Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 27, 2024) After beginning life as a 2004 model QX56 before emerging 10 years later as the QX80 to follow the company’s revamping of its model nomenclature, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 gets a long-delayed redesign that should boost its image in the large luxury SUV class. The largest vehicle in the Japanese automaker’s SUV fleet has sat virtually idly by for well over a decade as smaller models like the QX50 and QX60 got makeovers that boosted their market appeal.

Critics noticed the delay, ripping the Infiniti QX80 as becoming outdated and not up to competing with its rivals. That changes now.

The redesigned 2025 Infiniti QX80 delivers a luxurious, spacious cabin with new tech features and power-folding third-row seats that open up with the push of a button to more than double a tight cargo area of 22 cubic feet with those seats in place to a more generous 59 cubic feet. Folding both the second and third-row seats exposes a cavernous cargo area of 101 cubic feet.

Under the expansive hood a twin-turbocharged V6 replaces last year’s V8. It bumps horsepower up to 450 from 400 and torque to 516 pound-feet from the 413 of the 2024 model.  A new 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the former 7-speed tranny.  Pure and Luxe trims come with either rear-wheel or Infiniti’s all-mode 4-wheel drive and Sensory and Autograph get 4WD as standard.

Fuel economy in the V6 is rated at 16 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway, and 18 combined with RWD and 15/19/17 with 4WD, which is a slight improvement over the V8’s numbers ((14/20/16 RWD and 13/19/15 4WD).

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 comes in four trim levels starting with the base Pure ($84,445 including destination and delivery) followed by the Luxe ($91,545). The Sensory starts at $101,945 and the Autograph, which this review is based on, starts at $111,995.



Standard exterior features on the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph include LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a two-tone roof, running boards (a definite necessity), panoramic moonroof,, motion activated liftgate, and 22-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

Inside, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph features premium leather seats for all three rows and both front seats are 10-way power adjustable with 4-way lumbar support. The Autograph, along with Luxe and Sensory models, also have a massage function for the first two rows.

Seats in all three rows are heated while the first two rows are ventilated as well. You get 43.9 inches of legroom up front and 39.2 for the second row, but only 32.9 for the third.

Other niceties in the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph include tri-zone climate control with backseat controls, a head-up display for the driver, keyless entry with push-button start, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker Klipsch premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless device charger.

Safety features include Infiniti’s Pro-Pilot 2.1 Assist (limited hands-free driving), forward collision warning and emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera.

My test 2025 Infiniti QX8- Autograph came with options like enhanced interior lighting, a premium cargo package, special paint, and an umbrella holder (yes, an umbrella holder) that ran the final bottom line to $114,815 including the $1,195 destination charge.



What I liked about the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph: The interior is very plush, quiet, and comfortable. The dual screen infotainment system is a simple operation with the lower screen devoted to climate controls and the upper for functions like navigation, audio, and settings. Running boards greatly help with getting in and out. An auto hold system (activated/deactivated via a button) prevents creeping at intersections. Towing capacity is a generous 8,500 pounds.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph: The overall size (211.2 inches long, 92.5 wide with mirrors open, and 121-inch wheelbase) makes maneuvering through mall parking lots challenging, not to mention driving on some tight city streets. Even with the V6 replacing the V8 it remains a somewhat thirsty beast, and premium fuel is recommended. Cargo space behind the third row provides room only for a small grocery run or a couple of suitcases.
 
Would I buy the 2025 Infiniti QX 80 Autograph? The size turns me off — big doesn’t even begin to describe it; try huge or humongous — but if you have the need for a large, luxury 3-row SUV the QX80 definitely rates a good look. It is a big step up from the previous generation.