2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 appeal. 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 Honda Odyssey offered a practical and stylish design tailored for families. Its sliding side doors provided easy access, especially in tight parking spaces, and the third-row seat was spacious and comfortable for adults. The Odyssey’s interior featured quality materials, supportive seats, and ample storage space. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, making it easier to accommodate passengers and cargo. The Odyssey’s design, while adhering to traditional minivan aesthetics, included stylish elements like kinked sliding doors and dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim.

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 four-wheel drive available as an option. 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 it felt less composed in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, and offered decent off-road capability with its 4WD drivetrain and skid plate.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with no all-wheel-drive or hybrid options available. The Odyssey’s fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, lower than hybrid competitors. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to overheat on long descents, leading to pedal vibration and noise. Overall, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience, though it required more robust brakes for heavy loads and mountain driving.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration with a bench seat. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, and a driver’s memory system. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Storage options included a center console accessible from both front and back, though some storage areas were small and impractical.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. Its low step-in height and wide-opening doors made entry easy. The Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and an onboard vacuum cleaner. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for various configurations, enhancing passenger safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. This made the Odyssey ideal for family trips and cargo hauling.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment available. However, the user interface was complicated, with small screens and confusing controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided helpful driving aids, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi hotspot, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technologies. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch screen with media inputs and a “How Much Farther?” app. The Elite trim also had an 11-speaker audio system and wireless charging. Despite these features, the Odyssey’s infotainment system felt outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality. A major upgrade was needed to keep up with competitors.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and three stars for rollover. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features were common in mainstream SUVs but were standard on the QX80, enhancing its safety profile.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply or issuing false warnings. The blind-spot monitoring system’s warning light was poorly placed, and the system’s radar coverage was limited.