The Infiniti QX80 boasts a responsive V8 engine and one of the highest towing ratings in the class. However, it remains based on a vehicle that was introduced in 2011, and it feels like it. The QX80's technology, while comprehensive, is dated, and it can't compete with similarly priced vehicles in terms of performance or luxury.
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
High tow rating
Commendable braking for a big SUV
Cons
Interior design lags behind luxury competition
Engine is thirstier than others in the class
Dated technology and driver assist features
Lacks the all-around polish expected from a modern luxury SUV
What's new
No significant changes are expected for 2023
Part of the second QX80 generation introduced in 2011
Overview
Eleven years is an eternity in the automotive product cycle, but that's the last time we saw a significant update to Infiniti's largest luxury hauler. The 2023 Infiniti QX80 will likely continue that streak amid reports that the automaker is preparing a more thorough overhaul in 2024.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 INFINITI QX80 LUXE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The next-gen QX80 is expected to be the flagship face of an even deeper brand identity update (including changes to Infiniti dealerships, apps and websites). It will offer more power and luxury detail that Infiniti hopes elevates the big SUV into the same realm as the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX and even Land Rover Range Rover. Power would likely come from a new turbocharged V6 engine, replacing the current fuel-thirsty V8.
For now, the QX80 looks to carry on with minimal changes. Infiniti hasn't revealed details about the upcoming model, but we'd expect to see a handful of new features such as a head-up display, a frameless digital rearview mirror (projects a real-time camera image) and possibly massaging front seats. These features have filtered into Infiniti's smaller SUVs, the QX55 and QX60, and we'd be surprised if some weren't offered in the lineup's flagship.
Infiniti's Premium Care integrated maintenance program, which includes three years of scheduled service (oil changes, tire rotations), is also a likely addition, as are Amazon Alexa functionality and driver alerts using haptic feedback.
And while the QX80 is showing its age, some characteristics are timeless. It's massively roomy, quiet and comfortable, and it comes with an impressive set of active safety features and driver aids. It remains a solid value among luxury SUVs, with a starting price several thousand dollars less than its main rivals. And despite the thirst and inefficiency of its big V8, the QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds, among the highest ratings in the large luxury SUV segment. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to learn if the current-generation QX80 is right for you.
Edmunds Expert Rating
below avg
7.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Infiniti QX80 boasts a responsive V8 engine and one of the highest towing ratings in the class. However, it remains based on a vehicle that was introduced in 2011, and it feels like it. The QX80's technology, while comprehensive, is dated, and it can't compete with similarly priced vehicles in terms of performance or luxury.
How does the QX80 drive? Large SUVs have been transitioning to turbocharged engines, which leaves the QX80 and its naturally aspirated V8 as a rare offering in the class. There's 400 hp on tap, but in our testing the QX80 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is unremarkable for a luxury SUV. Its brakes, however, are a standout, especially for such a large family hauler. They're powerful but also easy to use in typical driving.
Yet there's no getting around the fact that the QX80 is, underneath its skin, a dated 6,000-pound SUV. The steering isn't as quick or accurate as we'd like, and around turns its clever suspension, which we once lauded for the way it controlled its mass, feels much less nimble and modern than it once did. The field has moved on and it's clear the QX hasn't.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the QX80? The QX80 has some good qualities for a large SUV. Its weight, long wheelbase and tall tire sidewalls lend some cushion over rough surfaces and small bumps. But larger, uneven bumps tend to shake the cabin dramatically side to side. While that's not uncommon for such a big vehicle, it feels more pronounced in the QX than in some rivals.
The seats look nice but offer limited adjustability and support and aren't up to the standards of the seats in similarly priced vehicles. The climate control is straightforward to use, and the seat heat and ventilation are very effective. That said, with the exception of a quiet, well-insulated cabin, the QX80 has a hard time hiding its utilitarian roots.
