The Cadillac Escalade has remained America’s top full-size luxury SUV for more than a decade, however, rivals such as the Jeep Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX600h and the all-new Infiniti QX80 are vying for market share. attention.
The third-generation Infiniti QX80 debuted as a 2025 model with a new state-of-the-art twin-turbo V6 powertrain and an upgraded chassis.
I was impressed by the eye-catching looks, luxurious, high-tech cabin, and smooth ride.
Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the large SUV’s new twin-turbo V6 engine, which simply didn’t provide the additional functionality I was hoping for.
The base rear-wheel drive QX80 Pure starts at $82,450, while the Autograph 4WD variant starts at $110,595.
My lower-mid-level Luxury Check car with four-wheel drive starts at $92,650. Freight costs, upgraded paint, and a $3,300 driver assistance technical package brought the registered value to $99,000.
The design of the new QX80 is bold enough to hold your attention but doesn’t veer into the garish. It features the latest interpretation of Infiniti’s Artistry in Motion design language, highlighted by a large double-arch front grille inspired by bamboo forests.
It can also tow an impressive 8,500 lbs.
The suspension can be lowered 1.2 inches to improve aerodynamics while driving and 2.8 inches to help make it easier to load cargo. In off-road mode, it can be raised 2.1 inches over its normal ride height to help clear obstacles.
Under the hood is a 3. 5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
My QX80 Luxe test car recorded EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. I observed fuel economy in the 16 mpg range during my time with the QX80.
This is a vehicle that could really use a hybrid or PHEV option.
Like its US counterparts, the QX80 is built on a truck-based body-on-frame platform, so it isn’t quite as refined on the road as a car-based crossover.
His cabin is quiet. The gait is sleek and comfortable, while the guide is responsive, if a little numb.
The engine is elegant and ready to deliver its 450 horsepower. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission is geared toward fuel economy, which reduces some potential functionality.
In fact, the transmission is reluctant to leverage the engine’s power. You have to press the fuel pedal hard to get the transmission to shift a few gears and go higher in the rev range.
Some vehicles accelerate effortlessly, but the QX80 feels like it does so against the wishes of its transmission.
According to Motor Trend, the QX80 goes from 0 to 60 in 6. 8 seconds.
The new interior is a big step forward compared to the previous model. I was inspired by the perfect combination of Infiniti cabin fabrics, as well as the quality of the fit and finish.
The dual 14. 3-inch display above the front sprint looked great. Unfortunately, the 9-inch touchscreen is a bit of a combination. On the one hand, it is an undeniable way of organizing a labyrinth of s, but its use is much less intuitive than what would be the physical stills.
Apart from that, interior ergonomics are solid, there’s plenty of storage, and the standard 14-speaker audio system sounded great.
The driver’s seat in my test car did not have the optional massage function, although the passenger seat did.
The high-quality configurable gauge display is augmented by an optional head-up display.
The QX80 formula has a sleek design and is easy to navigate. The 14. 3-inch infotainment screen also houses the QX80’s surround-view camera formula, which includes an invisible view of the hood for off-road driving and tight parking.
My control car also came with an optional 64-color LED ambient lighting system.
The QX80’s second-row seats are heated, power-operated, and come with a solid 39-inch legroom.
Second-row passengers also have access to their own climate controls and a handful of USB sockets.
The third row can comfortably seat two adults, but things get confusing if you’re looking for compatibility with three other people in there.
With the third row folded, the shipping area increases to 59 cubic feet. Fold down the second row and you get a whopping 101 cubic feet.
There is a small underground garage area in the third row.
You can upgrade to ProPilot Assist 2. 1, which allows drivers to avoid touching the steering wheel in certain road driving conditions.
The last edition was a smart luxury SUV at its peak. Unfortunately, its heyday dates back to 10 years ago. I knew this new QX80 would be better, but this one is awesome.
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is boldly styled with great tech, a smooth V6 engine, and a luxurious cabin.
I like it.
Gonna