2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, offering a substantial size compared to the QX50 and QX60. It was available in two trims: Luxe and Limited. The exterior, refreshed in 2018, boasted a commanding presence with features like LED headlights, adaptive front lighting, and power-folding mirrors. The interior offered three color schemes and improved materials, though some trim pieces lagged behind competitors. The cabin was upscale with soft-touch materials, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid slotted between the UX and RX crossovers, featuring sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty look, the NX used an older platform shared with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. The F Sport Black Line model added a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, with a striking Grecian Water paint. The interior design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The Black Line treatment included an F Sport steering wheel and NuLuxe upholstery, but material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2020 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. It offered a smooth ride but was fuel-inefficient, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. The QX80 was capable off-road, with Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes. Steering was light at low speeds but required effort on highways. The Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and rear auto-leveling suspension enhanced stability and comfort. It had an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. It had standard AWD and a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The hybrid focused on fuel efficiency, though the drivetrain struggled with aggressive driving. The Black Line package's sport-tuned suspension improved handling without sacrificing comfort. However, steering was numb, and drive modes offered minimal impact. The NX felt less refined than newer models on the TNGA platform.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, with tighter third-row space. It accommodated seven passengers with standard captain’s chairs. The interior featured leather-appointed seats with power adjustments and climate control. Cargo space was generous, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. Front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and heated/ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered visibility, but controls were accessible. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power liftgate was available but not standard.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower infotainment screen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A 13-speaker Bose stereo was standard, with a 17-speaker upgrade available. The system was functional but not modern in design.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system included an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. Analog controls were provided for climate and audio. The base audio system was lackluster, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It received "good" IIHS scores in some tests and a moderate NHTSA rollover risk.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, though a 360-degree camera was missing.