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Overview

Infiniti's big, handsome, and upscale QX80 SUV offers room for the whole family but isn't quite as luxurious or as well rounded as its more premium rivals.

A V-8 engine is standard, which sets the QX80 apart from competitors such as the 2020 BMW X7 and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-class, and buyers can choose from rear- or all-wheel drive.

The QX80's roomy cabin can be outfitted with seven or eight seats, all of which offer a good amount of cushioning and genuine leather upholstery.

Plus, Infiniti provides many driver-assistance features for no additional charge. But the value proposition suffers a bit when you consider that the Nissan Armada, from which the QX80 derives, can be spec'd with nearly as many luxuries as the Infiniti.

The QX80 boasts attractive styling and luxury-brand cachet, but there are more compelling offerings out there.

What's New for 2021?

Infiniti has reconfigured the QX80 lineup to include a new mid-range Premium Select trim and a high-end Sensory model for 2021. It also added standard driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The QX80 Premium Select wears unique styling elements, including dark-chrome exterior trim, 22-inch wheels, and matte-brown interior embellishments with either a Sahara Stone or Truffle Brown color scheme.

The Sensory model is the most luxurious and comes with chrome bits on the outside, quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery and burl-wood trim on the inside, a hydraulically controlled suspension, and a large rear-view mirror that doubles as a digital display for a rear-facing camera.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Luxe: $70,445
Premium Select: $74,745
Sensory: $81,595

Given the Sensory model's price brushes elbows with that of the new GLS-class and a well-optioned X7, I'd stick with the Luxe model.

It offers plenty of luxury features to keep occupants happy, such as genuine leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel with heat, second-row captain's chairs, a 13-speaker Bose stereo system, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and adaptive cruise control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic transmission launches the three-ton Infiniti to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.

While that's speedy given this SUV's size, every other competitor are even quicker. Still, around town, this Infiniti gallops with grace, its exhaust note growling after heavy-footed accelerator applications.

A comfortable ride couldn't make up for the fact that the QX80 felt less athletic than the GLS450. 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.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The QX80 can tow 8500 pounds in either the rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration, which beats the Mercedes's rating by 1000 pounds.

Fuel Economy

Simply put, the QX80 has awful fuel economy. Its rivals have substantially better ratings. What's more, the highway EPA-estimated rating is 19 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the Infiniti's interior is comfortable and quiet, the design has barely changed since the ute debuted in 2011 as the QX56.

Likewise, features that I've come to expect on luxury vehicles (such as a panoramic sunroof, massaging seats, and a head-up display) aren't available.

Still, the spacious cabin is well built and includes a standard third row. While the QX80 can accommodate adults back there, several competitors offer roomier setups.

The Infiniti has standard second-row captain's chairs that can be swapped for a three-seat bench.

Those who can't find enough space to store their property inside the QX80 should appear on an episode of Hoarders.

The Infiniti has ample interior cubby space, and it carries the most luggage behind the third row among similar-size rivals.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The QX80's touchscreen infotainment system—called In-Touch—is easy to use but unremarkable.

While the screens are responsive and a mobile hotspot is available without spending a fortune, every luxury competitor has a better interface and features. The QX80 comes with 12-volt outlets and four USB ports.

The optional Theater package adds another USB port and a 120-volt outlet. It also includes the rear-seat entertainment system, consisting of two 8.0-inch screens fitted to the back of the front-seat headrests.

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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The QX80 earned a four-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but has not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Every model also has standard driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. More advanced driver-assistance technology is optional.

Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control
2021 Infiniti QX80

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The QX80 has a competitive warranty that's highlighted by the longest limited coverage and corrosion protection in its class.

Unfortunately, Infiniti doesn't offer the complimentary scheduled maintenance that most competitors do.

Limited warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
2021 Infiniti QX80

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Monday, September 14, 2020

2020 Jaguar E-Pace Review

Overview

With its muscular bodywork and unmistakable branding, the E-Pace is the crossover equivalent of the British automaker's F-type sports car, emanating performance vibes and promoting an upscale lifestyle.

What the 2020 E-Pace lacks in refinement and value, it makes up for with engaging driving characteristics and luxurious features.

Unfortunately, it fails to feel as sophisticated as more well-rounded rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.

Still, the E-Pace makes an impression whether it's cruising down the boulevard or carving up the back roads.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Jaguar updates the E-Pace lineup by adding newly standard features and a limited-edition model.

Every E-Pace now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, which were previously optional with the Smartphone Pack.

The new Checkered Flag Limited Edition is only available with the less powerful four-cylinder engine, but it brings unique exterior addenda as well as distinct cabin appointments.

This setup also includes better standard equipment and all-wheel drive.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

P250: $40,945
P250 SE: $44,695
P250 Checkered Flag Edition: $47,395
P300 R-Dynamic S: $47,595
P300 R-Dynamic SE: $50,195
P300 R-Dynamic HSE: $54,455

The E-Pace offers up to 296 horsepower with the hotter turbocharged four-cylinder, but I think the standard engine's 246 ponies are more than adequate.

I'am also not convinced this Jaguar lives up to its loftier price points, so I'd harness the value offered on the lower SE model.

Among its upgraded standard features are 19-inch wheels, automatic high-beam headlights, a power tailgate, and a better infotainment system with built-in navigation, a mobile hotspot, and a Meridian audio system.

To spruce up the unremarkable interior quality, I'd choose one of the Windsor Leather Comfort Seats along with the highly adjustable heated and cooled front seats with heated rear seats.

