2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. The vehicle's profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, mirrored the Armada, while the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a signature grille and headlight design. This gave the QX80 a confident appearance without being overly aggressive. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with options for auto-leveling and larger wheels on higher trims. Inside, the QX80's interior bore similarities to the Armada, with enhancements like wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained some Nissan elements, such as the dashboard layout and switchgear. While the interior felt luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might seek.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's proportions in a more compact, sporty package. Its exterior featured a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof, complemented by flush door handles and unique taillight lenses. The Velar's R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The interior featured three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offering sharp graphics and sophisticated design. While the base trim had lower-grade leather and fewer luxury touches, the overall fit and finish were exemplary.

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 engine provided ample power for highway overtaking, though transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction contributed to a truck-like ride, but its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models offered a comfortable experience. Despite some body roll in corners, the QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, and offered off-road capabilities, though its size and wheel-tire combinations limited its effectiveness on tight trails.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The Velar's lower center of gravity and lighter weight enhanced cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar offered an optional air suspension with adaptive dampers for a smoother ride. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two power levels, provided up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, delivering high performance while reducing emissions with a mild-hybrid system. The Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models, but it offered a range of driving modes and advanced features for various conditions.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard seven seats and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats featured power adjustments and lumbar support, though the 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, 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for aesthetics, and its parking brake control was confusing and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and faster response. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials and a range of advanced features, though some design choices were criticized for prioritizing style over functionality.

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 navigation, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with options for a 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment. Despite the array of features, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The QX80 offered helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was praised for its improved layout and functionality. It featured a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar offered a range of useful features, including a heated windshield, 360-degree cameras, and an off-road mode. The instrument panel was customizable, though the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal crash tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. These features were standard, unlike many luxury brands that offer them as options.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but a European-spec model scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.