The third-generation Infiniti QX80 got much-needed updates in 2024 to remain competitive against industry heavyweights like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Lexus LX.
I recently reviewed a four-wheel-drive QX80 SUV with an as-tested price of $99,195. I was impressed by the QX’s eye-catching looks, luxurious, high-tech cabin, and smooth ride.
The base rear-drive QX80 starts at $82,450, while the 4WD variant starts at $110,595. My lower-mid-level Luxury Check car with four-wheel drive starts at $92,650.
Here are 18 features that show why the QX80 is a stylish Japanese alternative to the Escalade.
The cabin of the QX80 is luxurious, spacious and packed with technology. The new interior is a big step up from the previous model.
I was impressed by Infiniti’s excellent mix of materials in the cabin and the quality of the fit and finish. The dual 14.3-inch screen atop the front dash looked great. Unfortunately, the 9-inch touch control screen is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s a tidy way to organize a maze of controls, but it’s far less intuitive to use than physical buttons would be.
Apart from that, interior ergonomics are solid, there’s plenty of storage, and the 64-color configurable ambient lighting looks great.
The design of the new QX80 is ambitious enough to catch your attention, but it doesn’t become strident. It features the latest interpretation of Infiniti’s Artistry in Motion design language, highlighted through a giant double-arch grille animated through bamboo forests.
Under the hood is a 3. 5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It replaces the naturally aspirated V8 of the last generation. The VR Series V6 is velvety and ready to deliver its power.
My QX80 Luxe car earned EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.
My control car was equipped with an electronic air suspension system. The suspension can be lowered by 1. 2 inches for aerodynamics while driving and 2. 8 inches for easy entry and exit. In off-road mode, it can be raised 2. 1 inches above its overall ride height to make it less difficult to negotiate obstacles.
In front of the driver is a 14. 3 virtual instrument display and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The configurable gauge display is complemented by an optional front display.
The QX80’s 14. 3-inch touchscreen comes with Nissan/Infiniti’s newest InTouch infotainment formula, which is sleekly designed and easy to navigate. The formula includes integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. standard.
The Infiniti’s beige leather-trimmed seats were luxurious, supportive and adjustable. However, the heated and ventilated driver’s seat of my control car did not have an optional massage function, unlike the passenger seat.
QX80s also come standard with the second-row captain’s chairs. 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 top tier Autograph trim comes with massaging seats.
Third-row passengers have a generous 32.9-inch legroom, roughly the same amount of space you get in coach on a plane. The 60/40 split third-row bench comfortably accommodates two adults, but things get tight if you try to squeeze three people back there.
All QX80s come with a panoramic glass sunroof.
Open the tailgate and see a solid 22. 3 cubic feet of shipping area. Once the third row is folded, the shipping area increases to 59 cubic feet. Fold down the second row and you have a cavernous 101 cubic feet of area.
There is a small underground garage area in the third row.
All QX80s come with remote engine start, which is activated by pressing the “curved arrow” on its key fob.
My QX80 Luxe test car came with a 600-watt Klipsch audio system and 14 sweet-sounding speakers. The top-level Sensory and Autograph models get an even beefier 1,200-watt, 24-speaker Klipsch premium audio system. Autograph models even come with stylish metal-finished speakers built into the front headrests.
The QX80’s camera formula includes a new invisible view on the bonnet that allows the driver to see what’s in front of and below the front of the vehicle. This feature is ideal for passing through tight parking spaces or even for off-road vehicles.
The QX80 comes popular with a 3D surround-view monitor system, for maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a new three-dimensional rotation feature that allows you to view the vehicle’s landscape from 8 pre-selected angles.
The QX80 is rated to tow up to an impressive 8,500 lbs with an integrated class IV tow-hitch and seven-pin wiring harness.
The SUV also features a special driving mode that makes towing easier, while its rearview camera and blind-spot warning system are designed to make it easier to hitch a trailer and ensure driving while towing.
Infiniti’s flagship SUV becomes popular for its clever hands-free tailgate that is turned on by kicking under the rear hump. Once the tailgate opens, it can lower the vehicle’s height by 2. 8 inches to make it easier to load the shipment.
The QX80 comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. You can upgrade to ProPilot Assist 2.1, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering in certain highway driving conditions.
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