2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, offering a substantial size compared to its smaller siblings, the QX50 and QX60. Available in two trims, Luxe and Limited, the QX80 boasted a refreshed exterior from 2018, featuring modern touches like LED lighting, adaptive front lighting, and power-folding mirrors. Its upscale cabin was filled with soft-touch materials, though some trim pieces lagged behind competitors. The infotainment system had been updated to a more modern display, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints. The QX80 Edition 30 model showcased these features, emphasizing comfort and convenience with its spacious interior and luxurious materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. While the base trim had a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims featured a bright 11.6-inch portrait display. The interior quality had improved significantly, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT added a unique touch with its StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. The Outback's exterior was practical, with high gray cladding and smooth styling, maintaining its identity as a lifted wagon. The addition of adaptive LED headlights and a new paint option for 2021 highlighted its subtle updates.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, it provided a smooth ride, though downshifting could be clunky. The QX80's fuel efficiency was a drawback, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, while the 4WD version fared slightly worse. Despite its size, the QX80 was capable off-road, with drive modes for various terrains and a Hydraulic Body Motion Control system for stability. It offered a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing power and capability.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, but struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT trims provided a significant boost, with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, improving acceleration and overall driving experience. The Outback's fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT managed 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Its handling was designed for comfort, with excellent ground clearance and Subaru's renowned AWD system enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, though the third row was cramped, suitable for children or pets. It accommodated seven passengers with standard captain’s chairs, and a bench seat was optional. The interior featured leather-appointed seats with available semi-aniline leather and Alcantara options. The driver enjoyed a 10-way power-adjustable seat, while the passenger had an eight-way adjustable seat. 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 added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. Its design ensured a wide, flat cargo area without obstructions. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility due to thin pillars and extensive glass. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The standout feature was the integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering practicality and ease of use.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower infotainment touch screen, allowing for split functionality. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Optional upgrades included a rear-seat entertainment system and a WiFi hotspot. While the system was functional, it lacked modern design elements, though it was responsive enough for everyday use.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its effectiveness in certain conditions, but it still offered valuable semi-automated control.

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 like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control enhanced safety. The QX80 received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and had a moderate rollover risk according to NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a stronger chassis and additional airbags, with driver assists available on higher trims. It earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, with top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.