2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 reflected its origins with a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements. The body shell carried over from the Armada, evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. Both SUVs featured vents on their front fenders and maintained a body-on-frame construction, unlike many modern SUVs that opted for unibody construction. The QX80’s front end, introduced in 2018, showcased Infiniti’s grille and headlight design, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base trim and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its appeal.

Inside, the QX80’s design closely mirrored the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and standard leather upholstery enhancing the luxury feel. The dashboard’s shape, switchgear, and even the foot-operated parking brake were reminiscent of its Nissan sibling. While the interior felt luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might expect from a high-end vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. The similarities were evident in its styling, both inside and out. The Passport’s dash layout was visually identical to the Pilot’s, including the awkward “button shifter” design. Despite this, the Passport offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced audio systems.

The Passport’s interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a power liftgate, walk-away auto-locking, and power-adjustable seats. The Touring and Elite trims added even more luxury with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The Passport’s design choices made it a practical and comfortable option for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with 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 a 4WD option available for an additional $3,100. 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, offered a comfortable ride, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps.

The QX80’s handling was less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control. The speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style, suitable for this large SUV. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain featuring low range and a forward skid plate. However, its size and factory wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess compared to competitors like the Lexus LX and Land Rover Range Rover.

The 2021 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an optional all-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. The Passport’s ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, optimized for commuting and weekend adventures.

With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management in AWD models, the Passport offered Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes for light off-roading. The Passport’s towing capacity was 3,500 pounds for FWD models and up to 5,000 pounds for AWD models. While not designed for extreme off-roading, the Passport’s capabilities made it a versatile option for various driving conditions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard seven seats and an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats featured 10-way and eight-way adjustability, with heating and cooling on Sensory models. However, the front seat cushions lacked thigh support, which could be uncomfortable on long trips. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to competitors. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space 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 offered limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-shaped to hold drinks securely. While the QX80 included convenient features like a power liftgate and power-folding third row, the overall storage and cargo space were not as generous as some rivals.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage added to its practicality. The EX-L trim and higher included a power liftgate, with hands-free operation on the Touring and Elite trims. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the center console featured a deep bin and an open cargo tray for added convenience.

The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort. The Passport’s interior design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for families and those needing versatile cargo space.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades to a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the infotainment system’s user interface was confusing, with small screens and controls that were not intuitive.

The QX80 included helpful tech features like the Smart Rearview Mirror, which could switch to a streaming-video display, and the Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system. These features made driving the large SUV easier, though the overall infotainment experience was lacking.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity as standard was a significant advantage over the three-row Pilot.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (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 Honda Passport came well-equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with "Acceptable" ratings for passenger-side small overlap front crash test, headlights, and child-seat anchor ease of use. The front crash prevention tech received an "Advanced" rating.