2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, sitting between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious yet cockpit-like feel, though it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. Its body-on-frame construction was evident, but the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, offering an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED lighting and large wheels added to its presence. Inside, the QX80 shared similarities with the Armada, but Infiniti elevated the experience with wood trim and leather upholstery. Despite its luxurious feel, the interior retained some Nissan elements, which might not appeal to those seeking exclusivity. The QX80's spacious cabin offered comfort, though some features like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, 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, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive speed, it wasn't the quickest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined ride, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar also offered a range of off-road technologies, though its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While not as powerful as some competitors, the engine was responsive, making highway driving stress-free. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension, providing a comfortable ride. However, it felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD system with low range. Its size, though, could be a drawback on narrow trails.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a middle ground in size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Despite its size, interior space was not its strong suit, with limited headroom and a somewhat claustrophobic feel due to its avant-garde styling. 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 was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row configuration, with standard seven-seat and optional eight-seat layouts. While passenger space was competitive, it wasn't class-leading, and the third row significantly reduced cargo space. With all seats in place, cargo capacity was 16.6 cubic feet, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding third row, enhancing its practicality. However, some interior features, like the front seat cushions, lacked comfort for long journeys.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was equipped with the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone integration. The system offered high-quality graphics but suffered from slow response times. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, though the steering-wheel controls were prone to glare.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, comprising 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, along with a 13-speaker Bose audio system. While the system included various controls, its user interface was not intuitive, requiring multiple inputs for simple tasks. The QX80 also featured a Smart Rearview Mirror and an Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from major organizations, but it offered standard features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though Land Rover's offerings were less advanced compared to competitors.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Unlike many luxury brands, Infiniti provided these features as standard, enhancing the QX80's safety credentials.