2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Ford Expedition

Reflecting its origins, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 wore a mix of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements. The basic body shell carried over from the Armada, which was evident in the profile of the roofline and the distinctive curve of the rear windows. Both SUVs sported vents on their front fenders. Unlike many other SUVs that switched to car-like unibody construction for added rigidity, the QX80 and Armada stuck with body-on-frame construction, with a separate body and chassis.

The QX80’s face was pure Infiniti. Introduced for the 2018 model year, the front-end styling included the same grille (with dark chrome trim available) and headlight design as other, smaller, Infiniti SUVs. This gave the QX80 an assertive look that was neither overly aggressive nor overly flashy, nicely distinguishing it from its Nissan sibling.

The QX80 boasted standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights. The headlights had automatic high beams and windshield-wiper interlock, with an available auto-leveling feature. The base Infiniti QX80 Luxe trim level rode on 20-inch wheels, but the QX80 Premium Select and Sensory trim levels upgraded to 22-inch wheels.

Inside, the QX80’s design mimicked that of the Armada, with elements like wood trim, contrast stitching, and standard leather upholstery dressing it up. The dashboard's scalloped sections defined the driver’s and passenger’s sides, similar to the Armada. However, some aspects like a foot-operated parking brake felt less luxurious. Despite the familiarity, the interior felt appropriately luxurious but lacked the exclusivity expected in this class.

On the other hand, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent a series of updates, including exterior styling revisions and updated tech. The front received a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear featured revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels premiered across the lineup.

The 2022 Expedition was available in XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, and standard and extended-length (Expedition Max) body styles, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to just under $84,000. The new Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like 4WD, all-terrain tires, and off-road tech for around $72,500.

Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with new Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems. The Limited Stealth Edition tested included leather seats, soft padding in all the right places, and impressive tech despite F-150 grade plastic trim.

All 2021 INFINITI QX80 models came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. While rear-wheel drive was standard, the 4WD option cost an additional $3,100. The naturally aspirated V8 produced 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This was slightly less than a V8 Cadillac Escalade or the twin-turbo V6 Lincoln Navigator but still substantial for a large SUV. While the engine was responsive and handled highway overtaking easily, the transmission shifts were less smooth and felt crumpled.

The QX80's body-on-frame construction gave it a truck-like ride, but the front and rear independent suspension, along with rear auto-leveling, improved comfort. The Sensory models included Hydraulic Body Motion Control to limit body roll during cornering, making the ride comfortable though some shudders were felt over bumps. The interior was notably quiet.

In corners, the QX80 felt less composed, with body roll occurring more easily despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control. It wasn't designed for aggressive cornering, and even slight exuberance led to significant body roll. However, the speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style.

The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, thanks to its 4WD drivetrain with low range and a forward skid plate. It could tow up to 8,500 pounds, more than the Cadillac Escalade but slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator's 8,700-pound capacity.

Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg combined, with the powertrain capable of towing between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The twin-turbo V6's power was addictive, with a pleasing exhaust note, but its thirst for fuel led to an observed fuel economy of 16.2 mpg, below the official 18 mpg rating.

The Expedition's driving dynamics could have benefitted from adaptive damping suspension, which was standard on King Ranch and Platinum trims but not included in the Stealth Edition Package. The 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires contributed to a sometimes harsh ride, though they improved handling and grip.

Despite the Expedition's size, it was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to excellent outward visibility, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The Expedition shone on the highway, effortlessly covering miles with its panoramic glass roof, large windows, and three comfortable rows of seats.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was a three-row SUV with a standard seven-seat configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a center console. An eight-seat configuration was optional, with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat.

Standard features included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with two-way lumbar support, and heating and cooling on Sensory models. However, the bottom cushions lacked thigh support, leading to potential discomfort on long trips. A driver’s memory system for the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel was standard, along with USB ports and a 12-volt outlet on the center stack.

Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading. The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offered more space, especially with their long-wheelbase variants. Even so, the QX80's third-row seats had enough space for adults. Second-row captain’s chairs included a console with storage, climate controls, and USB ports, but third-row passengers didn’t get charging ports.

Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, trailing segment leaders like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The power liftgate and 60/40-split third row made switching between passenger and cargo hauling easier, though the front console storage was fairly small and door cupholders were impractical.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in full-size SUV comfort with its spacious interior, complimented by available power running boards for easy entry and exit. Once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and unobstructed views. The Expedition’s front seats were power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The wide console housed a large storage bin, hidden cupholders, and a concealed cubby with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims offered massaging seats.

The second-row heated captain’s chairs provided sufficient legroom, with built-in climate controls, overhead air vents, and cupholders. Access to the third-row seat was easy via tilting and sliding captain’s chairs or a generous pass-through. Third-row passengers benefited from outstanding leg support, power recline, storage trays, and USB ports. However, headroom could be tight for taller passengers.

Cargo space behind the third row was 19.3 cubic feet, increasing to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max offered a larger 34.3 cubic-foot cargo hold, expanding to 73.3 cubic feet with the third row down and 121.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, comprising 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi hotspot, navigation, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Optional upgrades included a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system with dual monitors, wireless headphones, auxiliary jacks, and 120-volt outlets for the second row.

However, the system's user interface was complicated. Analog controls, a small dial on the center console, and steering-wheel controls didn’t enhance usability. Screen sizes were small and positioned far from the driver, making them difficult to use. Despite useful features like two zoom methods for maps and Smart Rearview Mirror, the overall experience was less intuitive.

In comparison, the 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen with physical controls for the stereo and climate. Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen with a single physical dial for stereo volume.

Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with WiFi hotspot, natural voice recognition, and connected navigation with a complimentary 90-day trial. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless charging, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. Sync 4A featured upgraded voice recognition and an adaptive dashcard user interface with personal driver profiles.

While the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio had some flaws in high-volume fidelity, the new 22-speaker B&O Unleashed system was available on higher trims. Sync 4A had its quirks, such as occasional issues with Apple CarPlay and confusing voice recognition, but the technology was otherwise sophisticated and modern.

The Expedition’s dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, with 16-gigabyte storage for downloaded content, enabling passengers to stream movies, music, and games. Additionally, Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 with Trailer Reverse Guidance made reversing the SUV with a trailer easier.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t 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. While these features were common in mainstream SUVs, Infiniti provided them as standard equipment.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition grouped its safety features into three Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard Co-Pilot360 package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had a rear-seat reminder system.

Starting with Limited trim, Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assist, and speed-limit-sign recognition. New features for 2022 included intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The King Ranch and Platinum trims came with Co-Pilot Assist 2.0, which added a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking, along with Active Park Assist 2.0 for semi-autonomous parking assistance.

Ford introduced Road Edge Detection and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for the Expedition. BlueCruise worked on approved highways, combining adaptive cruise control with autonomous steering, although drivers needed to be ready to take control. Despite its capabilities, the lane-centering assist occasionally performed erratically, causing concerns in heavy traffic and curvy roads.