2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

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 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was 11.4 inches longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating a third row of seats. Its design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard model appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L retained classic Jeep styling cues, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious, with ample room in all three rows, and featured a panoramic roof and numerous USB ports, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate.

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 was responsive, making highway overtaking stress-free, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, thanks to its independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature. However, it felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll despite the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its size and factory wheel-and-tire combinations.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee L's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for rear-wheel-drive models to 7,200 pounds for four-wheel-drive models.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a three-row seating configuration, with standard second-row captain's chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats were power-adjustable, with heating and cooling on higher trims, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. 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 offered limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered generous space in all three rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were somewhat inadequate. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive, making it difficult to operate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, including multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, providing clear directions. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Summit trims offered additional safety features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.