2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 grille and headlight design introduced in 2018. This gave the SUV an assertive yet not overly aggressive 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 appeal. Inside, the QX80’s design closely mirrored the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing the luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eliminated almost all chrome, giving it a sleek, monochromatic look. Despite its modern touches, the GX’s design remained reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. The interior, while high-quality and quiet, featured some outdated switchgear. The GX’s cabin was crafted with care, offering smooth refinement and a satisfying V8 engine note. Available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, the GX’s prices ranged from $56,700 to $66,210, with the Black Line Special Edition starting at $60,535.

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 for an additional $3,100. The engine was responsive, making highway overtaking stress-free, 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, provided a comfortable ride, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The SUV’s speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style, but the QX80 felt less composed in corners. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, the QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, though its size could be a liability on tight trails.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, the GX had a leisurely 7.8-second run to 60 mph. Its drag coefficient of 0.35 and the V8 engine contributed to an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling on pavement. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, enhanced the GX’s off-road prowess with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with lumbar support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet 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 provided limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-shaped for holding drinks.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The rear seat was tricky to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX’s tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Cargo space measured 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system 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 system. However, the user interface was not intuitive, and the screens were small and difficult to reach. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

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. The IIHS did not test 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 Lexus GX, with no crash-test ratings available, featured the Lexus Safety System+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.