2022 Ford Expedition vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its family resemblance to the Nissan Armada, presented a good-looking, large SUV that was neither too big nor too small. Its unique front-end styling, featuring a distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart from its sibling. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added to its upscale appearance, while the stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior. Inside, the QX80's cabin was furnished with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, though its design closely resembled the Armada. Despite its attractive and comfortable interior, the QX80's style was considered outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several changes, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment tech. It featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, along with redesigned wheels across its model lineup. Available in various trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline, the Expedition offered a range of prices and configurations. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large touchscreen display. The Limited Stealth Edition test vehicle featured leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and impressive tech, though it retained some F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim. Overall, the Expedition's updates made it a more modern and appealing choice in the full-size SUV segment.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was one of the QX80's strengths, providing strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. However, it was thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, effectively distributing the QX80's power. The QX80's off-road capability was notable, with 2WD standard and 4WD available for an additional cost. It had a generous towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and managed to control body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in the test vehicle. With the Stealth Edition Performance Package, it could reach 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's driving dynamics were generally impressive, though the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension could have benefited from adaptive damping. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park and excelled on the highway, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle for shorter drivers. Inside, the cabin felt spacious and airy, with good front-seat head- and legroom. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting added a premium touch.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort and ease of access, thanks to available power running boards. The cabin provided ample space for passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom, while the third row was easy to access and provided good leg support. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sensory trim included a 17-speaker Bose system, while other trims had a 13-speaker setup. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, but it included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The dual-screen rear entertainment system was a nice addition, though the absence of HDMI adapters was a drawback.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch display. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like SiriusXM radio and wireless charging available on higher trims. The Expedition's technology was sophisticated, though it had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster and issues with Apple CarPlay. The available dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, enhancing passenger entertainment options.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety items included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, while the structurally similar 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through its Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience on approved highways. While the adaptive cruise control performed well, the lane-centering assist had some issues, particularly in heavy traffic.