2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, maintaining a body-on-frame construction that was reminiscent of its Nissan sibling. Its exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, with front fender vents adding to its robust appearance. The front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that lent the SUV an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. Despite these enhancements, the interior still felt more Nissan than Infiniti, which might have left some buyers seeking exclusivity feeling a bit underwhelmed.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a fresh design with a focus on simplicity and refinement. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It offered more passenger and cargo space than its predecessor, with a minimalist interior that featured a large touchscreen for most controls. The NX 350 F Sport variant stood out with sport-bolstered seats and unique styling elements, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. Despite the decluttered dashboard, some functions integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive, though physical controls for essential functions remained. Overall, the NX aimed for a modern, streamlined look that appealed to a younger audience.

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 was responsive, the transmission shifts were less smooth, feeling more crumpled than seamless. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, provided a comfortable ride, though it was less composed in corners. Its 4WD system and 8,500-pound towing capacity made it capable off-road, but its size and wheel-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h hybrid delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offering 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport variant provided a more engaging driving experience with adaptive suspension and additional driving modes. While the NX was not designed for off-road use, it excelled on winding roads, offering a smooth and responsive ride. However, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals, and road noise was more noticeable than expected.

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 with a bench seat. The front seats were power-adjustable, but lacked thigh support for long trips. Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading, and cargo space was limited compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade. The QX80's interior storage was practical but not generous, with some design quirks in cupholder and phone storage.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities, including air vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14% over the previous model, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Luxury trim featured ambient lighting with nature-inspired themes, enhancing the cabin's atmosphere.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. While the system offered various controls, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience and safety, but the overall tech experience felt disjointed.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition, with over-the-air updates ensuring it stayed current. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX's tech suite impressed with its modern features, though the large touchscreen was prone to fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

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. While these features were common in mainstream SUVs, Infiniti made them standard, enhancing the QX80's safety profile.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System added an extra layer of safety, bringing the NX to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. Additional features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist further bolstered the NX's safety credentials.