Luxury is starting to become a whole lot more accessible – at least in the automotive world. Today, a few manufacturers are redefining what it means to be premium, my introducing comfort-packed vehicles that are affordable to a larger pool of drivers. While European-made luxury vehicles may always run on the expensive side, a few of the Asian luxury brands can prove to less harsh on your checkbook. Consider the brand-new 2021 Genesis GV80 crossover. This five-seater is stunningly outfitted with upscale amenities, all while keeping its base MSRP below $50,000. One of its main competitors, the 2021 Infiniti QX80, is also relatively affordable and plush. Below, we compare them in all the pertinent ways.
Pricing and Warranty
Even though both of these models seem closely matched, the 2021 Genesis GV80 has the upper hand with a starting price of just $48,900. Compare that to the 2021 Infiniti QX80’s significantly higher base price of $69,050. Not only that, the 2021 Genesis GV80 comes with industry-leading warranties: a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. With the 2021 Infiniti QX80, you’ll only receive a 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2021 Genesis GV80 even provides a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan. On the flip side, Infiniti does not offer complimentary maintenance coverage for any of its models.
Amenities and Driver-Assistive Features
A large and user-friendly 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen runs the connectivity and entertainment connections inside the 2021 Genesis GV80. With the 2021 Infiniti QX80, the largest infotainment touchscreen you’ll have access to measures out to a mere 8 inches. For a truly luxurious experience on the road, the 2021 Genesis GV80 also offers massaging front seats. The 2021 Infiniti QX80, on the other hand, does not.
Not only that, the 2021 Genesis GV80 features an available Remote Smart Park Assist system that makes what would be a tough parking situation effortless, since you won’t need to maneuver the vehicle yourself. This innovative technology is wholly unavailable with the 2021 Infiniti QX80. And while both of these plush SUVs receives an array of standard active safety technologies, only the 2021 Genesis GV80 – and not the 2021 Infiniti QX80 – will be eligible for a semi-autonomous driving system.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Although the 2021 Infiniti QX80’s standard 5.6-liter six-cylinder powerplant puts out a boastworthy 400 hp, the 2021 Genesis GV80’s available twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 isn’t too far behind with its 375 hp output. This is especially negligible when you keep in mind the various ways the 2021 Genesis GV80 outdoes the 2021 Infiniti QX80. Also, the 2021 Genesis GV80 with the available 3.5-liter V6 yields better fuel economy over its Infiniti rival: the GV80 is EPA rated for 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway, while the QX80 only returns 14 city/20 highway.