2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Lexus RX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 wore a mix of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements, with a body-on-frame construction that carried over from the Armada. The QX80’s front-end styling, introduced in 2018, included a distinctive grille and headlight design, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with automatic high beams and windshield-wiper interlock. The base Luxe trim rode on 20-inch wheels, while the Premium Select and Sensory trims featured 22-inch wheels. Inside, the QX80's design closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and standard leather upholstery. The dashboard had a similar shape, and the 4WD selector and other switchgear appeared to carry over from the Armada. Despite some shared elements, the interior felt luxurious, though it might not satisfy buyers seeking exclusivity.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, with the RX 450h AWD getting 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX 350 F Sport delivered a smooth drive experience, with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available as an option. The QX80's independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature provided a comfortable ride, though some shudders were detectable over bumps. The QX80 felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. The speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. The QX80's 4WD drivetrain included a low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing off-road capability. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator but more than the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior accommodated four adults comfortably in the two-row model, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with second-row captain’s chairs and a center console. An eight-seat configuration was optional. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, with heating and cooling on Sensory models. Passenger space was competitive, with enough room for adults in the third row. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all three rows in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third row and second-row captain’s chairs folded. The center console could open from both the front and back, though storage space was limited. The front-door cupholders were not well-shaped to hold drinks, and phone storage was inadequate for charging.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured an 8.0-inch display and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. The infotainment system was difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The center console touchpad system had improved responsiveness. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 had a dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system included analog controls, but usability was challenging. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features. The standard audio system was a 13-speaker Bose system, with a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The RX also had daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.