2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, as the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, was significantly larger than its siblings, the two-row QX50 and three-row QX60. For 2020, it was available in two trim levels: Luxe and Limited. The QX80's exterior, refreshed in 2018, boasted a commanding presence with modern features such as welcome lights, power-folding, auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling functionality. The SUV also featured automatic on/off LED headlights with high beam assist, LED fog lights, and taillights. Comfort and convenience were enhanced with body-color running boards, a power-sliding tinted moonroof, rear privacy glass, and roof rails. Buyers could choose from nine paint jobs and three interior color schemes, with Limited-grade models receiving matte silver and open-pore Ash wood trim. Despite improvements in cabin materials, some trim pieces lagged behind competitors. The infotainment system was updated to a sleeker, more modern display, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee. It featured a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. Instantly recognizable as a Jeep, it had a signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, pricing ranged from $36,995 to $64,235, with a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle included four-wheel drive, metallic paint, the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system, totaling $64,770. While some interior materials and fittings fell short of expectations, the Summit's quilted and perforated leather and real wood trim were appealing. The redesigned interior represented a significant improvement over the old model.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, shared with the Nissan Armada, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode, the QX80 required premium unleaded fuel. Despite its heavy build, the powertrain managed the load well, though the transmission was clunky when downshifting compared to competitors' 10-speed automatics. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the rear-wheel drive model achieving 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined, while the four-wheel drive model dropped to 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The QX80 Luxe offered rear- or four-wheel drive, while the Limited came standard with 4WD. The SUV was capable off-road, with Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes. Two steering systems were available: engine-speed-sensitive power-assist steering for Luxe models and vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assist steering for Limited models. The QX80's light wheel feel aided low-speed navigation, but high-speed steering required constant attention. The optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and standard rear auto-leveling suspension provided a relatively smooth ride and maintained stability when towing, with an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems. The V6 had a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims and 4WD, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The test vehicle with the V6 and 4WD offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy, averaging 17.8 mpg in testing. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Sport driving mode and additional Selec-Terrain off-road modes, including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock. The Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The SUV's stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling, with secure on-center steering feel and a relatively quiet cabin.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush, spacious seating in the first two rows, but the third row had limited legroom, suitable for small children or pets. Standard seating for seven included captain’s chairs in the second row, with an optional 60/40 split-folding bench. The leather-appointed seats were available in perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery, with Alcantara seats featuring quilting, contrast piping, and stitching as an option. The driver’s seat had 10-way power adjustment with two-way power lumbar support, while the passenger’s seat had eight-way power adjustment with the same lumbar support. Heated and climate-controlled front seats were standard, with heated outboard second-row seats available. A heated, leather-wrapped, tilting, and telescoping steering wheel was standard, along with a dual-occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel. Entry and exit seating assist and flip-up easy-entry second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The QX80 had straightforward controls and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Cargo space was generous, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided comfort with Summit trim, featuring heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a heated steering wheel. The four-zone automatic climate control system had air vents in all three rows, but the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. Standard captain’s chairs in the second row offered plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The captain’s chairs could tip and slide forward without removing child safety seats, and the third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows providing a great view. Practical storage space for front-seat occupants was limited, but second-row passengers had a storage console that was also accessible to third-row passengers. Cargo space behind the third row measured 17.2 cubic feet, with a useful storage bin underneath the load floor. Folding the third-row seat down provided 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 84.6 cubic feet.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured an 8-inch upper infotainment touch screen and a 7.0-inch lower touch screen, allowing for navigation on one screen and audio system information on the other. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry, remote start, tri-zone climate control, a moonroof, a CD player, a 12-volt outlet, and four USB ports. Upgrades included two 8.0-inch displays, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a WiFi hotspot. A 13-speaker Bose stereo was standard, with a 17-speaker Bose system available. SiriusXM services, including Travel Link and Traffic, came with a complimentary four-year trial period. The infotainment system was easy to use but not particularly modern in design, responsive enough to get the job done without frustration.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. Two touchscreen sizes were available: 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch with navigation. The test vehicle had the larger screen, with some user-experience quirks that were easy to acclimate to. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Uconnect 5 also featured a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase, which worked well in testing. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system sounded terrific, especially for bass enthusiasts, though the logo didn’t fit the interior vibe. Depending on the trim level, the Grand Cherokee L offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, being an older model, lacked some of the latest driver-assist features but still had a good roster of standard and available technology. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and automatic collision notification. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, distance-control assist, and lane-keep assist. The IIHS rated the QX80 "good" in moderate overlap front and side crash tests, while the NHTSA rated it better in side crashworthiness than front, with a moderate rollover risk.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system aimed to allow drivers to relax on long highway trips, though the steering assist felt artificial. For the 2022 model year, Active Driving Assist was set to become a hands-free system. Another notable feature was Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, which could detect threats from either side at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, steering the Jeep into parking spaces while the driver operated other controls. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee’s flaws.