2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the bold Circuit Red. The interior's material quality was excellent, though the design felt somewhat dated compared to competitors with more modern digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, was functional but lacked open storage space.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling cues, with a body-on-frame construction that was shared with the Armada. Its front-end design was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design that gave it an assertive yet not overly flashy look. The QX80 came with standard LED lighting and offered 20-inch wheels on the base Luxe trim, with larger 22-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the QX80's design was closer to the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. However, the interior still felt more Nissan than Infiniti, with some switchgear and a foot-operated parking brake that detracted from its high-end aspirations.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. While the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet and comfortable. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—affecting throttle response and steering assist. The NX had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available as an option. The V8 engine provided responsive performance, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension and a rear auto-leveling feature, offering a comfortable ride despite some shudders over bumps. The QX80 was less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll, but speed-sensitive power steering helped maintain a relaxed driving style. The SUV's 4WD system included a low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX included a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain's chairs and a center console. An eight-seat option was available with a bench seat. The front seats offered power adjustments and lumbar support, though thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with adequate room in all three rows. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The QX80 included a power liftgate and power-folding third row, but storage space in the center console was limited.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch screen with the Navigation package. This package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was less user-friendly. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. A Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on higher trims, and the Lexus Enform Remote app offered remote vehicle control and monitoring.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 17-speaker system and rear-seat entertainment available. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect offered additional safety services, and the NX came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

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. The QX80 had not been tested by the IIHS, but its safety features were comparable to those of mainstream SUVs.