2025 Infiniti QX80 First Drive: Infiniti Makes Driving a Big 3-Row SUV Easy. The Luxuries are a Bonus
Probably the biggest hesitance I have in getting behind the wheel of a full-size 3-row SUV, one that is tall, wide and powerful, is the idea that it’ll be unwieldy to drive. That I’ll need to park at the far corner of the parking lot just to get in and out of it. That I’ll always be intimidated by it. That its sheer size will exhaust me. That’s what I worried about when I test drove the Infiniti QX80.
And, then I took the wheel for a day of driving city and country roads and all my fears were gone. Why? That’s the magic of a well-designed SUV: You sit up high so you have great visibility, to start with. You quickly learn where its corners are. Its systems are designed to be intuitive, so you can focus on the road and still tune the radio station or change the fan speed.
And ultimately, its power becomes your power. Time in the 2025 Infiniti QX80, priced from $82K to $110K, was a delight. I will confess, the top-of-the-line Autograph edition the we test drove would not be my choice in this lineup—and I’m a fan of this car for many reasons. But I’ll get to that. First, let me tell you what this car is all about for the 2025 model.
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Fully Redesigned For Luxury, Comfort and Capability
What’s new in the redesigned Infiniti QX80 for 2025? Oh, there’s quite a lot and most of the good things are standard: A wide 28” screen that is one of the best out there. A new twin turbo V6 engine that replaces the old V8 and still generates 50 more HP, for 450 total. 8,500 lbs. of tow capacity. Seating for 7 or 8. Leatherette in the entry-level Pure model and leather in the rest. A new high-end trim that offers the ultimate in luxury for all passengers, from a cool box to second row massaging seats to hands-free driving.
And a new look and feel all packaged in a design that feels familiar but evolved.
The Infiniti QX80 Redesign Incorporates Light; Lots of Light
The front face of the 2025 Infiniti QX80 has new ‘piano key’ lights that frame the front grille and that light up in a dance when you approach with the keyfob. The piano key idea continues with the rear tail light bar that also has a the piano key treatment. From afar it’s iconic but close up the detail feels dressy. Also, note that the liftgate button is now on the exterior between the “N” and “I” which I also like; skimming my hand under a dirty liftgate to find the latch release is getting old.
This Multimedia System and Contiguous 28” Screen Is Magical 3
You notice this the minute you get into Infiniti QX80: a single pane of glass combines the driver display with the multimedia system and spans the left side of the dash. The sycreen can even combine for a full 28″ camera display. There is a third screen just below the main screen that allows you to set climate and other functions.
And if fiddling with the screen is just too much, simply say “Hey Google” and the system will do whatever you need: turn on the massage seats, change the radio station, navigate to your destination or set the cabin temperature. Isn’t that lovely?
How Do You Access the 3rd Row? Let Me Count the Ways
So let’s do some math: How many ways are there to access the 3rd row? That’s simple: three. Use the pass through (on models that don’t have a center row console) or slide and tilt either of the two outboard seats, which can be done even with a child passenger car seat installed.
But here’s the better equation: How many ways can the powered second and 3rd row seats be tilted or folded flat? 16. Yes, I counted. Here’s how: 2nd row seats can slide and tilt manually by pressing a button on the seat shoulder or back of the seat. Or, you can use the touch screen command on the center screen to slide and tilt the seats forward or back (total for two center seats: 6). Then, you can use either the seat function or the center screen command to fold the seats flat or restore them (total ways: 4). 3rd row seats operate the same way: You can manually fold them down or up, and they split 60/40 so you can fold or restore all or part of the 3rd row. You can also do this from the center screen (total ways: 6).
And the best part? You can use these features, which are standard on Luxe and above, to move all the seats without ever breaking a sweat.
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How Will Child Passenger Car Seats Fit?
Of course an SUV this large should easily accommodate kids car seats, right? But of course, I had to measure. With the front seat set for my height, and I’m 5’8″, I measured 31″ seat back to seat back. Behind the passenger seat, which was pushed up a bit more but still left plenty of room for a front seat passenger, I measured 38″. Both are enough room for a rear facing child passenger seat, and ample for a forward facing seat.
There are 3 full sets of LATCHEs—lower anchors and upper tethers—in the 2025 Infiniti QX80: Two in the center row seats and one on the passenger’s side of the 3rd row. There are upper tethers for the other two 3rd row seats.
3rd Row Amenities Are Very Nice
First of all, the 3rd row is comfortable. I climbed in and pulled the center seat back and found that I had plenty of leg room. Then, there are air vents in the ceiling, there are cup holders and USB ports, and in our Autograph edition, 3rd row seats are heated.
