, enhancing its adaptability. Two steering systems were available: engine-speed-sensitive power-assist on the Luxe trim and vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assist on the Limited, with the Luxe having the latter as an upgrade.

While manageable at low speeds and off-roading, the QX80 struggled at higher speeds, demanding constant attention to avoid wheel wandering on highways. The optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, paired with 4WD, improved stability on turns and curvy roads. Standard features included 20-inch wheels, with an option for 22-inch wheels.

A standard rear auto-leveling suspension offered a smoother ride by absorbing road imperfections and keeping the vehicle stable, especially when towing. Speaking of which, the QX80 had a seven-pin trailer harness plug with a connector and an impressive towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Nissan Armada equipped the same Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Like the QX80, the engine churned out 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel but recommended regular unleaded, likely reducing performance.

Standard with RWD and offering automatic 4WD, the Armada could weigh over 6,000 pounds, yet proved to be a competent off-roader. A front skid plate protected the radiator, while double-wishbone front and rear suspension, Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers, and ground clearance of approximately 9 inches (variable by trim) contributed to its rugged nature. The SUV's angles of approach, departure, and breakover were competitive at 21.0 inches, 22.4 inches, and 20.7 inches, respectively.

Fuel economy mirrored the QX80's performance, with RWD versions getting 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined, and 4WD models seeing a slight drop to 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg combined.

Driving the Armada felt like maneuvering a large vehicle, but improvements in handling were noticeable, making highway driving less of a chore. The turning radius was expected for an SUV of its size, and parking, aided by forward sensors, would benefit further from a forward-facing camera.

The Armada featured a seven-pin trailer harness plug, with standard trailer sway control on SL and Platinum, and an optional Trailer Brake Controller available from the SV trim onward. Like the QX80, it had an 8,500-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 provided plush, spacious seating in the first two rows, but the third row, with limited legroom, was better suited for children or pets. The standard seven-seat configuration featured second-row captain’s chairs, with an option for a 60/40 split-folding bench.

The QX80’s leather-appointed seats, available in perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery, offered comfort on hot days, with Alcantara seats also available. Both seats were power-adjustable—10-way for the driver and 8-way for the passenger—each with two-way power lumbar support. Standard features included heated and climate-controlled front seats, with heated outboard second-row seats available.

A heated, leather-wrapped, tilting, and telescoping steering wheel was standard, along with a dual-occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel linked to individual Intelligent Keys. Entry and exit seating assist made access convenient.

For comfort, flip-up easy-entry second-row captain’s chairs improved access to the third row. The QX80’s interior design featured straightforward controls and an easy-to-use infotainment system. However, despite its functionality, the steering wheel design appeared outdated compared to other SUVs.

Cargo space in the QX80 was generous, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 95.1 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. A power liftgate came standard.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada catered to family practicality with broad dimensions and required a hop to get in and out, aided by standard running boards and in-cabin handles. The dashboard showcased a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, but the layout placed the seek/tune knob far from the driver, mirroring the front passenger’s climate control dial placement.

Comfort was paramount for first- and second-row occupants, with the front seats offering 10-way power adjustability for the driver and six-way for the passenger, both with lumbar support. Second-row captain’s seats were available on SL and Platinum trims, reducing the seating capacity to seven.

While first and second-row occupants enjoyed notable comfort, the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults due to restricted legroom. Cargo space included 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Despite these figures being suitable for most needs, they remained below average compared to competitors like GM’s large SUVs, which had increased cargo space.

A power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats were optional. However, the high load floor posed a challenge for loading and for petite adults to manage the liftgate height. Small-item storage was limited, with cupholders often doubling as smartphone holders due to the lack of other convenient spots. The center console storage bin was the exception, providing ample space for larger items.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came standard with an 8-inch upper infotainment touchscreen paired with a 7-inch lower touchscreen, effectively splitting functionality between navigation and audio system information.

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 (two up front and two for rear passengers). Optional upgrades offered two 8-inch rear-seat displays, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium 13-speaker Bose stereo system, with a 17-speaker Bose system available.

SiriusXM services like Travel Link and Traffic were also available, offering real-time traffic, weather, and fuel price information with a complimentary four-year trial. Although the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked a modern design and responsiveness.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, benefiting from its facelift, featured a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with excellent responsiveness. The large display enhanced the clarity of camera system views.

Standard features included navigation, a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry with push-button start, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Optional features included a wireless device charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera mirror, and a seatback second-row entertainment system.

The rearview camera mirror provided an advanced look through a rearview camera with a simple lever switch to enable functionality. Although the analog tachometer and speedometer were traditional, the steering wheel, while functional, lacked the sleek design found in other SUVs, even within Nissan’s own lineup.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, despite being an older model, offered a credible suite of standard and available safety features.

Standard safety included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and automatic collision notification. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, distance-control assist, and lane-keep assist were optional.

Although the IIHS hadn’t fully rated the QX80’s crashworthiness, it earned "good" scores in the moderate overlap front and side crash tests. The NHTSA rated it better for side crashes than front, with a moderate rollover risk during a crash.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, awaiting comprehensive ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, had received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA due to its 23.7-percent calculated rollover risk.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 came standard in every Armada, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. While the lane departure warning could be overly sensitive, the automatic high beams often responded too slowly.

Additional standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. Buyers could opt for a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system. Advanced driving assists like Nissan ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise were unavailable.