The QX80 is a three-row luxury SUV that compares with the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
It’s not our top choice among big SUVs, though its $74,000-or-so price tag can undercut most direct competitors. The QX80 has its charms, such as strong V-8 power and an easy-to-use infotainment system, but this design’s age reveals itself in ponderous handling and horrible fuel economy. It’s a 6.0 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Amazon Alexa compatibility is added to the lineup this year. Additionally, Infiniti now covers three years of scheduled maintenance with the purchase of a QX80.
This big, bulky SUV dates back to the 2011 model year, though a few tweaks have kept it fairly fresh. Its curvy lines stand in contrast to more purposeful angles on the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but the QX80 shines inside with its roomy, plush cabin. Sure, some rivals may eke out more passenger space, but the QX80 offers old-school luxury with plush seats and lots of wood trim.
The 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 is something of a throwback, too. There’s not a hint of electrification here, and the 7-speed automatic, while impressive, is down on cogs against rivals. The QX80 snarls its way up to speed with a quickness and can lug up to 8,500 lb of attached trailer, but fuel economy is awful. Look for 15 mpg combined with four-wheel drive.
The QX80 smothers bumps, but it can pitch and roll like the land yacht it is unless you opt for the costly Sensory trim with its hydraulic body control system.
Inside, the QX80 can easily seat four or five in comfort. Its third row is fine for kids or teenagers, and it folds down to reveal about 50 cubic feet of cargo space—and nearly double that with row two stowed away. Interior finishes are straight out of the 1990s, with plenty of wood trim and soft leather. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is modern enough, though, and it includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto compatibility.
Infiniti includes the expected array of crash-avoidance features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors, though there’s no advanced system to allow for hands-off driving here.
How much does the 2023 Infiniti QX80 cost?
A price hike this year means the 2023 QX80 now costs $74,395, or another $3,100 with optional four-wheel drive. That money buys nappa leather, real wood, crash-avoidance and driver-assistance tech, and a decent 13.2-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, navigation, and Bose audio.
Where is the 2023 Infiniti QX80 made?
In Japan.
