2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 represented a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, showcasing that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured a blacked-out honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, and 22-inch rims, adding a touch of aggression to its elegant form. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements, while the Thunder Grey Metallic paint and beige-leather interior provided a striking contrast. The cabin was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with luxurious materials and thoughtful details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from the Nissan Armada with Infiniti's unique styling cues. The front-end design, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive grille and headlight design that set it apart from its Nissan sibling. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights added to its assertive look. The interior, while luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, still bore a resemblance to the Armada. The dashboard and switchgear were similar, and the foot-operated parking brake felt out of place in a luxury SUV. Despite these quirks, the QX80's interior was comfortable and spacious.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for the XC90's heft. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was marred by laggy acceleration and unrefined engine noise. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft but was hampered by its added weight and limited electric range.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available as an option. The V8 engine provided ample power for highway overtaking, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, resulted in a comfortable ride, albeit with some detectable shudders over bumps. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, but its handling in corners was less composed.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which had improved responsiveness and faster initialization. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome. The cabin layout was otherwise stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling on Sensory models. Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading, and the third row was spacious enough for adults. 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 center console could open from both the front and back, but storage space was limited.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo system was a highlight, with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map but lacked major reconfigurability.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was confusing. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features. The rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch monitors was available as an option.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steel and advanced airbag systems.

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