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How’s the interior? There's plenty of interior room. There's no risk of feeling cramped in the first two rows and, although somewhat limited by the high floor, third-row space is better than in some competitors. The second-row captain's chairs flip and tumble forward fairly easily with the pull of a lever, but not so easily that a kid could do it.
Outward visibility is good thanks to a high seating position, big mirrors and standard 360-degree camera system. The infotainment screen has nice-looking graphics, but the user experience and menu navigation are pretty clunky and not all intuitive compared to many rival systems out there. It has redundant controls by way of the touchscreen and small rotary knob, but even then it's not particularly easy to use.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? Infiniti packs a lot of features into the QX80, but the technology feels outdated. Users have Apple and Android smartphone integration, though only Apple CarPlay is wireless. There are numerous USB ports for charging and connection. Audio quality from the Bose stereo system is acceptable, but it's nothing special compared to some high-end audio systems in some rivals.
Operation of the QX80's advanced driving aids isn't stellar. Adaptive cruise control is sluggish to accelerate and brakes aggressively and late. Distance Control Assist, which essentially handles braking and tasks the driver with acceleration, works but feels clumsy and abrupt in something this big. Ultimately we think the hardware needs an overhaul.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The QX80 doesn't offer quite as much maximum space as a Cadillac Escalade. But what's here — 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a max space of 95.1 cubes — is still pretty helpful for most of the tasks you'll probably use a large SUV for. However, the high liftover at the back and thick bumper make loading heavy items a strain, and you can't open up a completely flat cargo space because of the second row's center console.
Interior storage is sufficient but not as clever or well integrated as what many competitors offer. The spacious second-row buckets will accommodate most car seats, and the car seat attachment points are easy to find. The second-row headrests are removable, and the seatbacks recline for fitting a larger seat.
One of the QX's main advantages is its 8,500-pound tow capacity, which is higher than most. The suspension offers load leveling, and an integrated tow hitch and seven-pin wiring harness are standard equipment.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA-estimated 16 combined (14 city/20 highway) is worse than what most competitors get, such as the Lincoln Navigator and BMW X7. We averaged 16.6 mpg on our 115-mile real-world evaluation route, which indicates to us that this V8 is as thirsty as its estimates suggest.
Value
6.5/10
Is the QX80 a good value? The QX80 doesn't have much value to offer compared to the alternatives. Interior materials are nice, and nothing rattles. However, Infiniti could have gone much further with the interior upgrades. The infotainment attempts to help modernize the interior a bit, but that mirage disappears pretty quickly. We'd be hard-pressed to pay the premium for this over the Nissan Armada — both SUVs are essentially the same vehicle underneath the sheetmetal. Or for what the QX80 costs, we think you can buy a lot more luxury from rival automakers.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The QX80 doesn't rise much above normal transportation. Sure, the V8 engine sounds decent, but the sheer mass of the thing means very little hustling can be done before the tires squeal and the electronic stability and traction control systems take over. The QX80's styling has been updated over the years, but it still looks chunky and plain from most angles.
Which QX80 does Edmunds recommend?
Infiniti hasn't released official information on the 2023 QX80 as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation once more information is available, but we'd expect Infiniti to again offer the base Luxe trim. It's the one we'd pick. It includes plenty of standard luxury touches such as Nappa leather-appointed seats, a Bose audio system and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen. We also prefer the Luxe's 20-inch wheels. They're shod with taller sidewall tires for a more compliant ride compared to the 22-inch wheels offered on the Premium Select trim.
