2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its familial resemblance to the Nissan Armada, presented a robust and attractive exterior. Its unique front-end styling, characterized by the 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 appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, although its design echoed the Armada's. Despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's style was considered somewhat outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, capturing attention with its striking design. Its exterior, inspired by the larger Range Rover, featured a sporty, lowered profile with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's design was both blocky and streamlined, with flush door handles and unique taillight lenses adding to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim introduced bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, while the interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The Velar's interior was sleek, with a polished black center stack and sharp, sophisticated graphics on its three screens.

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 impressive performance and a pleasing exhaust note. The seven-speed automatic transmission, though lacking a couple of gears compared to competitors, offered seamless and smooth shifts. The QX80's off-road capabilities were notable, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in impressive handling and steering. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to a smoother ride, even on the standard coil-sprung suspension. The optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush, isolated ride. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, enhancing its versatility. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered higher performance, making the Velar a compelling choice for luxury buyers.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle for easier ingress. Inside, the cabin offered a spacious and airy feel, with commendable front-seat head- and legroom. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench-seat package, 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 convenient but slow to operate.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its design. Headroom was limited, especially for rear-seat passengers, and visibility was compromised by thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was deemed illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the Velar's redesign of critical controls was seen as a frustrating trend.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, though based on an older design, offered respectable technology features. A new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display provided access to Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Bose 13-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Performance Series Bose system available on the top trim. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older architecture, which was a notable omission for a premium SUV.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system provided intelligent route suggestions, while the 4x4 app detailed off-road capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable displays, though its driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a comprehensive suite 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, with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, achieving five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.