2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish a signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant design elements borrowed from the G80 sedan. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a focus on horizontal lines, real wood, metal, and leather, creating a luxurious and spacious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from its Nissan Armada roots with Infiniti's distinct styling. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was evident in its truck-like ride, but it featured Infiniti's signature grille and headlight design, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. The QX80 came with standard LED lighting and offered 20-inch to 22-inch wheels. Inside, the QX80's design closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. However, the interior felt more like a dressed-up Nissan, lacking the exclusivity some luxury buyers might seek.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T models had a curb weight between 4,506 and 4,850 lbs, while the 3.5T models weighed between 4,907 and 5,104 lbs. Fuel economy for the 2.5T RWD was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by 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 four-wheel drive available as an option. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a truck-like ride, but independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models improved comfort. The QX80's ride was smooth, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The SUV's size and body roll limited its agility in corners, but it excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, or an optional eight-seat setup with a bench seat. The front seats were power-adjustable, but lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room 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 center console opened from both the front and back, but storage space was limited.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. Genesis Connected Services provided remote start, vehicle health reports, and more. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment available. The system's user interface was complex, with multiple controls and small screens. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided additional driving assistance.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Highway-driving assist were also included.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features were common in mainstream SUVs, but Infiniti made them standard.