2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was a striking presence on the road, sharing its platform and mechanicals with the Nissan Armada. Its size was just right, not too imposing yet substantial enough to command attention. The front-end styling was distinctively Infiniti, with a prominent grille that was tastefully integrated with LED lighting and chrome accents, giving it an upscale appearance. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels added a touch of elegance to its exterior. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, despite its luxurious appointments, the interior design felt somewhat dated compared to its competitors in the premium full-size SUV market.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, was a testament to modern luxury and design. Its exterior styling drew connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, with split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like silhouette. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a blend of contemporary and classic design, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The dashboard housed a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70's interior was a showcase of luxury, with options for genuine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, making it a strong contender in the luxury 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. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The QX80's off-road capabilities were notable, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. It also boasted a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean effectively, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's performance was well-rounded, blending comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 featured dual electric motors with a combined output of 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing it to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It offered a range of 236 miles and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. The GV70's handling was refined, leaning slightly towards comfort, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with electric capabilities.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, with a step-in height of nearly two feet. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good head and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, 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 moonroof added convenience, though their operation was slow.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with ample storage options. Front-seat comfort was excellent, though rear legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for taller passengers. The rear bench could recline, enhancing comfort for longer journeys.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system included navigation, voice recognition, and connected services. A Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker upgrade on the Sensory trim. The QX80 lacked advanced driver-assistance features like ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, which was a notable omission in this segment.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo. Additional features like ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available, enhancing the vehicle's tech appeal.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a suite of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with only a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive array of driver-assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Advance Package added features like a blind-spot camera and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.