2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

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 of design language. As Genesis' first SUV, the GV80 managed to blend innovation with the brand's emerging signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and the distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The exterior design was both elegant and bold, with features like the long hood and short front overhang contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, emphasizing horizontal lines to create a sense of spaciousness. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the luxurious feel, making the GV80's interior a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform and general layout with the Nissan Armada, which was not necessarily a drawback given the Armada's appealing design. The QX80's front-end styling was distinct, featuring a prominent Infiniti grille and tastefully integrated LED lighting. The SUV's size was considered just right, striking a balance between being too large and too small. Inside, the QX80 offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with upscale materials like quilted semi-aniline leather seats and tasteful wood trim. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was seen as somewhat outdated compared to its competitors, which set a high bar in the premium full-size SUV market segment.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 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 an optional all-wheel-drive system. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters. The GV80's ride was supported by a 116.3-inch wheelbase and independent multi-link suspension at both ends. The 3.5T models boasted an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort by predicting road conditions. The 2.5T models offered a self-leveling rear suspension as an option. The GV80's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for the 2.5T RWD, 21/25/22 for the 2.5T AWD, and 18/23/20 for the 3.5T AWD.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine with 413 pound-feet of torque, which was one of its standout features. The engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that offered adaptive shift control and manual mode. Despite having fewer gears than some competitors, the transmission provided smooth and seamless shifts, with quick kickdowns for passing and smooth power delivery. The QX80's two-wheel drive was standard, with an optional four-wheel-drive system available for an additional cost. The SUV's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and a computer-controlled transfer case with multiple settings. The QX80 also boasted a generous towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, making it suitable for towing large trailers. The available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped maintain stability during quick maneuvers, although the nearly three-ton SUV reminded drivers of its size when taking turns too quickly.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics, featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The center console and stack were designed with minimal controls and buttons, providing a sleek and modern look. The GV80 offered a range of luxury features, including power second-row window shades, three-row climate control, and power rear-door closure. The third row of seats was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, although space in the third row was limited. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its traditional body-on-frame construction, had a higher step-in height compared to typical large crossover SUVs. The spacious interior provided a sense of openness, with good head- and legroom for front-seat passengers. The power-sliding moonroof, while not as large as some panoramic designs, added to the cabin's airy feel. The QX80 featured three-row seating, but the third row was cramped for adults or taller tweens. The power-fold third-row seats and power-operated liftgate were convenient, though both operated slowly. Cargo space was somewhat limited compared to other SUVs in its class, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The QX80 also included premium touches like a power-sliding moonroof and radiant exterior welcome lighting.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with the sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD color widescreen display. The system supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and was connected to the cloud for over-the-air updates. Individual user profiles could be set up for personalized settings. The GV80 also offered a near-field communication (NFC) digital key function for Android users, allowing them to replace the key fob with a smartphone app. The vehicle came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, which included features like remote start, remote door lock/unlock, and stolen vehicle recovery. A 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster was standard on higher trim levels, using an infrared camera to track eye movement and display a 3D image to the driver. The standard audio system included 12 speakers, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system featuring 21 speakers and 1050 watts.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, while based on an older design, was equipped with a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display that supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard audio system featured 12 speakers, with the top Sensory trim offering a 17-speaker Performance Series Bose system. The QX80 also included multiple USB ports and illuminated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. A wireless smartphone charger was a new addition for 2022, providing added convenience for charging devices. However, the QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older vehicle systems architecture.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated for crashworthiness by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time. However, Genesis aimed for high safety ratings, targeting IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA five-star ratings. The GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, and more. The vehicle also featured adaptive cruise control with highway-driving assist, which helped maintain following distances and could perform lane changes. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for automated parking in both forward and reverse.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-departure prevention, forward-collision warning, and backup collision intervention. Additional safety features for 2022 included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row outboard passengers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the structurally similar 2021 QX80 with four stars for overall crash protection, with a three-star rating for front crash protection and five stars in side crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the QX80 for safety at the time.