Although they were once associated primarily with airport limousine services, full-size sport-utilities, while still a relatively small slice of the market, have become popular as consumer people-movers. Not only that, but many buyers are going for premium models; and one might even speculate that’s why Infiniti launched its all-new-for-2025 QX80 before its mainstream and equally-new Nissan Armada sibling came out.
Infiniti initially introduced its larger-than-life model back in 2004, when it was called the QX56 for its 5.6L V8; it was later renamed the QX80 to fit into its nomenclature-by-size numbering, where the “80” indicates it’s the largest Infiniti. It was based on the underpinnings of the Nissan Titan pickup, a truck no longer sold in Canada. This newest QX80 still has a frame under it, but that frame is new and Titan-unrelated, and stiffer than before. Stiffening it reduces the amount it flexes, and subsequently improves the ride.
What powers the 2025 Infiniti QX80?
The QX80’s three trims are all powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6, making 450 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque, and with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Towing is a maximum of 8,500 lbs, and the blind-spot monitoring system includes the length of the trailer. All trims also include four-wheel drive (4WD), and while that system has a selectable drive mode for off-road, it no longer has a locking differential or low-range gear as it did when it was truck-based. That shouldn’t be an issue for most buyers, though. Other than perhaps a rutted road to a cottage, it’s very hard to imagine many people going into the truly rough stuff with something this expensive.
How much does the Infiniti QX80 cost?
So having mentioned that it’s pricey, let’s get that out of the way. You’re in premium territory here, with the entry Luxe trim starting at $104,995; the Sensory at $113,995; and my tester, the Autograph, at $124,995. My ride further added a $1,200 premium for its two-tone paint of a black roof atop a white body.
What is the Infiniti QX80 like to drive?
For all its size – and this is a big vehicle – the QX80 doesn’t feel ungainly. There’s no mistaking it for a midsize, but it’s better around curves than you might expect, and the steering is nicely-weighted and responsive. The engine is strong and quiet, and does a very good job of moving this much machine around. An air suspension and adaptive dampers are standard equipment on all trims, which really levels out the ride; and the air suspension can be lowered to make it easier to stuff in cargo, or when getting in and out. That said, when I’m getting in, I’m not a fan of the electric pop-out exterior door handles, especially when vehicles can get pretty iced-over in winter.
The QX80 really shines on the highway, as all of its big-beast rivals do, eating up the kilometres with smooth grace. It also soaks up bumps and rough roads in the city, although its exterior dimensions will become evident when you’re trying to squeeze around traffic or into a parking space. Its rated fuel consumption is 15.1 L/100 km in the city, 12.2 on the highway, and 13.8 in combined driving, and it prefers premium-grade gasoline.
What’s the Infiniti QX80 like on the inside?
The Luxe and Sensory trims have a second-row bench seat, giving them eight-occupant capacity, while the top Autograph seats seven with its second-row power-sliding captain’s chairs. Front-seat passengers get heated and ventilated seats; and whether it’s the bench or the chairs, the second-row seats are also heated in all trims. The Autograph also heats the third-row seats as well, and adds leather trim to them to match the other two rows. The front seats are as comfortable and supportive as they look, and the second row’s chairs are nicely sculpted. The third-row seats are pretty flat, as is usual for anything with three rows; but their 835 mm (32 inches) of legroom, while not class-leading, should still be enough for many passengers.
The interior is very stylish, with a multi-level dash supporting twin 14-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, and with another nine-inch screen in the console for operating the climate functions. That’s still not as simple as buttons and dials, but at least they’re always there, without having to go through the infotainment system to bring up the menus.
All trims include a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats with 10-way adjustment and driver’s side memory, and power-adjustable heated steering wheel. The Sensory and Autograph add a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, passenger-side memory, air purifier, and premium stereo with speakers in the front head restraints; while the Autograph exclusively puts massaging seats and a climate touchscreen in the second row, along with a front console cool box for keeping drinks and snacks on the chilly side.
The cargo compartment is 623 litres with that third row upright. That’s about average for the segment, and you get into serious capacity when you fold down all the rows; but one thing to keep in mind is that if you plan on regularly carrying three rows of people, you might not have enough space in behind for their luggage, sports gear, or whatever else they’re bringing along. Ford, GM and Jeep offer longer versions of their SUVs with a considerable increase in cargo capacity, but the QX80 comes in only one length.
What technology does the Infiniti QX80 have?
Infiniti is showcasing some new tech on this model. The front camera view can be restricted to the infotainment screen, or wide-angle right across the combined 28 inches of those two dash screens – a cool idea and, unfortunately, pretty much necessary on something so tall that smaller pedestrians could be invisible to the driver. Specific locations can be set in the GPS, such as an intersection with poor sight lines on your daily commute; and every time you stop there, the camera view automatically broadcasts on the screens.
An “invisible hood” feature is also part of the camera’s abilities. When activated, the screen shows what’s ahead and under the wheels, as if you were looking without the front of the vehicle in your way. It’s handy for parking spots, or when lining your wheels up on the tracks of an automated car wash.
The two lower trims have ProPilot Assist 1.1, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring to keep the QX80 on track on the highway, providing you keep your hands on the wheel. The Autograph trim has ProPilot 2.1, which uses that along with pre-mapped road data and lets you drive hands-free, although you still have to pay attention. It’s similar to systems such as GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise, but not as extensive in its coverage, at least not yet. In Canada, most of the highways where it works are primarily in the corridor from the Toronto area to Quebec City. If you have ProPilot 2.1 set but you’re not on a compatible stretch, it works as the hands-on version; and when it reaches an appropriate section of highway, an indicator in the cluster says you can take your hands off the wheel.
What are the QX80’s competitors?
Among premium body-on-frame rivals, the Cadillac Escalade gets a major refresh for 2025 but retains its 420-horsepower V8. Pricing hadn’t been announced at time of writing, but the 2024 version starts at $109,899 and goes to $146,899 for regular models; and the 682-horsepower Escalade V-Series starts at $197,399. Its sibling GMC Yukon in premium Denali trim is $104,999, while the even-higher Denali Ultimate starts at $131,999; and both can be optioned with a turbodiesel engine.
Lincoln offers the Navigator, with 3.5L twin-turbo V6 making 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, starting at $123,500. At Jeep, the Grand Wagoneer’s 2024 prices start at $115,720 and $129,720 for its two trim levels, both with turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder making 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. At Lexus, the 2025 LX 600, with 3.4L V6 making 406 horsepower, goes through its trim levels at $121,995 to $142,245. It also comes as the new LX 700h hybrid, making net 457 horsepower, and from $136,059 to $171,125.
Wrapping up
Cadillac’s Escalade leads the segment in sales, but the QX80 has been doing well for itself since its debut last September. It’s comfortable, its engine is strong and its ride is smooth, and while you’re still up in big numbers, its starting price undercuts those of its rivals. It’s a niche segment, but if you’re shopping it, include this Infiniti in your test-drives.
Pros
✔ Comfortable interior
✔ Handles well for something this big
✔ Strong engine and smooth ride
Cons
✘ Costs less than competitors but it’s still pricey
✘ You’ll notice its size when you try to park it
✘ ProPilot hands-free has limited range right now
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