INFINITI QX80 models
[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's QX80. We expect the 2023 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Infiniti QX80 comes in three trim levels: Luxe, Premium Select and Sensory. All trims are offered in two- or four-wheel drive and come with a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8. Trim feature highlights include:
Luxe
Comes well equipped with:
20-inch wheels
Self-leveling rear suspension (helps for towing and heavy payloads)
LED headlights
Power liftgate
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
Second-row captain's chairs (bench seat is optional)
Power-folding third-row seats
Heated steering wheel
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Three-zone climate control system
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
13-speaker Bose audio system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity
Wireless smartphone charger
Navigation system
Every QX80 also has:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the QX80 and the vehicle in front)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the QX80 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the QX80 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Premium Select
Adds more style with:
22-inch wheels
Dark chrome exterior trim
Additional leather upholstery colors
Sensory
Increased luxury with:
Hydraulic Body Motion Control system (reduces body roll when cornering)
Adaptive headlights
Advanced cabin air filtration
Upgraded leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Heated outboard second-row seats
17-speaker Bose audio system
Rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch screens
2019 INFINITI QX80 LUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
This is my fifth INFINITI product, I had have many of their smaller cars and suvs in the past and was very happy. I decided to get something bigger for family use to travel comfortably. The ride quality and interior are excellent, safety systems work great! Reliability keeps me coming back to the brand as all of my INFINITI products have been flawless! This is a very comfortable long … distance cruiser, the rear seat entertainment is easy to use and the heated/cooled seats work quick. Leather quality is good and is resistant to discoloring (I have the wheat colored quilted leather). Overall the only knock is the technology is badly outdated but still does the basics. Gas mileage is predictable for a large naturally aspirated V8, the sound it makes is great and has strong, smooth acceleration! Overall I would buy again as this is an excellent luxury family do everything proper (truck based) suv!
QX number 2
4 out of 5 stars
Murray, 02/04/2020
2019 INFINITI QX80 LUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
Its is my seconf QX since the updated body. I had a 2011 QX56 (Vin 1499). In case you didn't know, The first 1500 of these had bad timing chain tensioners and oiling issues. Mine started to rattle at about 83000 miles. Infiniti was VERY good to me and offered me a nice trade as well as a very nice price to move into my 2016 QX80.
There isn't much difference over the years with these. … Only the seat stitching was different. Both had the Technology and Theatre packages.Don't waste your money on the Theater package. Its difficult to use and I never used the one in my 2016. The headphones are still in the original plastic wrap! Other than the bad engine in the 56, both have been mechanically flawless. Tires every 36000 ,iles, Brakes (which are VERY good BTW) at about 60000 miles.
They are huge, quiet and comfortable. Plenty of room for whatever you may need to put inside. They do drink lots of fuel. Mine averaged about 9 mpg in the city but I got as much as 23 mpg on long trips. These are no sports cars. The lean in turns, are heavy and 400hp is just enough. The only thing I didn't like about them is the transmission. The shift points are just all wrong. I assume its programmed to shift where it does to save fuel, But it just feels wrong.Down shifting itself on the highway with the cruise on is crazy! 7th to 3rd going up a hill is a bit much.
For the price I'd like to see them do better with the leather coloring. Mine in sand or wheat or whatever they want to call it this year, wore off of the steering wheel fairly early in its life. The gold piping on the seats also comes off pretty quickly though I will say, its not noticeable unless you really look at it and know what you are looking for.
While the paint seems to look pretty good, it is fairly soft. Not as soft as Audi, but its soft. Water spots are deep and take some serious detailing to remove on the black paint. I didn't notice it as much on the dark current QX56 though.
Depreciation is pretty rough on these. $90k sticker and 3.5 years later its only worth about $32k. Not great in my book. It had been updated significantly since 2016 though. I personally don't like the look of the new ones.
Still got it
5 out of 5 stars
Said, 06/01/2020
2020 INFINITI QX80 LIMITED 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
I have had the 2011 original model, and recently upgraded to 2020 facelifted model.
This is not a high tech car like the audi q7, but it's spacious, comfortable and reliable and that's all I need.
Faulty sensors
2 out of 5 stars
Picklla, 11/17/2020
2020 INFINITI QX80 LUXE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A)
I’ve enjoyed my new QX80 for three years until my sensors started buzzing for no apparent reason. Although, the car is under warranty, Infiniti will not cover the cost to replace three sensors which have paint chipping from usual wear and tear from driving, thus setting off the sensor. $1500 to replace three. Doesn’t it seem that a three year old car sensors on a front bumper should be … able to withstand normal abrasion from driving? I’ve never had issues with other manufacturers sensors and I’m appalled this is happening three years in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 INFINITI QX80, so we've included reviews for other years of the QX80 since its last redesign.
