2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements. Its body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. The QX80’s front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design that set it apart from its Nissan counterpart. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base model and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its assertive yet refined appearance. Inside, the QX80’s interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted passengers with a luxurious and spacious cabin, especially appreciated after a long flight. The Platinum trim, the pinnacle of the Expedition lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its plush interior, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all passengers' luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition Platinum’s exterior boasted a detailed chrome grille, 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, giving it a commanding presence. The extended-length MAX version would have resolved the cargo space issue, offering ample room for both passengers and their belongings.

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 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 on Sensory models, delivered a comfortable ride, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The QX80’s handling was less composed in corners, but its speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. With a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, the QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, though its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and either RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition’s towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. The V6 engine provided impressive acceleration, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Expedition’s ride quality was affected by the Platinum’s 22-inch wheels, but its independent suspension ensured stability. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, enhanced the Expedition’s off-road capabilities, though our Platinum test vehicle did not include this option.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, and an optional eight-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with lumbar support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The center console provided limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. Cargo volume expanded from 19.3 cubic feet with the third row in place to 57.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with it folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the cargo floor’s high liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system also included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system. Despite the array of features, the user interface was not intuitive, and the screens were small and difficult to reach. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful additions for driving the large SUV.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, despite its aging platform, offered a user-friendly interface. The 8-inch touchscreen display supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, and an available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also included Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging, though it lacked the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

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. The IIHS had not tested the QX80. 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.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD version received a three-star rollover-resistance rating, while the 4WD version earned four stars. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, which offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.