2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's luxurious yet rugged heritage. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a combination that defined Land Rover's identity. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover had been introduced, offering various trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The SVAutobiography trim stood out with unique styling and nearly every available feature, making it a pinnacle of luxury and capability.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, meanwhile, showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling, maintaining a body-on-frame construction for durability. Its front-end design, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive grille and headlight design, giving it an assertive yet refined look. Standard LED lighting and 20-inch wheels were complemented by optional 22-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the QX80 offered a luxurious feel with wood trim and leather upholstery, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake hinted at its Nissan roots. Despite its truck-like construction, the QX80 provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, though it lacked the off-road aids found in some competitors.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid option offered 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System ensured a comfortable ride and impressive off-road capability.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as some competitors, the engine was responsive and capable of handling highway overtaking with ease. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension and a rear auto-leveling feature, providing a comfortable ride despite some shudders over bumps. The Sensory trim included Hydraulic Body Motion Control to limit body roll, though the QX80 felt less composed in corners. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, the QX80 offered strong towing capability, though its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess compared to some rivals.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB), both with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more space, especially with optional second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to four but enhancing comfort. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated loading, and the interior featured convenient storage options, though the center-console compartment was not particularly deep.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a center console, with an optional eight-seat configuration. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, though the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The QX80 offered 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The power liftgate and power-folding third row facilitated cargo management, though storage space in the center console was limited.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, with two touchscreens managing navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though the reliance on digital screens posed a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced the driving experience, though past issues with lag and bugs were noted.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80's InTouch dual-screen infotainment system included 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Optional features included a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package with rear-seat entertainment. Despite analog controls, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided helpful driving aids, though the overall infotainment experience was less user-friendly.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. While these features were common in mainstream SUVs, Infiniti made them standard, enhancing the QX80's safety profile.