Cadillac completely redesigned the Escalade last year, and it's hard to make a case for the aging QX80 over the much newer Escalade. Both have big V8s and all-wheel drive, but the Escalade also has an optional turbodiesel engine. The QX80 costs much less and offers a similar level of luxury material and detail as the Escalade. But the Infiniti's tech is dated and it's less fuel-efficient. The Cadillac feels more modern in almost every way.
The QX80 is much more affordable than the Navigator, but its relatively unsophisticated big V8 guzzles more gas than the Navigator's more powerful and efficient turbocharged V6. The Navigator also offers features the QX80 lacks: a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a selection of unique color themes. For those who need more space, the Navigator's longer L model is available, something the QX80 doesn't offer.
The X7 is BMW's biggest and most expensive SUV, and the automaker does not hold back in terms of luxury and tech, easily surpassing the QX80's feature set. A base X7 actually costs less than the midlevel QX80 but only comes with a six-cylinder engine. It's a strong and fuel-efficient turbocharged V6 — more efficient than the Infiniti's V8 — but nonetheless makes just 335 horsepower. And most buyers won't stop with simply a base X7, so all of the packages and à la carte options quickly escalate the X7's price.
This adaptive cruise control system brakes and accelerates for the driver and maintains a driver-set distance between the QX80 and the vehicle in front.
Around View Monitor
Stitches together views from the front, rear and side cameras to make a 360-degree top view of the entire QX80.
Predictive Forward Collision Warning
Warns the driver of a possible front collision with the vehicle ahead.
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2023 INFINITI QX80 First Impressions
byEdmunds
•5/19/2022
What is the QX80?
The Ship of Theseus is one of my favorite logic puzzles — if you replace every component of an object, does it remain the same object, or is it completely new? The changes made to the Infiniti QX80 over its lifespan don't exactly make it the automotive equivalent of this Ship of Theseus, but the modern version looks quite different from the one that debuted in 2011 as the QX56.
Over the last decade, the QX80 has seen a major exterior styling refresh, thorough updates to the interior, and revisions to the technology systems — all in an effort to make sure the QX80 isn't stuck in the past. That said, the QX80 employs old-school truck-based construction and a thirsty V8 engine, meaning it's more capable at towing than the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, at the expense of being thirstier and feeling ponderous from behind the wheel.
If you absolutely need the capability of a body-on-frame SUV, alternatives like the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Grand Wagoneer are all newer and nicer to drive. And if you just need a lot of space, the aforementioned Mercedes and BMW will do just nicely. You should really expect the best from a vehicle at this price level, and the Infiniti QX80 just doesn't impress quite as much as these other luxury SUVs.
Edmunds says
As a high-ticket luxury SUV, the Infiniti QX80 should be a lot more impressive than it is. Other leather-soaked trucks have nicer materials, a more pleasant driving experience, and better execution of technology features.
FAQ
Is the INFINITI QX80 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 QX80 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 QX80 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the QX80 has 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a INFINITI QX80. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 INFINITI QX80?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 INFINITI QX80:
No significant changes are expected for 2023
Part of the second QX80 generation introduced in 2011
To determine whether the INFINITI QX80 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the QX80. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the QX80's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 INFINITI QX80 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 INFINITI QX80 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 QX80 and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 QX80 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 QX80 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 INFINITI QX80?
The least-expensive 2023 INFINITI QX80 is the 2023 INFINITI QX80 LUXE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $72,700.
Other versions include:
LUXE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $72,700
LUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $75,800
PREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $77,300
PREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $80,400
SENSORY 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $84,350
SENSORY 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) which starts at $87,450
If you're interested in the INFINITI QX80, the next question is, which QX80 model is right for you? QX80 variants include LUXE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A), LUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A), PREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A), and PREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A). For a full list of QX80 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more