2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements. Its body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. The QX80's front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design that gave it an assertive yet refined look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base model and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its luxurious appearance. Inside, the QX80's interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, designed as an EV from the ground up, boasted a distinctive look that set it apart from VW's gasoline models. Its streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners gave it a modern, futuristic appearance. Based on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 followed the ID.3 hatchback but was tailored for the U.S. market as a crossover. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4's design was more akin to a hatchback, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 featured a minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, including piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

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. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with a 4WD option available for an additional $3,100. The V8 engine provided ample power for highway overtaking, though the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, delivered a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. However, the SUV felt less composed in corners, and its size made it less agile on tight trails. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing the Cadillac Escalade but slightly trailing the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This made it the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An AWD version with a second motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional power and traction. Despite its performance potential, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride over bumps but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a three-row seating configuration, with standard seven-seat capacity and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats offered 10-way and 8-way adjustability, respectively, with heating and cooling on Sensory models. However, the front seat cushions lacked thigh support, which could be uncomfortable on long trips. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The QX80 offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The center console provided limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4's center console was narrow, offering limited storage for larger items, though it provided ample space for phones and smaller items. Standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel helped maintain cabin comfort in cold weather.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with an optional 17-speaker system and a rear-seat entertainment package available. The system included various analog controls, but their functionality was not intuitive, making it difficult to use. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were notable features that enhanced visibility and ease of driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4's standard infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, which proved challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light strip, which provided visual cues for various functions. While some features felt gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned, and the menus were easy to navigate.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS did not test the QX80. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.