2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic, moving away from the elegance of previous years. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, especially noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, was also available.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a blend of practicality and luxury, especially in the top trims. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim stood out with its premium materials, including quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, added to the upscale feel. The minivan also featured sound-deadening technology, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from both the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. The body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline and rear window curves. However, the QX80's front end was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design introduced in 2018. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights added to its assertive look. The base Luxe trim rode on 20-inch wheels, while the Premium Select and Sensory trims upgraded to 22-inch wheels.

Inside, the QX80's design closely mirrored the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and contrast stitching. Standard leather upholstery and a 10-way-adjustable power driver's seat were included, but the front seats lacked thigh support. The dashboard featured two scalloped sections, and the 4WD selector and other switchgear were carried over from the Armada. Despite these similarities, the QX80's interior felt luxurious, though it might not satisfy buyers seeking exclusivity.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for the AWD version.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured 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 a $3,100 option. The V8 engine provided responsive performance, though the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension and a rear auto-leveling feature, ensuring a comfortable ride. The Sensory trim included Hydraulic Body Motion Control to limit body roll during cornering. Despite its size, the QX80 handled well on highways but felt less composed in corners. The 4WD drivetrain featured low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capability. The QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator but more than the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats with in-floor storage bins. The second-row seats had under-console storage, and the third-row bench seat could be stowed for additional cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats featured 10-way and eight-way adjustability, respectively, but lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs included a large console with storage and USB ports, while the third row had limited cargo space. With all seats in place, the QX80 offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, 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 overall storage space was limited.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row, enhanced the minivan's appeal. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with three available upgrades, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades like a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment package. The touchscreens were supplemented by analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful additions.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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.