2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

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 bold grille and headlight design that gave it a confident yet not overly aggressive appearance. Standard LED lighting and large wheels added to its luxurious look. Inside, the QX80’s interior closely resembled the Armada, with added wood trim and leather upholstery to enhance its luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design that mirrored other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector, and ample storage options. The Rogue’s cabin was designed for practicality and comfort, with Zero Gravity front seats and a spacious second row. The cargo area was generous, offering up to 74.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

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 an optional 4WD system. The V8 engine provided ample power for highway overtaking, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80’s body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, delivered a comfortable ride, though it struggled with body roll in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, and offered decent off-road capability with its 4WD system and skid plate.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, which adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue’s new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feedback, and the Rogue’s tight turning diameter made it maneuverable in various driving situations.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was ample, even in the third row, though cargo space was limited compared to competitors. 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 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage and practicality. The front cabin featured numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies. The rear seats offered additional storage and charging ports. The Rogue’s cargo area was spacious, with 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Rogue’s interior was designed for convenience and comfort, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.

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. The system included a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment package. However, the user interface was complicated, with small screens and confusing controls. The QX80 also featured a Smart Rearview Mirror and an Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The Rogue supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Rogue’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

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, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.