While smaller crossovers and SUVs are all the rage in today’s market, the large luxury SUV still has its place commanding space and a premium price. Infiniti has been making large luxury SUVs for some time now and the QX80 has been the company’s flagship for years.
This year the QX80 carries on and, while the new version is on the horizon, the 2023 model still packs a V-8 engine that allows it to keep pace with traffic. The big engine is hushed on the highway and only audible when you mash the gas. It was a comfortable cruiser on a recent trip to Detroit, easily taking small bumps in stride. However, it was upset with some body shudders on less than perfect roads.
The Infiniti QX80 offers a pleasant place to spend hours in comfort. The seats give off more of a corporate jet look — large and plush with quilted semi-aniline leather on the top-of-the-line Sensory trim level. The Infiniti QX80 still offers a bench seat for the second row for those who would rather haul more people. The bench is comfortable and fits three people without a problem.
The QX80 is old school when it comes to the third row. The floor is higher up than other rows so it’s a bit of an odd riding position for longer-legged passengers. Lower the third row and the QX80 will carry larger items.
While it’s not the newest large luxury SUV on the market, the QX80 still gets noticed on the street. The large size draws your attention and the front end with a more squared and upright grill works nicely with the rounded and modern lighting clusters. The Sensory model also comes with large 22-inch wheels that fill the wheel arches and give it an upscale look.
Cost: $87,450; as tested $90,885.
MPG: 13 MPG City; 19 MPG Highway. I managed 17.8 in 649 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $410 roof rail cross bars; $485 Infiniti radiant illuminated kicks plates; $455 Infiniti radiant welcome lighting; $510 Infiniti interior ambient lighting; $390 illuminated cargo scuff plate.
Safety: forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection; predictive forward collision warning; electronic brake force distribution; blind spot warning; around view monitor with moving object detection; backup collision intervention; hill start assist; front and rear sonar system; distance control assist.
Things to know: The big Infiniti QX80 offers luxury and brawn with V-8 power and the ability to tow 8,500 lbs.
Pros:
- V-8 power moves this big luxury SUV swiftly.
- Comfortable ride and hushed cabin make for easy cruising.
- Easy to use tech, and HVAC controls.
Cons:
- Third row of seats floor is higher than some of the rivals.
- Feeling a bit dated when compared to the competition.
- V-8 engine means this heavy SUV doesn’t excel in fuel economy numbers.
