2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

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 exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, along with front fender vents. The front end, however, was purely Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that lent the vehicle an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large wheels added to its commanding presence. Inside, the QX80's interior bore similarities to the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake hinted at its Nissan roots. While the interior was comfortable and luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might seek.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, represented a shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from conservative styling to embrace a more modern SUV lineup. The Enclave's exterior received a mid-cycle refresh with new grille and fascia designs, while the Avenir trim boasted unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave featured a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials, offering heated, cooled, and massaging seats for added comfort. The Avenir trim stood out with its exclusive seat patterns and trim, providing a touch of luxury. The Enclave's interior was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably, and offered ample cargo space with power-folding third-row seats for added convenience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 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. Despite its size, the QX80 delivered responsive acceleration, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. Its body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models. However, the QX80's handling in corners was less composed, with noticeable body roll. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a 4WD system with low range and a skid plate, and it boasted a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Enclave offered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its premium ride suspension and QuietTuning technology. Its powertrain was surprisingly responsive, providing good acceleration for its size. The Enclave's AWD system and ground clearance made it capable of handling light off-road conditions, though it was primarily designed for on-road comfort. Its towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, suitable for most family needs.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, or an optional eight-seat setup with a bench seat. The front seats were power-adjustable, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was ample, with competitive room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, 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 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. It featured power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and massage functions on higher trims. The Enclave's cabin was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row. The restyled center console housed push-button gears and provided easy access to USB ports and a wireless charging pad. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience for accessing the cargo area.

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. The system's user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. However, the QX80 included helpful tech like a Smart Rearview Mirror and an Around View Monitor for easier maneuvering.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system was user-friendly, though some graphics appeared dated. It supported multiple device connections and included a WiFi hotspot. Standard safety tech included a following-distance indicator and HD rear vision camera, with advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims.

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

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.