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2024 Nissan Armada vs Infiniti QX80: Which is Better?
Nissan’s Armada embraces its old-school charm, boasting a V8 engine, body-on-frame build, and 8500-pound tow capacity. With optional 4WD and luxurious trims offering features like heated seats and rear display screens, it competes with SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Despite its 16-mpg fuel economy, the Armada stands out with a unique style and exclusivity. In contrast, the Infiniti QX80 impresses with its elegant design and spacious interior. Sharing a platform and engine with the Armada, it exudes luxury but faces questions about competing with pricier rivals like the BMW X7. While the QX80 boasts a quiet cabin and a serene ride, it falls slightly short of the premium competition.
| Nissan Armada | Infiniti QX80 | |
| Dimensions | 208.9 in x 79.9 in x 75.8 in | 210.2 in x 79.9 in x 75.8 in |
| Engine | 5.6L V8 | 5.6L V8 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.8–5.9 sec | 5.9 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 16.3 sec |
| Top-Speed | 130 mph | 135 mph |
Nissan Armada
Engine & Performance
The Armada features a powerful 5.6L V8 engine paired with a refined seven-speed automatic transmission. With a recent power boost, it now produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque when fueled with premium fuel. Whether in R/4WD, the Armada’s fully independent suspension ensures a surprisingly smooth ride despite its substantial size. However, it’s important to mention that its handling might not match the agility of the more nimble Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
Price & Mileage
The SL trim unquestionably provides exceptional value, adding to the already appealing features of the base SV model. It introduces a 13-speaker Bose audio system, stylish 20-inch rims, luxurious leather interior appointments, a convenient power liftgate, a cosy heated steering wheel, and a refreshing sunroof. We highly recommend opting for the optional second-row captain’s chairs to elevate your experience. With a starting price of $57,345, the Armada offers an attractive package. While the EPA estimates 14 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway for the RWD, these numbers decrease by 1 mpg with 4WD, still delivering impressive performance and efficiency.
Acceleration & Features
Despite the massive 22-inch wheels, the vehicle offered a pleasantly smooth and quiet ride, ensuring a comfortable driving experience. Surprisingly, this soft ride didn’t compromise our sense of control. However, it’s worth noting that the steering lacked precision and responsiveness, causing the SUV to meander on the highway, reminiscent of its Spanish namesake. Emphasizing convenience, every Armada comes equipped with a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring user-friendly rotary controls for volume and tuning. Positioned atop the centre stack, the unit includes built-in navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, standard Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as wireless smartphone charging, catering to modern connectivity needs.
Infiniti QX80
Engine & Performance
The QX80 teams a 400-hp 5.6L V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or AWD. Still, we loved the engine’s smooth power delivery and snappy throttle response. Too bad it was hard to hustle on the highway, with a transmission that hesitated to downshift. But around town, this Infiniti galloped with grace, its exhaust note growling after heavy-footed accelerator applications. So, if you’re looking for a mega-luxury SUV with sharp driving dynamics, you should look elsewhere. The Infiniti’s serene character will satisfy buyers who want to be coddled.
Price & Mileage
Given that even the price of the midlevel QX80 Premium Select brushes elbows with that of the Mercedes-Benz GLS450 and the BMW X7 xDrive40i, we’d stick with the entry-level Luxe trim. The QX80 starts at $76,045 for the Luxe and goes up to $87,730 for the Sensory variant. Simply put, the QX80 has awful fuel economy. Even the thriftiest variant is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Its rivals have substantially better ratings.
Acceleration & Features
The 2021 Infiniti QX80 tested ran from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Infiniti modernizes the QX80’s infotainment system by discarding the old and maligned dual-screen setup and replacing it with a much larger and more intuitive single 12.3-inch touchscreen. This unit features the brand’s InTouch connectivity services as well as standard onboard navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with the latter now wirelessly accessible. Every QX80 comes with a 13-speaker Bose stereo, wireless device charging, and an array of charge ports that include four USB outlets. The optional Theater package adds another USB port and a 120-volt outlet.