2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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 interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel. However, some elements, like the foot-operated parking brake, detracted from its high-end image.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator’s interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The Navigator also featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its tech appeal. Available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, the Navigator offered a range of trims, starting at $78,405. The Black Label trim, with its luxurious Central Park theme, showcased the SUV’s premium features, including heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row captain’s chairs.

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 V8 engine provided responsive performance, 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 some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The SUV’s handling was less composed in corners, but the speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. The QX80’s towing capacity was 8,500 pounds, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator’s maximum of 8,700 pounds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the Navigator offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator’s twin-turbo V6 effortlessly handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The SUV’s fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding bench seat. Standard features included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with two-way lumbar support. However, the front seats lacked thigh support, which could be uncomfortable on long trips. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was 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 offered limited storage space, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, along with an updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seats provided roomy and supportive accommodations. The Navigator excelled in storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for large families and heavy loads.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades like a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package 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 for driving the large SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4’s voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

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) 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 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took control of parking maneuvers, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required the driver to remain attentive.