2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. The vehicle's profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, mirrored the Armada, while the front fenders featured distinctive vents. The QX80's front end, introduced in 2018, was distinctly Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that provided an assertive yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large wheels added to its luxury appeal, though the interior, despite its luxurious feel, closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery enhancing its exclusivity.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while borrowing some styling cues from other Genesis models, maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The Sport Prestige model added unique styling elements, including a distinctive front fascia and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the GV70 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a rotary gear selector. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, though base models had leatherette seats instead of real leather.

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 4WD option available. The engine was responsive, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models. However, it felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, but its size limited off-road capability.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, the chassis felt heavy, and the steering lacked precision for spirited driving. The GV70 was more comfortable on highways, though the ride was firm, and it lacked the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row configuration with standard seven seats, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats were adjustable, with heating and cooling on Sensory models, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo space was 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, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. However, some controls were buried in touchscreen menus, and the posture assist activated unexpectedly.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced visibility, though the infotainment system's usability was lacking.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, featuring a tile-based layout and crisp graphics. A glass rotary controller added functionality, and higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features, such as remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The IIHS had not tested the QX80.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The system performed well on highways, though lane-centering was limited on curves.