By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 26, 2022) At just over 17-feet long and more than 6 ½ feet wide, and taller than my 6-6” height and weighs just over three tons, the Infiniti QX80 is a behemoth to behold. It’s also handsome with seating for seven, carries a luxury-brand cachet, and the biggest SUV offering in the Infiniti product lineup.

The very first QX arrived on the scene back in 2004 then known as the QX56 and 10 model years later for 2014 received a styling facelift and renamed it the QX80. The second facelift was significant for the 2018 model year yet retained its 5.6-liter V8 engine and basic architecture.

For the 2021, Infiniti reconfigured its lineup to include a new mid-range trim level called the Premium Select tested here and added a high-end Sensory model. It also added more driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Unique to the Premium Select is dark-chrome exterior trim about the grille, back end and side treatments, 22-inch wheels, and matte-brown color interior enhancements. Interior colors include a choice of Truffle Brown, Sahara Stone or Graphite.

We recently spent a week testing the 2022 QX80 that is unchanged from the 2021 model. However, the 2022 QX80 thankfully gets a completely new infotainment system and revised center stack retiring the awkward and clumsy unintuitive dual screens and climate controls from the last year’s system. Replacing it is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and, USB-based Android Auto compatibility and a newly redesigned climate control panel with buttons and knobs that are much easier to use.

An all-new wireless smartphone charger is included along with a Bose Premium Sound system, and Intelligent Cruise Control to support the driver.

Outside, there’s a few exterior updates for 2022 including a revised grill, new wheel choices and fixed running boards.

All QX80 trim levels are powered by a single 400-hp, 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The system allows the driver to select driving modes for Auto, 4HI, 4LO, Tow, and Snow modes. Maximum towing capacity is a generous 8,500 pounds. A trailer hitch comes standard.

We spent a week driving the QX80 with a considerable number of miles logged, mostly highway, and came away with a less than impressive opinion of the big SUV falling short of other big-bodied luxury SUVS in its class.

The QX80’s interior is adorned with numerous upscale materials with all surfaces covered with thick leather or soft-touch materials, chrome trim and large areas of matte-finished gun stock wood-grain. But the cabin disappoints in that little has changed since it first debuted back in 2011 and now well past its freshness date compared to competitors like the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade and others.

We thought the vehicles best feature are the large, thick heated and ventilated seats that completely eliminated sitting fatigue during hours long runs on the highway between refueling stops. Even the second-row captain’s chairs (a no cost option) were exceptionally comfortable. However, the three-person third-row seat sits too low and lacks support. Accessing the third-row is clumsy and a nuisance.

Cabin storage is typical for the class and folding the second and third row seats open up a cavernous 95.1 cubic feet of space, 49.6 cubic feet with just the third-row folded and a stingy 16.6 cubic feet behind the upright third-row seat.

Additional standard features on our Premium Select trim included keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, and a power liftgate.

On the road the 400-hp V8 spools up quickly with a zero to 60 time of six seconds and delivered strong passing power on the highway. The big trade-off for all that size and power and a huge clink in the armor was its dismal fuel consumption – with a definite drinking problem. Logging just over 1,100 miles during the week our average fuel mpg fluctuated from 13.6-mpg to 13.8-mpg and requires premium unleaded gasoline.

On the plus side, the cabin stays quiet at any speed, is comfortable with excellent visibility while the QX80 soaks up bumps, jolts, and uneven pavement with aplomb. The tall QX does have noticeable body lean in curves and corners and quick maneuvers and feels clumsy at almost any speed. For those who like their SUV with sporty, sharp handling and driving dynamics, the QX isn’t part of the offering.

We didn’t get the opportunity to test its off-road ability given its all-wheel drive however we would expect with its 9.2-inches of ground clearance will keep it from scraping the underside on rugged terrain and other obstacles. There are available off-road features including a two-speed transfer case with high-and low-range gearing but the standard low-profile all-season tires won’t cut it if you plan for more aggressive off-road ventures.

For 2022 the QX80 is available in three trim levels either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive starting at $70,600 for the entry-level Luxe, $75.385 for the Premium Select and $82,235 for the Sensory. Add an additional $3,100 to any of the trim levels for 4-wheel drive. MSRP does not include destination and handling: $1,395.

Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and a rear seat reminder are standard.

Overall, while the QX80 does beat its luxury competitors on price and in some comparisons on seat and driving comfort, it ultimately falls short in numerous other areas versus other exceptional large SUVs in this category. It’s completely outclassed by class competitors and
rivals and when combined with the dismal fuel economy quickly loses its price advantage. We think there are better options in this class.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $84,850
Price as Tested: $87,985
Engine/Transmission: 5.6-liter, 400-hp V8 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and 4WD.
EPA Fuel Economy: 13/19/15 – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 7 or 8

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Overall “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and overall, 4 out of a possible 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Where Built: Kyushu, Japan

Competes With:
BMW X7
Cadillac Escalade
Lincoln Navigator
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus LX
Mercedes-Benz GLS

Likes:
Big V8 power
Posh, comfortable seats
Long list of standard features

Dislikes:
Woefully past its freshness date and completely  outclassed by its competitors.
Dreadful fuel economy