2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, shared with the Armada, while the front-end styling was uniquely Infiniti, offering a bold yet refined appearance. The QX80 came standard with LED lighting and offered large 20-inch or 22-inch wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the QX80's interior was luxurious, with wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan characteristics, such as the dashboard design and switchgear. Despite its upscale materials, the interior might not have felt exclusive enough for some luxury buyers.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was typical of compact crossovers, with a styling that blended into the crowded market. While it had some distinguishing features like its grille and chrome accents, the CR-V was not a vehicle chosen for its exterior aesthetics. It offered a range of colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. While it might not have stood out visually, the CR-V was designed to be practical and functional, appealing to those prioritizing utility over style.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While its power output was slightly less than some competitors, it provided ample performance for highway driving. The QX80's body-on-frame construction contributed to a truck-like ride, but its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models ensured a comfortable experience. Despite its size, the QX80 offered a smooth ride, though it was less agile in corners. Its towing capacity of 8,500 pounds was impressive, though its off-road capabilities were limited by its size and wheel design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the CR-V offered smooth acceleration and predictable handling. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a steady driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions found in some competitors. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its unitized body structure and suspension setup ensured decent ride quality and handling, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs, or an optional eight-seat setup. While passenger space was competitive, it wasn't class-leading, and cargo space was limited compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats and a driver’s memory system, though some aspects, like the front seat cushions, could be uncomfortable on long trips.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in practicality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It provided various tailgate options, from manual to hands-free power operation, depending on the trim. While roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, the CR-V's interior was designed to accommodate passengers and cargo efficiently, making it a versatile choice for families and those needing ample storage space.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. While it offered a range of features, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The QX80 also included helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and ease of driving.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger. While the CR-V's tech offerings were not as advanced as some luxury vehicles, they were practical and user-friendly.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While these features were common in mainstream SUVs, Infiniti made them standard, enhancing the QX80's safety profile.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included a comprehensive suite of safety features, standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available from the EX trim upwards. This approach made advanced safety features accessible to all buyers, setting the CR-V apart from many competitors.