2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, offering a balanced aesthetic. The Velar featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The front end was rounded, and the rear tapered slightly, maintaining its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs for better off-road capability. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel, though it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as Infiniti's flagship SUV, was significantly larger than its siblings, the QX50 and QX60. It had a commanding presence, thanks to a 2018 refresh that introduced modern features like LED lighting and adaptive front lighting. The QX80 offered a range of comfort and convenience features, including power-folding mirrors, a moonroof, and roof rails. Buyers could choose from nine paint options and three interior color schemes, with the Limited-grade models featuring premium materials like open-pore Ash wood trim. While the cabin materials had improved, some trim pieces still lagged behind competitors. The infotainment system was updated for a more modern look, though the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints. The QX80 Edition 30 model was a notable variant for 2020.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar was not the quickest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering faster acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both with standard four-wheel drive. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though the Velar lacked a low range transfer case.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, shared with the Nissan Armada, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the QX80's powertrain managed its weight well, the transmission was less smooth when downshifting compared to competitors. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, and the 4WD model slightly lower. The QX80 offered RWD or 4WD, with the Limited model featuring standard 4WD. It excelled in off-road conditions with drive modes for different terrains. Two steering systems were available, with the Limited model offering vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assist steering. The QX80's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and rear auto-leveling suspension contributed to a smooth ride and stable handling. It also had an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique size category, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as some competitors, with limited headroom and a somewhat cramped cockpit-like front seating area. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's towing capacity varied by model, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing 5,511 pounds, while the base four-cylinder model could tow 5,291 pounds.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, though the third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom. Standard seating for seven included captain's chairs in the second row, with an optional 60/40 split-folding bench. The QX80 featured leather-appointed seats with available perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery and Alcantara options. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, while the passenger's seat was eight-way adjustable, both with lumbar support. Heated and climate-controlled front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats available. The QX80 provided 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 both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper and a 7.0-inch lower infotainment touch screen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry, remote start, tri-zone climate control, a moonroof, and a 12-volt outlet. Buyers could upgrade to a rear-seat entertainment system and a WiFi hotspot. The standard audio system was a 13-speaker Bose stereo, with a 17-speaker system available. SiriusXM services offered real-time traffic, weather, and fuel price information. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked modern design elements.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, while lacking some of the latest driver-assist features, offered a solid array of standard and available safety technologies. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The QX80 received "good" scores in IIHS moderate overlap front and side crash tests, and the NHTSA rated it better for side crashworthiness than front, with a moderate rollover risk.