Can You Off-Road in the 2025 Infiniti QX80? Well, If You Insist
Honestly, the 4WD versions will drive over anything. That’s not really the purpose of this SUV, which sits at about 76″ tall but can adjust upward or down. But if necessary, say in the instance of a road rutted due to recent rain or a snowfall that promises a great downhill run, you have the capability to get there. And, with a height adjustment that can add or subtract a couple of inches for even more capability.
More Visibility thanks to the 170-degree Cameras and Under-Body View
If you didn’t look closely at the image above, look again: You’ll notice that the rear view camera spans both the driver display and the multimedia screen. It’s just one of the ways that Infiniti has increased visibility in the Infiniti QX80 for 2025. In addition, that camera has a 170-degree span, meaning it can see things you can’t. There is also a standard forward-facing camera and an under-body visibility system that records the pavement ahead of you so you can see what’s in front of or under your wheels.
Also adding to the visibility is the slightly squarish steering wheel, a squircle of a wheel, that allows you better visibility over the top. That, and by placing the flat-panel screen lower on the dash makes for increased visibility.
New Lighting Adds to the Character and Charm
I love a puddle light that illuminates the pavement next to the door as I approach with the key. Infiniti takes the idea further with a light path, a puddle light that illuminates the engire span along the doors so all passengers can see. Notice the light on the grass beside the Infiniti QX80; that’s the light path.
The light show continues with an approach sequence that alights the headlights and daytime running lights as you approach. Isn’t it nice to be recognized?
More Infiniti QX80 Trim Options Give You More Choices
For 2025 Infiniti revised the trim lineup, adding a top-of-the-line Autograph model and more options for buyers at all levels while simplifying the trim offerings. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that the entry-level price went up by more than $8,000 and the price of the prior top of the line model increased by more than $12,000. Still, Infiniti offers many standard features and luxury details; and upgrades like the multimedia system, voice activated assistance and panoramic sunroof make even the entry level Pure model feel very premium. So what, exactly do you get at each level?
Pure Trim: What You Get
The Pure model starts at $82,450 and includes rear wheel drive, leatherette seating, the new twin turbo-powered V6 engine that generates 450 HP, 28″ dual media screen, “Hey Google” voice activated assistance, a 16-speaker Klipsch sound system, panoramic sunroof and 360 camera with under body and 170-degree front and rear views. Four wheel drive can be added for $3,100.
The new design also incorporates this nice little cubby where you can stow a small bag or other items.
Luxe Trim: What You Get
Luxe starts at $89,550 and is also rear wheel drive. Luxe adds electronic air suspension, 22” wheels, leather seating, heated and vented front and second row seats, head up display, and power slide and recline 2nd row seats. With the second row seats folded down there is 58 cubic feet of space; there’s 21 cubic feet of space behind the 3rd row and both measures are an increase over the 2024 model. For buyers who want 4WD, it can be added for $3,100.
Sensory Trim: What You Get
The Sensory edition starts at $100,645 and includes 4 wheel drive, second and 3rd row climate controls, center row biometric cooling, which senses a passenger’s temperature and automatically adjusts for their comfort. It also includes a 24 speaker Klipsch sound system, semi-aniline leather seating with front seat massage, light path lighting, a digital rear view mirror and ambient lighting; Pro Pilot Assist 2.1 hands-free driving is an option and may require a subscription.
Autograph Trim: What You Get
This edition may be better suited for drivers who are chauffeur driven as much as those who really want to spoil rear seat passengers. The Autograph edition $110,595 adds Pro Pilot Assist 2.1 hands free driving, a two-tone exterior design, quilted leather seating, massaging 2nd row captains chairs and the in-car camera system. Our model also sported a cool box in the center console which was greatly appreciated on our sweltering drive day.
The One I’d Buy
I didn’t get to drive the Pure model but in researching the trim line up I found it to be the only one with a white interior, which Infiniti calls Tuscan Beige leatherette. This would be my choice; the included standard features are very nice, though I’d have to give up massaging front seats, the digital rear view mirror, head up display and hands-free driving.
If those things are a must, the Sensory model would be my choice. It includes everything that the Autograph edition has with the added choice of Saddle Brown leather instead of red or black. I’m completely over black interiors and not in love with red, and the brown interior gives beautiful definition to all the interior details.
This Beautiful Redesign Makes You Feel Beautiful, Too
It’s hard not to smile in this car. The leather seating is comfortable and cradling. The panoramic sunroof showers everyone with beautiful light. Massaging seats add a pampered feel to the drive. And hands-free driving thanks to Pro Pilot Assist 2.1 allows you to relax and enjoy conversation with your travel companions. Even in the 2nd and 3rd row seats the Infiniti QX80 is comfortable.
Which is what you expect from a large, luxury SUV. The added visibility, the expansive multimedia screen and cameras add confidence to driving such a large SUV, and it’s welcome. All the luxuries? Those are a welcome bonus.
Categorized:Car Reviews
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