2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Acura MDX
Overview | |
MSRP$69,150 | MSRP$48,000 |
Listings194 | Listings649 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2021 INFINITI QX80 Reviews SummaryYou might not expect Nissan’s luxury brand to make a hulking land yacht with globetrotting off-road capability, but that’s exactly what you get with the 2021 Infiniti QX80. The QX80 is one of the last old-school SUVs, boasting body-on-frame construction and an available four-wheel drive (4WD) system with low range. It’s based on the Nissan Armada, which in turn is a rebadged version of the overseas-market Nissan Patrol—a legendary off-roader. As a full-size luxury SUV based on a model from a mainstream brand, the QX80 follows the same formula as the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX 570, and Lincoln Navigator. In size, price, and prestige, it could also be considered a rival to the Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, but these SUVs have more modern unibody construction. The QX80 gets some small updates for the 2021 model year, including an improved version of Infiniti’s Smart Rearview Mirror, and a reshuffled trim-level lineup, including base Luxe, midlevel Premium Select, and range-topping Sensory. Our test vehicle was a 4WD Sensory model. | |
2022 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySkipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine5.6L 400 hp V8 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower400 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City14 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name5.6L 400 hp V8 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower400 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City14 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall3 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight5678 lbs | Curb Weight4271 lbs |
Height75.8 in | Height67.1 in |
Length210.2 in | Length198.4 in |
Width79.9 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase121.1 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1173 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity8500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity8500 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $69,150 | $48,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | You might not expect Nissan’s luxury brand to make a hulking land yacht with globetrotting off-road capability, but that’s exactly what you get with the 2021 Infiniti QX80. The QX80 is one of the last old-school SUVs, boasting body-on-frame construction and an available four-wheel drive (4WD) system with low range. It’s based on the Nissan Armada, which in turn is a rebadged version of the overseas-market Nissan Patrol—a legendary off-roader. As a full-size luxury SUV based on a model from a mainstream brand, the QX80 follows the same formula as the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX 570, and Lincoln Navigator. In size, price, and prestige, it could also be considered a rival to the Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, but these SUVs have more modern unibody construction. The QX80 gets some small updates for the 2021 model year, including an improved version of Infiniti’s Smart Rearview Mirror, and a reshuffled trim-level lineup, including base Luxe, midlevel Premium Select, and range-topping Sensory. Our test vehicle was a 4WD Sensory model. | Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 5.6L 400 hp V8 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 400 hp @ 5800 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 14 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 5.6L 400 hp V8 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 400 hp @ 5800 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 14 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 3 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.6 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 5678 lbs | 4271 lbs |
Height | 75.8 in | 67.1 in |
Length | 210.2 in | 198.4 in |
Width | 79.9 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1173 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 8500 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 8500 lbs | |









CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Infiniti QX80 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these scores, the Acura MDX is recommended for its higher overall rating and a better balance of performance, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Choose the 2021 INFINITI QX80 if:
- You prefer a bold and assertive exterior design.
- You require a powerful V8 engine with excellent towing capacity.
- You appreciate a luxurious interior with standard leather upholstery.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
- You value modern and sporty exterior design.
- You seek advanced technology features like ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio.
- You prioritize safety with advanced driver-assistance systems and high-strength steel construction.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Infiniti QX80 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these scores, the Acura MDX is recommended for its higher overall rating and a better balance of performance, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Choose the 2021 INFINITI QX80 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a bold and assertive exterior design.
- You require a powerful V8 engine with excellent towing capacity.
- You appreciate a luxurious interior with standard leather upholstery.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You value modern and sporty exterior design.
- You seek advanced technology features like ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio.
- You prioritize safety with advanced driver-assistance systems and high-strength steel construction.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.








































