2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements. Its body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. The QX80’s front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design that gave it an assertive yet refined look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base model and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its luxurious appearance. Inside, the QX80’s interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a crossover SUV, offered a practical alternative to larger, more expensive SUVs. Starting at $33,700, it provided a range of trims up to the High Country at $53,400. The 2022 model received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages. The RS trim, with blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, was particularly appealing. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents, the overall design was logical and user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and ample storage space.

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 provided ample power for highway overtaking, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80’s body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, delivered a comfortable ride, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The QX80’s handling was less composed in corners, but its speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, the QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, though its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it could whine under acceleration. The Traverse’s fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with our test car achieving 20.9 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it could feel soft over larger road anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse was comfortable, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with good steering and braking performance, though its all-season tires and soft suspension limited its handling at higher speeds.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat setup. Standard features included a 10-way power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger seat, both with lumbar support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The center console offered limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-shaped for holding drinks.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS featured seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. Standard features included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse offered generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third row was spacious enough for adults, though not as comfortable as in larger SUVs. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades to a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The touchscreens were complemented by analog controls, though the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features for driving the large SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. Features included Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system could be upgraded with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and additional in-vehicle apps. The RS trim came with a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with excellent voice recognition. The digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system were valuable features for improving visibility and maneuverability.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS had not tested the QX80. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Additional safety features were available through the Safety Package and on higher trims, including adaptive cruise control, a higher-speed automatic emergency braking system, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but it received top “Good” ratings in most collision-related tests.