2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 appearance. 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 Wrangler offered a rugged and customizable experience. Buyers could choose between two-door and four-door models, various engines including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid, and multiple 4WD systems. The Wrangler came in four core trims—Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon—with numerous special editions like the High Tide model, which featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and a host of off-road enhancements. The Wrangler’s interior was basic but functional, with durable materials and practical features like floor drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its high price, the Wrangler’s charm lay in its off-road capabilities and unique driving experience.

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 4WD available as a $3,100 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’s 4WD system included a low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its effectiveness on tight trails. The QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator but more than the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The Wrangler’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world driving with the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 16.8 mpg. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, vague steering, and loud cabin noise, but these traits were part of its charm for off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler excelled in off-road conditions, providing an immersive and adventurous driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding bench seat. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, with cooling available on Sensory models, though the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The center console offered limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide’s raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver’s seat required frequent re-adjustment due to its location. The Wrangler’s seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility was mixed, with good views in some areas but compromised in others, such as when looking up at traffic lights or dealing with the large spare tire blocking the rear view. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch spare tire, required careful handling when opening.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the standard 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. The system also included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades like a 17-speaker Bose system and a rear-seat entertainment package. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and controls that were difficult to use. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features for driving the large SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but the basic system provided all the necessary functions. The Wrangler High Tide also included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

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 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact protection. The Wrangler’s safety features were optional rather than standard, and its crash-test ratings suggested the need for extra caution when driving.