The first time driving an Infiniti QX80 is a little daunting. This full-size luxury SUV was just redesigned adding more features and notching the price up past $100K. I was curious how it could fit into my busy life and not spoil me for other cars, or make me feel too shabby for its luxe environs.
The Sensory trim that we tested featured even more luxe details for its starting price of $100,645 (the entry level Pure model starts at $82,450); our test model had a final price of $107,215. Add to that its muscular stance and the gorgeous jewel tone of our test model: Grand Blue.
The overall effect of this is a larger than life feeling: It’s tall and behind the wheel, making you feel elevated and in control, but its corners stretch well beyond you. I wondered how little me at, 5’4”, would confidently see everything around the car.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Luxury of Confidence Driving the Infiniti QX80
But with lots of cameras that cover every angle to the Infiniti QX80’s new twin turbo V6 engine generating 450 HP and an all wheel drive powertrain, I felt confident. Testing its capabilities on the country roads near our neighborhood in Texas, or just heading down the street for a grocery run, I soon didn’t feel intimidated.
And I found myself imagining where else I could go with my family in this luxury SUV, and filling it with passengers during extended family visits.
But before I start dreaming too much, I had to see how it would fit for our family of three, and what my husband and son think of it.
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This Big SUV Has Ample Power and Performance
The redesigned exterior evolves the look of the QX80, still strong with its angular lines and 22” wheels on meaty tires. Its powerful look left me to feel empowered behind the wheel.
Lots of driver assist features added to the powerful feeling. Tech like hands-free driving, a head up display, and a digital rear view mirror quickly gave me confidence behind the wheel.
And its power lets me dream of extended road trips: with tow capacity of 8,500 lbs., the possibilities are endless.
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An Adjustable Height and 4WD That’ll Conquer the Weather
While the Infiniti QX80 isn’t solely designed for the purpose of off-roading, it’s more than capable. If there’s snow on the ground, or a rutted, rocky dirt road to be conquered, the Infiniti QX80’s 4WD, a $3,100 addition in the Pure and Luxe models, but standard in Sensory and Autograph, is more than capable.
Part of this is due to the adjustable height air suspension that raises the chassis for additional ground clearance, and a system that powers all four tires for constant traction.
I think my only question is: Do I really want to risk getting mud or rock dings in its beautiful exterior? That’s a tough question.
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The Seating is Perfect for Families
A full-size SUV like this could fit my extended family when they visit, and everyone will have extra space. The Infiniti QX80 seats 7 with second row captain’s chairs or 8 with a bench. And second row seats slide and tilt for 3rd row access, making it easily accessible even with the center row bench.
The heated and ventilated first and second-row seats in our Sensory model was one of my favorite features. Everyone can set their ideal temperature no matter how anyone else is feeling.
Even though this is a full-size SUV, the cargo space is not huge, leading us to consider how much space we actually need. A full load of passengers and their luggage may be a challenge, but for around town, back and forth to taekwondo or grocery store hauls, it’s fine. And then, I’m here for the massaging front seats, especially when stuck in traffic. That was a really nice bonus.
No Passenger Princess Here; I Want to Drive!
My husband and would typically look at an off-roader before a luxury SUV due to the practicality. However, the muscular exterior style of Infiniti QX80 and interior functionality appeased the toughest of critics: my husband. It was nice to see him lean into his more pampering side and enjoy the fun clever headlight pattern and adjusting the car’s height with the air suspension.
For me, the bamboo-inspired grille and the piano key-inspired tail lights presented a mindful design.
Inside, I felt at home in the driver’s seat. Sorry, I’m not ‘passenger princess-ing’ in this one! The power adjustable front seats, massaging front-row seats, and out-of-the-way charging in the center console allowed me to relax and enjoy the drive with everything at my fingertips.
And then when we got home, I could look up and stargaze through the panoramic moonroof. Such a special view!
Connectivity in the Second and Third Row Make Gaming on Long Trips Enjoyable
Second and third row passengers will feel cared for too. My son loved that he could play his favorite games in the car; the seat was comfortable with ample legroom and elbow room and plenty of cupholders and USB ports.
In the second row, there are USB-C ports and a 12V below the air vents and two USB-C ports tucked into the rear walls of the third row—one on either side. While there is not an option of a rear seat entertainment system, we found that watching movies on an iPad or playing a game was easy.
There’s a Place for My Purse?!? That’s a Huge Win
I am obsessed with handbags from designer Betsey Johnson, and one of my kitsch bags fit perfectly in the hidden space under the floating console. This pass through-type storage space can hold my crossbody bag and keep it safely out of the way and nicely, out of sight.
It’s wonderful to have a place to put my purse for safety on the road and for times such as at the gas station. I feel a little vulnerable leaving my handbag on the passenger’s seat in view of people walking by.
I know Infiniti did not ask me, but it feels like they read my mind to offer a safer option than tossing a handbag into the backseat or on the passenger’s seat.
The New Multimedia System is Easy And Gorgeous to Look At
Infiniti gave the front seat of the QX80 a huge upgrade with the large, flat screen that spans the dashboard. It encompasses wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as “Hey Google” voice assistance with built-in Google, which includes Google Maps for navigation and it’ll operate the climate, radio and more.
The system is convenient, too, for your passenger; it’s within arm’s reach so they can adjust the massaging seats and DJ the soundtrack for the drive. Paired with the 24-speaker Klipsch premium sound system, an upgrade but worth it, you can have your own carpool karaoke session with crisp sound quality.
Easy Access Makes It Easy to Load the Kids, and the Parents, In and Out
My son is almost out of booster seat territory, but as he grows up, I increasingly have to consider the agility of older relatives who now have a tougher time getting in and out of the car. So I check the second row doors for a wide opening to see that if it is easy to get in and out. When my in-laws visit, I need to ensure they can climb inside without a fall risk.
The QX80 offers a nice wide opening not only for passengers but also, for parents who need to install a rear-facing car seat. There is ample legroom, running boards for getting in and out and the center bench is wide enough to accommodate three across for families with three kids under five.
The 3rd Row Is Comfortable for Adults and Kids
It was nice to find that my legs weren’t cramped in the 3rd row of the Infiniti QX80. Yes, I’m not that tall, so you’d think they would all be comfortable, but no.
Not only did I feel comfortable, but I had plenty of head room and enough space next to me on both sides so I could stretch out and relax.
Does My Family Want Luxury? They Do Now!
The jewel tone Grand Blue exterior and quilted leather, massaging seats and heated and vented rear seats really spoiled us all. But it was the feeling of being secure behind the wheel that swayed me. Being able to drive a large SUV and feel in control, not like I can’t park it or drive fast makes me nervous.
My husband and son, though, felt even more at home in the QX80. I guess I’ll have to start thinking about a luxury SUV for our next car; they’re spoiled now.
