2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its clean lines and horizontal grille, adorned with Volkswagen's new flat logo, gave it a contemporary look without being overly adventurous. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain design elements and hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the sophistication of earlier Volkswagen models. The focus seemed to have shifted towards electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. Its body-on-frame construction and distinctive styling, including a bold grille and standard LED lighting, gave it an assertive presence. Inside, the QX80 featured wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan elements like the dashboard shape and switchgear. While the interior felt luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might expect from a high-end SUV.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, the Tiguan's larger size and weight, ranging from 3,757 to 3,847 pounds, made it less nimble than some competitors. Its handling was comfortable, with a soft suspension and a longer wheelbase, but it wasn't the most fun to drive in its class.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided responsive performance, especially during highway overtaking. Despite its body-on-frame construction, the QX80 offered a comfortable ride thanks to its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control. However, it felt less composed in corners, and its size made it less agile. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its sliding second-row seats and optional third row, making it versatile for families. The third row, while not spacious, was usable for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity ranged from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, depending on the configuration, providing ample space for a compact SUV. The driver's seat felt roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the Tiguan feel larger than it was.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat layout. The interior featured power-adjustable front seats, though the cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with enough room for adults in all three rows. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The QX80's power liftgate and split-folding third row made it easy to switch between passenger and cargo hauling.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim and an 8-inch upgrade in higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with bright graphics and a responsive processor. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Optional features included a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment package. The system had analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to operate.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its safety package with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, features like adaptive cruise control and LED headlights were reserved for higher trims. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features were standard, unlike many luxury brands that offer them as options.