Overview
The 2024 Infini QX80 makes a strong first impression thanks to its handsome bodywork and grand proportions. It’s large inside, with three rows of seats and what seem like acres of rich-looking surfaces. The interior is skillfully screwed together, but the overall design hasn’t changed much in over a decade. Despite wearing a premium badge and carrying a lofty price tag, the QX80 has much in common with the more mainstream Nissan Armada, which costs tens of thousands less. The two even share the same 400-hp V-8, which moves them with authority even as it guzzles gas. No one will ever question whether the 2024 QX80 qualifies as luxurious, especially with its hushed cabin and tranquil ride quality, but many will ask if it has the goods to compete with ritzier rivals such as the BMW X7, the Cadillac Escalade, or the Range Rover. To that we’d say that the Infiniti isn’t quite up to the task.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the QX80 doesn’t receive any significant changes. The most notable new addition is the Dark Chrome appearance package. It’s only available on the top-spec Sensory model, and—as its name suggests—it gives the large luxury SUV a more distinctive look. The visual updates include copious dark chrome finishes on the exterior as well as black-painted mirror caps.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Given that even the price of the mid-level QX80 Premium Select brushes elbows with that of the Mercedes-Benz GLS450 and the BMW X7 xDrive40i, we’d stick with the entry-level Luxe trim. It offers plenty of luxury features to keep occupants happy, such as 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 QX80 teams a 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The last version we tested ran from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. While that’s speedy given this SUV’s size, every other competitor we tested was even quicker. Still, we loved the engine’s smooth power delivery and snappy throttle response. Too bad it was hard to hustle on the highway, with a transmission that hesitated to downshift. But around town, this Infiniti galloped 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 800 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Simply put, the QX80 has awful fuel economy. Even the thriftiest variant is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Its rivals have substantially better ratings. What’s more, the version we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, underachieved by earning 17 mpg in this real-world test. For more information about the QX80’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Infiniti is comfortable and quiet, but the overall design has barely changed since the ute debuted in 2011 as the QX56. The center stack has finally been redesigned to accommodate a modern touchscreen with more user-friendly controls, and the HVAC system enjoys a new layout that includes physical knobs for adjusting the dual climate zones. Unfortunately, features that we 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 held the most luggage behind the third row among similarly sized rivals.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infiniti modernizes the QX80’s infotainment system by discarding the old and maligned dual-screen setup and replacing it with a much larger and more intuitive single 12.3-inch touchscreen. This unit features the brand’s InTouch connectivity services as well as standard onboard navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with the latter now wirelessly accessible. Every QX80 comes with a 13-speaker Bose stereo, wireless device charging, and an array of charge ports that include four USB outlets. The optional Theater package adds another USB port and a 120-volt outlet. There’s a rear-seat entertainment system with two 8.0-inch screens fitted to the back of the front-seat headrests, too, but it’s reserved for the top-of-the-line Sensory trim.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every QX80 has standard driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. More advanced driver-assistance technology is optional. For more information about the QX80’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
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 some other competitors do.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Infiniti QX80 AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$79,490 (base price: $73,545)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
339 in3, 5552 cm3
Power
400 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/control arms
Brakes (F/R): 13.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/T D684 II, P275/50R-22 111H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 121.1 in
Length: 210.2 in
Width: 79.9 in
Height: 75.8 in
Passenger volume: 153 ft3
Cargo volume: 17 ft3
Curb weight: 5915 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.9 sec
100 mph: 16.3 sec
130 mph: 35.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
1/4 mile: 14.6 sec @ 96 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 135 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.73 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 15/13/19 mpg
