2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

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 profile, marked by a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, was shared with the Armada, while the front-end styling was uniquely Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design. The QX80's exterior was equipped with standard LED lighting and offered wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the QX80's interior bore similarities to the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. However, the design retained a Nissan feel, with features like a foot-operated parking brake and familiar dashboard layout.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar Subaru aesthetic with subtle updates. Its interior, especially in higher trims, offered a modern feel with an 11.6-inch portrait display, contrasting with the base model's dual 7-inch screens. The Outback's cabin was noted for its quality materials and comfortable seating, with the Onyx Edition XT featuring durable StarTex upholstery. Externally, the Outback's design was practical, with high ground clearance and protective cladding, maintaining a balanced and stable appearance. The addition of adaptive LED headlights and new paint options were among the few changes for 2021.

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, though gear shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, offered a comfortable ride, albeit with some body roll in corners. Its towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, surpassing the Cadillac Escalade but slightly trailing the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four producing 260 horsepower. The base engine struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in sluggish performance, while the turbocharged option provided a significant improvement in power and refinement. The Outback prioritized ride comfort and off-road capability, with its high ground clearance and Subaru's renowned AWD system. The XT models offered additional driving modes for challenging conditions, making the Outback a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a three-row seating configuration, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the setup. While passenger space was competitive, it wasn't class-leading, with the third row offering adequate room for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 95.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior included standard features like power-adjustable front seats and a driver’s memory system, though some storage solutions were less practical.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. Its cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility due to thin pillars and large windows. Storage options were plentiful, with large door pockets and a well-designed center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. While the system offered various controls, its user interface was criticized for being unintuitive. The QX80 also included helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and ease of driving.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, though dated in appearance, included modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The single large screen on higher trims was more cohesive than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, though its reliance on cameras limited functionality in certain conditions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While the IIHS hadn't tested the QX80, its safety equipment was comprehensive for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a stronger chassis and additional airbags, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for 2020. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with standard and optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking available on higher trims.