2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a strong family resemblance with the Nissan Armada, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Both SUVs were considered good-looking, and the QX80's size was just right—not too big, not too small. The front-end styling of the QX80 was unique, thanks to the distinctive Infiniti grille, which was prominent but not overdone. LED lighting and tasteful chrome accents added to its upscale look, and the 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels on higher trims further enhanced its exterior appeal.

Inside, the QX80's cabin featured more upscale materials compared to the Armada, but Nissan's design theme was still evident. The Sensory-trim test vehicle boasted tasteful wood trim and attractive quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's style was becoming outdated. While the cabin was comfortable and upscale, it fell short of the high standards set by its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. The XC90 looked purposeful but not boastful, with a stout and solid front end that wasn't overly flashy. The grille was assertive, and the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions and shape still leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from the toaster-like designs of the past.

Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a touch of drama to the otherwise stoic XC90. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a gorgeous two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean, beautiful look with few physical controls.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was one of the QX80's strengths, providing strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. However, it was thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, distributing the QX80's power effectively. The transmission performed well during passing and acceleration, and it didn't hunt for gears on steep grades.

The QX80, based on the global Nissan Patrol, offered impressive off-road capability with its 4WD system, which included a computer-controlled transfer case with settings for Automatic, 4Hi, and 4Lo. It had ample ground clearance (9.2 inches) for challenging terrain and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The QX80 managed to control body lean during cornering and quick maneuvers, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. However, it reminded drivers of its nearly three-ton weight when taking turns too quickly.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The B6 powertrain, featuring a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. These mild-hybrid powertrains improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal.

The XC90's mild-hybrid system didn't provide propulsion but powered a 13-volt starter generator for functions like climate control and ignition. This setup made the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology almost imperceptible. The XC90 offered a pleasant driving experience with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well, considering its size, and kept road and wind noise at bay. The brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel. The XC90 didn't have extensive off-road features but provided a straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, with a step-in height of nearly two feet. The spacious cabin provided good front-seat head- and legroom, though it wasn't as accommodating as some competitors. Forward visibility was commendable, but the sideview mirrors were a bit small. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than panoramic designs found in other Infiniti models.

The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat or seven with captain's chairs. However, the third-row seating was cramped for adults or taller tweens. The split-fold third-row seats and power-operated liftgate were slow to operate. Cargo space was limited, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. Our test vehicle featured illuminated kick plates, a cargo scuff plate, and radiant exterior welcome lighting, adding a premium touch.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to some storage frustrations. There was limited cubby space for smaller items, and the USB port for phone charging was located in the small center console bin. The second row was comfortable and reasonably spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, but removing the middle seat for captain's chairs cost $500 and required upgrading to the B6 engine.

Accessing the third row was difficult with the middle seat in place, and space in the back row was limited. With the third seat in position, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX. The XC90 drove like a smaller car than typical three-row SUVs, contributing to its overall appeal.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The display included navigation with lane guidance, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch connected services. A Bose 13-speaker premium sound system was standard, while the Sensory trim received a 17-speaker Performance Series Bose system. The QX80 also had multiple USB ports, illuminated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a new wireless smartphone charger.

Our test vehicle included a dual-screen rear entertainment system with screens in the front-seat headrests and wireless headsets. However, the HDMI adapters were missing, causing frustration during a road trip. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older vehicle systems architecture, which limited its electronic driver aids.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, making Volvo the first company to offer this technology as standard. Google OS included Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. Natural-language recognition, powered by Google, enhanced the user experience, and owners could issue commands to the XC90 via Google Home devices.

While Google OS was impressive, Volvo filed too many key functions within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The XC90 lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, making it challenging to adjust features like the heated steering wheel and driver's seat position. These issues might fade with long-term ownership, but they were noticeable during our week of testing.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-departure prevention, forward-collision warning, backup collision intervention, a smart rearview mirror, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features for 2022 included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row outboard passengers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the 2022 QX80's crashworthiness, except for a three-star rating for rollover resistance. The structurally similar 2021 QX80 received four stars for overall crash protection, with three stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the QX80 for safety.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was well-regarded for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2022. The XC90 featured advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology. These systems helped maintain distance from the car ahead and provided gentle nudges to keep the vehicle in its lane. These safety features were standard on the 2023 XC90.