Used 2022 INFINITI QX80

If you get sticker shock shopping for a new full-size luxury SUV, the Infiniti QX80 is a good value in this class. It isn’t the fanciest or most high-tech player in this field, nor does it have the strongest name recognition. But it has the lowest pricing, plus a generous list of standard features. One of its best standard features is a stout V8 engine pumping out 400 horsepower.

The QX80 has a big cargo hold and 3-row seating, but the third row is a bit cramped. The interior uses nice materials, though the design and technology in the vast cabin are outdated compared to most rivals in this segment. However, it’s forgivable when you consider the comparatively low pricing for the full-size luxury SUV class.

This SUV gets some nice tech and safety updates for 2022. It has a new 12.3-inch infotainment system and standard wireless phone charging. You also get more safety features, including driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and second-row outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners.

The other prominent players in this field include the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Lexus LX. All of the above have a higher starting price than the QX80, and the Lincoln and Caddy can cross the $100,000 mark. Most rivals in this class have more modern interior designs and tech features, but the Infiniti is arguably the best value.

The standard 400-horsepower V8 in the Infiniti QX80 delivers more than enough grunt to move around this big SUV with purpose. Hustling to highway speed on an on-ramp comes quickly, and it can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Unfortunately, it’s pretty inefficient and requires premium fuel, resulting in high fuel costs.

The QX80 has a soft, supple ride for a big, truck-based SUV thanks to the hydraulic Body Motion Control system in the Sensory trim. The handling is agile and sure-footed for an SUV this size, but it’s still more cumbersome than a smaller 3-row crossover SUV like the Infiniti QX60. The QX80 also has a serene interior with little wind noise, and even the muscular V8 is quiet from inside the cabin.

While this isn’t designed to be an off-roader, it has good off-road chops when equipped with 4-wheel drive if you ever find yourself off the beaten path. It has 9.2 inches of ground clearance and a locking transfer case with low gearing with 4WD.

The interior quality is good in the Infiniti QX80, but the design is a bit dated. Almost all of its rivals have been entirely redesigned more recently, and they’re generally more modern on the inside. That said, this Infiniti uses high-quality materials, and we like the new 12.3-inch infotainment system.

The QX80 is roomy in the first and second rows, but the third row is a little tight for an SUV this size. The captain’s chairs with a center console are standard in the second row, and a bench seat is optional. If you want a full-size luxury SUV with spacious third-row seats, consider the Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade.

Cargo space in the QX80 is pretty good. It has 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and up to 95.1 cubic feet with all back seats folded down. Those numbers are above-average for this class, but it can’t beat the long-wheelbase variants of the Navigator and the Escalade.

The Infiniti QX80 looks big not only because of its massive size, but the large grille, muscular body lines, and big wheels add to its imposing look. It has a classy light signature and tasteful use of chrome. The Premium Select trim uses dark chrome accents, giving it a moodier look.

The size of the Infiniti QX80 is similar to the standard-wheelbase versions of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. It’s bigger than several entries like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and the Lexus LX, all of which are more expensive than the Infiniti.

NEW INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The standard 12.3-inch infotainment system is loaded with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, 3D maps, and more.

400-HP V8
The standard 5.6-liter V8 engine produces good power and has a standard tow mode function. It can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The Infiniti QX80 has an impressive list of standard features on the Luxe trim, adding to its value proposition. Standard features include a 5.6-liter V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, a power moonroof, remote start, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, second-row captain’s chairs with a center console, one-touch folding third-row seats, wireless charging, and a tow package.

The standard infotainment system is a 12.3-inch screen loaded with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation with 3D maps. This is a much cleaner and more user-friendly system than the dual-screen system it replaces.

Standard safety features in the QX80 include seatbelt pre-tensioners in the first and second rows, blind-spot monitoring, full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure prevention.

One of the most popular options on the QX80 is 4-wheel drive, a $3,100 option on every trim. Another option for all trims is a second-row bench seat.

Upgrading to the popular Premium Select trim adds some excellent features, which are primarily aesthetic. You get 22-inch wheels, black mirror caps, illuminated kick plates, more interior color options, unique interior trim, and black chrome exterior trim.

The top Sensory trim puts the QX80 in the next level of luxury while keeping the pricing relatively reasonable compared to rivals. Its many upgrades include Bose 17-speaker premium audio, semi-aniline leather seating with quilted stitching, charcoal burl interior trim, ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, remote tip-up second-row seats that allow for easier third-row entry and exit, hydraulic Body Motion Control, auto-leveling headlights, speed-sensitive power steering, and more.

It also has a rear entertainment system with two 8-inch screens but no DVD or Blu-ray player. They have Wi-Fi capability and USB and HDMI inputs.

The sole engine option in the Infiniti QX80 is a brawny 5.6-liter V8 linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission. It produces 400 horsepower and can tow up to 8,500 pounsa, making this a capable SUV. Like most SUVs in this class, rear-wheel drive is standard and 4-wheel drive is optional.

The fuel economy is unimpressive for this class. It’s better on gas than the Lexus LX, but most other full-size luxury SUVs are more efficient.

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 (4WD)