2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a fresh, technical appearance that leaned more towards an SUV aesthetic than a car. Its exterior featured dark gray plastic cladding along the lower perimeter, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection, which added a rugged touch, though some might have found the back bumper a bit too audacious. The clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design contributed to its modern look. With aluminum wheels up to 19 inches and an optional two-tone paint with a black roof, the Rogue could achieve a custom appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from both the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. While the body shell was reminiscent of the Armada, the QX80's front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design that aligned with smaller Infiniti SUVs. This gave the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive look, setting it apart from its Nissan counterpart. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with available dark chrome trim, added to its luxury appeal. The QX80's design was more about understated luxury rather than flashy extravagance.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine struggled with the SUV's nearly 3,500-pound weight, especially in mountainous terrains. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was well-tuned, offering a smooth driving experience with programmed ratios that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Rogue's all-wheel-drive option, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its power limitations, the Rogue's ride and handling were commendable, thanks to its robust architecture and advanced suspension systems. The steering, with its improved electric assist and quickened ratio, was a standout feature, offering a more engaging driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, boasted a 5.6-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided ample performance 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, offered a comfortable ride, albeit with some detectable shudders over bumps. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the QX80's speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. Its off-road capabilities were bolstered by a 4WD drivetrain with low range and a forward skid plate, though its size and wheel-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured Nissan's Zero Gravity seat designs, which were improved for this model year, offering enhanced comfort. The seats varied in material and adjustability across trims, with higher trims offering leather and power adjustments. The Rogue's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like heated seats and steering wheel, though ventilated seats were not available. The rear seats offered generous headroom and legroom, and the nearly 90-degree opening rear doors facilitated easy passenger loading. The Rogue's cargo space was competitive, with up to 74.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, and the Divide-N-Hide cargo management system added versatility.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats offered power adjustments and lumbar support, though the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Passenger space was ample across all three rows, though not class-leading. The second-row captain's chairs provided additional storage and climate controls, while the third row was spacious enough for adults. Cargo space was substantial, with up to 95.1 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, though it trailed some competitors. The power liftgate and power-folding third row added convenience, while the center console offered limited storage.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment system, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration on the base trim. Higher trims added features like a WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim included a larger 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, though the knobs and buttons could be challenging to use. The Platinum trim also offered advanced features like wireless charging and a digital instrument cluster.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, smartphone integration, and a WiFi hotspot. The system included a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with an optional 17-speaker upgrade and a rear-seat entertainment system. The user interface was complex, with multiple controls that could be confusing. However, the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added practicality, enhancing visibility and ease of use.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Rogue also offered ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance on higher trims. The vehicle's architecture, with increased use of high-strength steel, aimed to enhance crash protection, though crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While these features were common in mainstream SUVs, Infiniti made them standard, enhancing the QX80's safety profile.