2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 GMC Terrain

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 introduced in 2018. 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 assertive yet refined look. 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.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle, equipped with Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, included several packages that raised its MSRP to $41,810. While the Terrain offered more affordable SLE and SLT trims, the Denali trim added luxury. Despite its entry-level status, the Terrain’s interior materials and execution didn’t fully meet expectations for its price range, with some design choices like the pushbutton transmission controls and narrow storage tray falling short.

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 a $3,100 option for 4WD. 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 factory wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was discontinued, reducing the Terrain’s towing capacity to 1,500 pounds. The 1.5-liter engine required careful management of its torque band for satisfactory performance, with some delay off the line. The Terrain’s four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch wheels provided a smooth ride on highways and city streets, though it struggled with body motion on undulating surfaces. Off-road, the Terrain AT4’s ground clearance and sport-terrain tires limited its capability, and torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain’s powertrain met fuel economy expectations, achieving 26.2 mpg on the evaluation loop.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard seven-seat and optional eight-seat layouts. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with lumbar support. However, 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, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The center console provided limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 GMC Terrain’s interior was roomy for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color contrast stitching. The back seat offered plenty of legroom and foot room, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain’s cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger’s seat could also be folded down for longer items. Despite some design flaws, the Terrain’s interior provided numerous storage solutions and comfort-enhancing features.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 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 to a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features for driving the large SUV.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. Our test vehicle had the larger screen and the Infotainment Package II, which added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technology offerings.

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 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, 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. The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, available on SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims, added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly “Good” crash-test scores, with a “Marginal” rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain’s crashworthiness at the time of this review.