2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Kia EV6

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 profile, marked by a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, was shared with the Armada, while the front-end styling was uniquely Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design. The QX80's exterior was equipped with standard LED lighting and offered wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, some elements, such as the foot-operated parking brake, felt less premium, and the overall design might not have met the exclusivity expectations of some luxury SUV buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more modern aesthetic, drawing comparisons to the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design featured a low and wide stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's exterior was characterized by its sharp, angular roofline and smooth, silken body, enhanced by matte silver paint. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a futuristic design with suede and leather seats. The EV6's industrial design elements, such as the hidden rear charge port and retractable door handles, added to its appeal, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

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. While the engine delivered responsive performance, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, provided a comfortable ride, though it struggled with body roll in corners. Its 4WD system and 8,500-pound towing capacity made it capable off-road, but its size and wheel options limited its trail prowess.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD variant, offered a thrilling driving experience with its dual electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. The EV6's regenerative braking system allowed for customizable deceleration, and its drive modes could be quickly adjusted. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious three-row interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain's chairs. An eight-seat option was available. The front seats provided power adjustments but lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row. Cargo capacity was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The center console offered limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor, though its cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet with them folded. The rear seats reclined and offered optional heated cushions. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment. The innovative interior design included a touchscreen that combined climate and stereo controls, though it could be frustrating to use while driving.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system was complemented by a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker upgrade. However, the user interface was not intuitive, and the screens were small and difficult to reach. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. It offered a 360-degree camera system, customizable "engine" sounds, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. The EV6's tech package included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

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

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published safety ratings but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and advanced adaptive cruise control.