2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was a flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, known for its substantial size compared to the smaller QX50 and QX60 models. 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 moonroof, roof rails, and a choice of nine paint colors. 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 design, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 featured traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well with Volvo's lineup thanks to design elements like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge, an electric variant, was distinguished by a blanked-off grille and model-specific wheels. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 offered a minimalist interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with elements like a portrait-oriented touchscreen blending seamlessly. While the XC40 was not the most spacious in its segment, it compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins.

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 weak point, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, while the 4WD model dropped to 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its steering systems varied by trim. The SUV's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and rear auto-leveling suspension contributed to a smooth ride and an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. Gasoline models featured a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 hp and the T5 delivering 248 hp. The Recharge boasted 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque from its dual electric motors, powered by a 78-kWh battery. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort over performance, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge offered one-pedal driving and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 provided plush seating in the first two rows, though the third row was cramped. It offered seating for seven with standard captain’s chairs, and buyers could opt for a second-row bench. The leather-appointed seats were available in various upholsteries, and the front seats were power-adjustable with lumbar support. The QX80 had a straightforward infotainment system and ample cargo space, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not the most spacious, offered clever storage solutions. The center console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox had a built-in bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for large door bins. The storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, and a wireless charging pad was optional. The XC40's interior space was more competitive against rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, though it lagged behind the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E in terms of legroom and cargo space.

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, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Buyers could upgrade to a rear-seat entertainment system and a 17-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly modern in design.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, with Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps integrated. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge was the first XC40 to offer OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The model also lacked a start button, starting automatically when the driver shifted out of park.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, while lacking some modern driver-assist features, offered a solid roster of safety technology. Standard features 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 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for gasoline models. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for more advanced driver aids.