2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 Ford Explorer offered a variety of models, including the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, and a Premium Technology package. Visually, the King Ranch was distinguished by its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer’s rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, with blacked-out roof pillars creating a floating roof effect. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating, King Ranch branding, and a mix of quality materials. However, some elements reminded us of the Explorer’s base trim, slightly detracting from its premium feel.

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 the 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 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for a total of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer’s ride was robust, handling bumps and off-road terrain well. The King Ranch felt athletic in daily driving, with the sport-tuned Explorer ST offering even more engaging performance.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat layout. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with two-way lumbar support. The front seats lacked thigh support, which could be uncomfortable on long trips. 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 rear rows folded. The center console offered limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-shaped for holding drinks.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. Our King Ranch test vehicle featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades like a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system. The user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and confusing controls. However, the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the full suite of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The King Ranch also featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. The Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly with voice recognition, and would benefit from an upgrade to Sync 4 technology.

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) 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 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year’s model received five-star ratings across the board except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. Additional safety features included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.