2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a status symbol with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of elegance and functionality. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, yet it distinguished itself with unique front-end styling and a prominent Infiniti grille. The QX80's design was tasteful, with LED lighting and conservative chrome use adding to its upscale appearance. The interior, while echoing the Armada's design, featured upscale materials like quilted semi-aniline leather seats. Despite its luxurious cabin, the QX80's style was becoming outdated compared to its competitors. The vehicle offered a comfortable and attractive interior, but it struggled to meet the high expectations of the premium full-size SUV market segment.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV's high driving position offered a commanding view. However, the steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivered impressive performance and a pleasing exhaust note, though it was thirsty for fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and efficient power distribution. The QX80's off-road capabilities were notable, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The vehicle managed body lean well during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, but it reminded drivers of its size and weight during quick maneuvers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were comfortable and luxurious, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small center-console bin and restricted luggage volume. The clamshell-style tailgate revealed only 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, but grab handles aided ingress. The cabin was spacious, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the vehicle featured premium touches like illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The vehicle included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during activities. An iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, while based on an older design, offered a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Sensory trim featured a 17-speaker Bose system. A wireless smartphone charger was new for 2022. The dual-screen rear entertainment system was included, though HDMI adapters were missing. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, missing advanced driver aids available in less expensive models.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The NHTSA rated the 2021 QX80 with four stars for overall crash protection, but the 2022 model had not been rated by the IIHS.