2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, maintaining a body-on-frame construction that highlighted its robust SUV nature. Its front-end styling, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive Infiniti grille and headlight design, offering an assertive yet refined appearance. The interior, while luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, closely resembled the Armada, lacking the exclusivity some luxury buyers might seek.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive look with its blunt nose and floating roof design. Despite its polarizing appearance, the Highlander’s styling was expected to become more familiar over time. The interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, but some design choices, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt less premium. The dashboard layout was dominated by an asymmetrical element housing the infotainment system, which could suffer from reflections.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It offered a comfortable ride with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, though it felt less composed in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, but its size limited off-road capability.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. While the Highlander Hybrid offered adequate power for everyday driving, it lacked excitement and struggled with noise during acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was prone to body movement, though it handled well on smooth roads.

The QX80 offered a seven-seat configuration with optional eight seats. It provided competitive passenger space, though not class-leading, and cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The interior featured power-adjustable seats and a driver’s memory system, but storage solutions were not optimal.

The Highlander Hybrid accommodated up to eight passengers with its bench seat option, though the second row felt narrow for three adults. The third row was uncomfortable for adults, and storage was less generous than previous models. Cargo space was decent, with a maximum capacity of 84.3 cubic feet, but lacked convenient storage wells.

The QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. However, the user interface was not intuitive, and the screens were small and distant. Helpful tech included a Smart Rearview Mirror and an Around View Monitor.

The Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, while the driver information display provided detailed data.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked IIHS testing.

The Highlander Hybrid boasted Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance were effective but occasionally inconsistent.