2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its exterior featured a distinctive Infiniti front-end with a bold grille and headlight design, giving it a confident yet not overly aggressive appearance. The QX80 came standard with LED lighting and offered large 20-inch wheels on the base model, with 22-inch wheels available on higher trims. Inside, the QX80's interior closely mirrored the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. However, the overall design and features, such as the foot-operated parking brake, felt more aligned with its Nissan roots, potentially leaving those seeking exclusivity wanting more.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking and modern exterior. The new front end featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and chrome accents, creating a concept-car-like appearance. The QX60's sleek profile was enhanced by a floating roof design, with the Autograph trim offering a contrasting black roof for added flair. Inside, the QX60 boasted a spacious and open cabin, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The interior design emphasized horizontal lines and layers, providing a sense of width and openness. The QX60's craftsmanship and build quality were evident, reflecting Infiniti's commitment to luxury and comfort.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the QX80 offered a responsive driving experience, although transmission shifts could have been smoother. Its body-on-frame construction provided a truck-like ride, but the independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models ensured a comfortable and composed ride. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain with low range. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, offering a more refined driving experience with smooth and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts and an independent multilink setup, provided a serene ride, while the electric power steering delivered good feel. Although not designed for aggressive cornering, the QX60 offered a comfortable and spacious ride for passengers, with ample leg and headroom in the second and third rows. The QX60's focus was on highway and suburban driving, rather than off-road adventures.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats provided power adjustability and heating/cooling on Sensory models, but lacked thigh support for long trips. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, although cargo space was limited compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade. 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. The center console offered limited storage, and third-row passengers lacked charging ports.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, while not a minivan, offered a spacious and versatile interior with three rows of seating. The second-row seats slid on rails for easy access to the third row, and the Autograph trim featured captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The QX60 provided 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The center console offered ample storage, and the shift-by-wire technology allowed for additional storage space beneath the console. The QX60 also offered a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped 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. The system included a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment package. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The QX80 offered helpful tech features like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were standard on higher trims. The QX60 introduced a simplified version of Alexa for voice commands and offered a head-up display on Autograph models. The smart rearview mirror and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system were available, providing a high-tech and immersive experience.

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. While the IIHS did not test the QX80, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard equipment.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous model received high safety ratings. The QX60 offered a wide array of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, including ProPilot Assist, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Optional features included lane-departure prevention and an around-view monitor camera system.