Likewise, I'd select the head-up display and fully digital gauge cluster to further enhance the E-Pace interior.

The Drive Pro package rounds out our recommendations with high-speed automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

As with most crossovers in this class, the E-Pace has a turbocharged four-cylinder power-train.

The P250 and the P300 . Both use a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Thankfully, the engine avoids the coarseness that has plagued other Jaguar four-cylinders, and the exhaust elicits a snarling note at higher revs.

While every E-Pace has all-wheel drive and substantial towing capability, only the R-Dynamic models have added power and torque-vectoring technology for improved handling.

With soft dampers that absorbs road imperfections and isolated passengers.

While its 20-inch wheels thudded over choppy roads, the ride quality otherwise upheld the company's luxury mission. Initially, the E-Pace felt unsteady when driven enthusiastically.

Its light and precise steering is also partially responsible for that title. Its brake pedal had inconsistent feedback in normal conditions, but applying regular pressure increased responsiveness.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2020 E-Pace interior surrounds the driver with a sloping dashboard design that puts all controls near the driver's hands.

Unfortunately, the attractive leather seats and surfaces are neutralized by a mix of hard plastics and irregular panel fitment.

Otherwise, the optional digital gauge cluster and its customizable settings is nice. Too bad the back seat compress adult frames.

It may have mediocre back-seat space, but it can carry a piece of luggage for each passenger plus one.

(For those poor at math, that means six.) With competitive carry-on capacity and plenty of storage spots, the E-Pace is a useful travel companion.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every model has a 10-inch touchscreen located in the center stack that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

An enhanced version with navigation and a 4G LTE mobile hotspot is also available. While the 2020 E-Pace has abundant USB and 12-volt outlets, Jaguar's track record of glitchy infotainment software makes me wary.

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Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 E-Pace hasn't been crash-tested but it has lots of standard driver-assistance technology, and the roster can be increased with various high-tech upgrades.

While the base model is excluded from these options, the rest are available with a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, and self-parking assist that controls the steering wheel to make both parallel and perpendicular parking easier.

Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking
Standard front and rear parking sensors
Standard lane-keeping assist
2020 Jaguar E-Pace

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Jaguar provides exemplary limited and power-train warranty coverage that is highlighted by lengthy complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
2020 Jaguar E-Pace

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Sunday, September 13, 2020

2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Review

Overview

While others are busying themselves sweating details such as fuel economy, cargo space, and long-term reliability, you could be raising your pulse driving the 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio on your favorite curvy back road.

This Italian thoroughbred is one of the sharpest driving of its ilk and it borrows heavily from the also-entertaining 2020 Giulia sports sedan. A turbocharged four-cylinder provides decent power, while the cabin offers a driver-focused layout and a stylish design.

Speaking of styling, we think the Stelvio looks great and it certainly stands out among blander designs from Acura, Audi, and BMW.

The fact that Alfa Romeo's reputation for reliability is checkered is a reason to hesitate, but driving enthusiasts will find plenty to love, and the Stelvio's charms may outweigh those concerns.

What's New for 2020?

An all-new infotainment system is featured prominently on the 2020 Stelvio's dashboard and features an 8.8-inch touchscreen interface that's prettier, easier to navigate, and can be customized to the driver's preferences.

A handful of new driver-assistance features are now available as options, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, and Alfa Romeo has made autonomous emergency braking a standard feature this year.

The interior has been elevated slightly, with a redesigned center console, improved knobs and switches, and an available wireless smartphone-charging pad.

Sport, Ti, and Ti Lusso models now come with a body-color exterior design kit that replaces the black plastic lower cladding with painted pieces for a sportier look.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base: $42,640
Sport: $44,090
Ti: $47,040
Ti Lusso: $49,540
Ti Sport: $50,040
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The best level is the Ti model with the Performance package. It comes with more standard equipment than the Sport—including all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, aluminum door-sill protectors, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Performance package adds an adaptive suspension and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential that turn up the heat on the Stelvio's performance.

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Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Stelvio's turbocharged four-cylinder sends a hearty 280 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission with your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

While this power-train was effortlessly and sounds great, the Stelvio's sole setup—aside from the high-performance Quadrifoglio—eliminates choices for the buyer and limits towing to a maximum of 3000 pounds.

During daily driving, Its raspy exhaust note sounded enthusiastic and appropriate for this application. In addition to its beautiful design, the Stelvio boasts athletic handling and a compliant ride.

Even with its 20-inch wheels, While its maximum cornering grip was similar to rivals, the Alfa is the alpha dog when it comes to driving engagement.

The chassis, which is shared with the Giulia sedan, had damping that was composed and comfortable.

Although the Stelvio's steering isn't as sharp as the Giulia's, its light effort and quick reflexes were still exceptional—especially for a crossover.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the Giulia sedan, the Stelvio offers a stylish interior and a comfortable driving position. Sportier models can be had with carbon-fiber trim, but those seeking a more upscale appearance can choose wood inlays.

Leather upholstery covers the Stelvio's supportive seats and handsome aluminum accents adorn the dash, doors, and center console.

The Stelvio has some useful storage tricks up its Italian sleeve, but with a small cargo area behind the back seat, it's not the most capacious crossover among this set.

Although the Alfa's other cubbies only held average amounts, I appreciated the useful smartphone slot between its cup-holders and the tray near the driver's left knee.

The center console also has a nifty removable tray at the bottom.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The new infotainment system comes only in one size—8.8 inches—and although it now features a touchscreen, Alfa has retained the handy rotary controller on the center console as a redundant control.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard; navigation is optional.