2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased 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, was similar to its Nissan counterpart, but the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti. The QX80 featured a bold grille and headlight design, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large wheels added to its luxury appeal, while the interior, though luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, retained a recognizable Nissan influence. Despite its high-end materials, the interior design was not exclusive enough for some luxury buyers.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard model, however, was more subdued in appearance, with a basic two-box shape and a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements. Inside, the Land Cruiser featured high-quality materials and a traditional layout, including a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. The interior felt like a throwback, with plush leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. Despite its dated design, the Land Cruiser's interior was comfortable and functional, with a focus on durability and practicality.

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 an optional 4WD system. The engine provided ample power for highway driving, 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, offered a comfortable ride, though it was less composed in corners. The SUV's off-road capabilities were decent, with a 4WD system featuring low range and a skid plate, but its size and wheel-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess. The QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its full-time 4WD system included a two-speed transfer case and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The Land Cruiser excelled off-road, with features like Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. On-road, the SUV offered a refined ride, though its handling was typical of a large, heavy vehicle. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was 8,100 pounds, slightly less than the QX80.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard second-row captain's chairs and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats were power-adjustable, with heating and cooling on higher trims, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and a power-folding third row for convenience, though storage space in the center console was limited.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench seat was spacious, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, though leg support was lacking. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Land Cruiser's split clamshell tailgate provided easy access to the cargo area, and the lower tailgate was useful for outdoor activities.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The system included a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker upgrade and a rear-seat entertainment package. The user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. However, the QX80 offered helpful tech features like a Smart Rearview Mirror and an Around View Monitor for easier driving.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's infotainment system was simpler, with a 9-inch touchscreen and Toyota Entune technology. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but included Siri Eyes Free and a three-month SiriusXM subscription. The system was straightforward, with large buttons and knobs for easy use. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with non-touchscreen displays and limited streaming options. A 14-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features were common in mainstream SUVs but were standard on the QX80.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, which were common in other luxury SUVs.