2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 exhibited a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of the Armada. The SUV's profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, mirrored its Nissan sibling, while the front fenders featured similar vents. However, the QX80's front end was distinctly Infiniti, boasting a grille and headlight design that aligned with other Infiniti SUVs, giving it a confident yet understated appearance. Standard LED lighting and large wheels added to its presence, while the interior, though luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, retained a recognizable Nissan layout, which might have left some buyers desiring more exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its utilitarian roots to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide array of powertrains and personalization options, with prices soaring to $250,000 for the most opulent configurations. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and standard luxury appointments. Its timeless design, characterized by hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean lines, drew inspiration from its storied past. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its high-contrast Ivory interior and mid-century modern ambiance, though its infotainment system required a learning curve.

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 for an additional $3,100. The V8 engine delivered responsive performance, though transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models. However, it felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its size and wheel-and-tire combinations.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor assistance ensured smooth power delivery. Standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control maintained the Range Rover's off-road prowess. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting ride, though the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The Range Rover achieved an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 20 mpg.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row configuration with standard seven-seat capacity, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats provided power adjustments but lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo capacity was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The center console offered limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks securely.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were luxuriously comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Despite this, the rear offered quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. Cargo volume was 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A suspension kneel function facilitated loading, and the rear-seat center section allowed for longer items.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped 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 an optional 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment package. The interface was not user-friendly, requiring trial and error to navigate. However, the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. The dual 10-inch touchscreens were distracting while driving, but touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice assistants helped mitigate this. The Range Rover also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and three stars for rollover. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features were standard, unlike many luxury brands.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors as standard. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.