2021 GMC Yukon vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 GMC Yukon's look and feel at a high 9 out of 10, reflecting its successful blend of ruggedness and refinement. The Yukon, especially in its Denali trim, manages to convey a sense of upscale luxury without forgetting its roots in GMC's "professional grade" ethos. This is evident in its bold styling, with a commanding presence accentuated by a large grille and shiny 22-inch wheels. The interior sets a high bar with exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and upscale cabin features, making it a premium environment that's hard to match. In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 scores a 7 out of 10, with its look and feel showcasing a mix of elegance and aging design. The QX80's distinctive grille and conservative use of chrome speak to its luxury status, but its cabin, while beautifully appointed with high-quality materials, struggles to keep pace with the evolving expectations of luxury SUV buyers. The resemblance to the Nissan Armada highlights the QX80's aging platform, despite efforts to distinguish it with upscale touches.

Performance ratings diverge with the Yukon at a 6 out of 10 and the QX80 leading at an 8 out of 10. The Yukon offers a choice of powerful engines, including a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 in the Denali trim. Despite its robust power, fuel economy and a preference for smaller wheels for optimal ride quality are noted drawbacks. The QX80's performance shines through its 400-horsepower V8 engine, delivering vigorous acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note. However, its fuel consumption is considerable, especially with a preference for premium fuel.

The 2021 GMC Yukon and the 2022 INFINITI QX80 both prioritize passenger comfort and functional utility, but they present these elements in notably different capacities, particularly when it comes to luggage space. For the 2021 GMC Yukon, the redesign brings a substantial improvement in both passenger and cargo space, thanks to the new independent rear suspension. This structural change notably enhances the third-row seating experience, offering genuine thigh support and making it a comfortable space for adults, a significant leap over the previous model. The luggage capacity is especially impressive; behind the third row, the Yukon Denali offers 25.5 cubic feet of space, which expands to 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded. For those needing maximum cargo space, the Yukon Denali XL boasts up to 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down, rivaling the spaciousness of a minivan. The 2022 INFINITI QX80, despite its robust frame and tall stature, offers a different take on form and function. Entry into the vehicle reveals a cabin that feels spacious and luxurious, with good front-seat head- and legroom and an overall airy cabin feel. However, the QX80's approach to cargo space is more constrained. With 16.6 cubic feet available behind the third row, it falls short of the Yukon's offering. Folding down the third-row seats increases the space to 49.6 cubic feet, and with all seats folded, the QX80 provides up to 95.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. While ample, it doesn't quite match the Yukon's utility, especially for families or individuals prioritizing luggage space for travel or hauling needs. In terms of towing capacity, both SUVs assert their strength and utility. The Yukon can tow up to 8,400 pounds, a figure slightly edged out by the QX80's 8,500-pound towing capacity, showcasing their ability to handle trailers, boats, or other heavy loads with ease.

Technology sees the Yukon again ahead with a 9 out of 10 rating, thanks to its comprehensive suite of infotainment features, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen system, wireless connectivity, and advanced rear-seat entertainment options. The QX80 scores a 6 out of 10, struggling with an older platform that limits its tech offerings. While it has updated its system to include a 12.3-inch display and wireless charging, the absence of more advanced features and the lack of a more modern driver assistance package reflect its limitations.

The Yukon earns a 9 out of 10 in safety, equipped with a broad array of advanced driving assistance systems and achieving impressive functionality in real-world use. The QX80's rating of 7 out of 10 indicates a solid foundation of safety features but is hampered by its older design, which has not undergone recent comprehensive crash testing. Both vehicles provide a sense of security, though the Yukon edges out with more advanced technology.

The cost effectiveness of these SUVs reveals a broader perspective on value. The Yukon is rated at 5 out of 10, offering significant improvements in passenger comfort and cargo space but falling short in towing capacity and fuel economy compared to competitors. The QX80 scores an 8 out of 10, presenting as a value proposition in the luxury SUV market with competitive pricing, strong warranty coverage, and respectable features for its price point.