Used 2019 INFINITI QX80

The 2019 Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV is a massive rolling showcase for Infiniti’s most impressive technology, interior artistry and bold external styling. Although under its new skin resides an aging platform introduced in 2010, the QX80 remains a modern luxury chariot with a soft ride, powerful V8 engine and just about every imaginable luxury feature save for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Although it goes head-to-head with the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Lexus NX, many owners feel the QX80’s stunning interior puts it in the same league as a Land Rover Range Rover. With an 8,500-pound tow rating, 400 horsepower and 8-passenger seating, the 2019 Infiniti QX80 is a workhorse wrapped in leather and chrome.

While some may take exception with the way the 2019 Infiniti QX80 looks, few will take issue with the way it drives. The big 5.6-liter V8 pumps out 400 horsepower, a feat that requires copious amounts of gas, but in return delivers strong acceleration for passing, merging or just showing off. It’s a shame the QX80’s well-insulated cabin shuts out almost all engine noise, because we know the V8 probably emits a sweet note when being pushed to its limits. However, we’re certain luxury buyers would disagree. Once in motion, the hushed cabin shuts out wind and road noise, too, which is one of the QX80’s strongest selling points. The steering feel is heavy and the suspension soft. Thanks to Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, body roll and lean are kept to a minimum without the need for steel springs that would otherwise ruin the floating-cloud ride. As the QX80 isn’t easy to park, maneuver or navigate, the Around View 360-degree monitor would be a wise addition.

Infiniti says it drew inspiration for its 2019 QX80 interior from luxury jets. We’ll take their word on that, but can confirm that the new QX80 offers a comfortable interior, with expensive-looking quilting and piping. The seats are also protected from stains. Rear-seat passengers can be entertained by an infotainment system, and there’s an updated infotainment system with a larger screen, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Additionally, despite the comfort — and it is exceptionally comfortable — the big Infiniti’s 2nd-row seats don’t slide forward, limiting 3rd-row legroom. The black-and-white information display between the analog gauges also looks old-school in the wrong way.

A clean makeover last year banished the QX80’s odd nose, droopy headlights and ill-conceived fender vents. In their place is fresh sheet metal in front that not only gathers this full-size luxury SUV into the rest of the Infiniti design fold, but makes it a genuinely handsome vehicle. It doesn’t disguise the big Infiniti’s size though, and at nearly 209 inches long and nearly 80 inches tall, this is a BIG SUV. Still, we like it. The proportions are spot-on, we like the kick-up of the rear-side windows even if it does limit rear visibility, and the new tailgate and fender vents all give the Infiniti QX80 the kind of style that stands out for all the right reasons.

DISTANCE CONTROL ASSIST
Whereas most adaptive cruise-control systems only work when the driver engages them, the QX80’s advanced Distance Control Assist keeps a constant watch on driving conditions, automatically slowing if the vehicles ahead begin to decelerate. It can even bring the QX to a complete stop.

HYDRAULIC BODY MOTION CONTROL
Given its size and weight, normally the only way to control body lean and roll would be to install a heavy set of stiff steel springs. Infiniti engineers knew this would also result in a harsh ride, so they devised a set of active shocks to do the work, keeping the ride smooth and lean under control.

Standard equipment on the Luxe trims includes leather seating, navigation system, power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, moonroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, forward emergency braking and Around View monitor with Moving Object Detection. You also get luxury touches like power-folding mirrors, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and 2nd-row captain’s chairs. There’s one year of complimentary subscription to the Infiniti Connection telematics system, which includes concierge service and vehicle information sent to your phone, a 13-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD/DVD Premium Audio System with USB connection and Bluetooth streaming, and front and rear sonar parking sensors.

Option packages on the 2019 QX80 include a ProActive Package that adds a camera-based rearview mirror, the Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension, adaptive front lighting, pre-crash seatbelts and headlight washers. The Theater Package adds dual 8-inch rear screens mounted in the front-seat headrests, along with wireless headphones and a remote. The ProAssist Package bundles blind-spot warning, backup-collision prevention, Distance Control Assist, active cruise control, lane-departure prevention, and so on. The Sensory Package brings 15-speaker Bose audio, semi-aniline quilted leather seating, climate-controlled front seats, heated 2nd-row seats and more. The Limited trim includes all these option packages as standard.

The only engine available for the QX80 is Infiniti’s 5.6-liter V8 driving either the rear or all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. It’s an impressively powerful engine, with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and it lets the body-on-frame QX tow up to 8,500 pounds, quite a lot for a luxury SUV. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive (RWD, AWD) models come with Hill Start Assist and Snow Mode to help you get moving when roads are slick. Opt for AWD and you get a full-time system, and the ability to shift into a 4LO mode in case road conditions turn exceptionally rugged. But don’t expect good fuel economy: The best EPA number is 20-mpg highway for rear-drive models, and we’ve seen averages of around 14-15 mpg in mixed driving.

5.6-liter V8
400 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
413 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg (RWD), 13/19 mpg (AWD)