2023 Honda HR-V vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a familial resemblance with the Nissan Armada, boasting a platform and mechanical similarities. Its size was considered just right, neither too large nor too small, and its front-end styling was distinct with a prominent yet tasteful Infiniti grille. The LED lighting and conservative chrome use added an upscale touch, while the 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels enhanced its exterior appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin featured upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, but its design was becoming outdated compared to competitors in the premium full-size SUV market.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, presenting a sleeker and more modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to its sophisticated look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The HR-V Sport trim featured unique styling elements like black alloy wheels and a chrome exhaust. Inside, the HR-V offered a comfortable cabin with new seats and thoughtful design touches, such as a metal honeycomb grille and sculptural center console. The EX-L trim provided additional luxury with perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, making it feel more upscale than its entry-level status suggested.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong performance and an enjoyable exhaust note, though it was notably thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, with adaptive shift control and manual mode. The QX80's off-road capability was enhanced by its 4WD option, computer-controlled transfer case, and 9.2 inches of ground clearance. It could tow up to 8,500 pounds and managed body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated CVT with Step-Shift function aimed to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport drive modes, with AWD available. The new suspension and widened tracks improved handling, making it fun to drive on mountain roads, though it lacked power compared to some competitors. The HR-V was quieter than before, but still noisy at higher speeds.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, with a step-in height of nearly two feet. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good front-seat head- and legroom, though the third row was cramped. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than some competitors' panoramic designs. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, and cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage. Rear-seat headroom was slightly reduced for the new fastback look, but cargo space remained competitive at 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering a bit more space. The rear seats provided a higher seating position and folded to create a nearly flat floor.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. A Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker system on the Sensory trim. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, but it included a wireless smartphone charger and a dual-screen rear entertainment system, though HDMI adapters were missing.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system was now tablet-style, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions on the EX-L. The EX-L also featured a 9-inch display, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, with additional features like Smart Entry and remote start on higher trims.

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

The 2023 Honda HR-V now included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and mostly "Good" scores from IIHS.