2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and appearance. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the main differences being a "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When the battery was sufficiently charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention during its journey through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler interior with some enhancements, such as blue seat stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior, while simple, was more refined than previous models, though it still lacked luxury.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, but its distinct front-end styling, including the Infiniti grille, set it apart. The QX80's design was tasteful, with LED lighting and chrome accents adding to its upscale appearance. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior. Inside, the QX80 featured more luxurious materials than the Armada, with wood trim and quilted leather seats in the Sensory-trim test vehicle. Despite its upscale cabin, the QX80's interior was considered outdated compared to its premium SUV competitors. While comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high expectations set by its price point.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, it delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for gas-free driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 miles driven on electricity.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and robust performance. The QX80's transmission offered seamless shifts and quick kickdowns for passing. While it lacked paddle shifters, the transmission's manual mode effectively managed speed and engine rpm on steep grades. The QX80's off-road capability was enhanced by its 9.2-inch ground clearance and optional four-wheel drive system. It could tow up to 8,500 pounds and handled corners well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a classic driving position with excellent visibility. The interior had limited storage space, and rear-seat passengers had to sit upright. Cargo access was hindered by the swing-out tailgate and spare tire, with 27.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Folding the back seat increased cargo capacity to 72.4 cubic feet.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, with a nearly two-foot step-in height. Inside, the cabin felt spacious, with good front-seat head- and legroom. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, but the third row was cramped. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and slow-folding third-row seats were minor inconveniences.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging. The Alpine sound system was powerful but made conversation difficult at high volumes. Charging indicators and trip summary data were helpful features.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 boasted a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker upgrade on the Sensory trim. A wireless smartphone charger and dual-screen rear entertainment system were also included. However, the absence of ProPilot Assist was notable.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and a three-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal and its small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver as Marginal.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. NHTSA rated the QX80's rollover resistance at three stars, while the 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection. IIHS had not rated the QX80.