When it comes to luxury SUV beasts, there are few as bulky as the QX80. As the largest of the Infiniti line, the biggest QX features an exterior that boasts luxurious mass and an interior that is more truck than sport utility. The QX80 is, by far, the boldest of the big SUV options in the luxury segment.
The QX80 shares much with the Nissan Armada, which itself is the logical successor to the storied Nissan Patrol. Compared to the equally massive Armada, however, the Infiniti QX80 is much more luxury oriented and upscale. It has a high tow rating, surprisingly nimble maneuverability, and gets a few upgrades for the 2022 model year.
Key in those updates for the 2022 Infiniti QX80 is the dropping of the dual infotainment screen setup in favor of a larger touchscreen and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both the new screen and connectivity to it are standard equipment for the SUV now.
The QX80 is otherwise unchanged from the 2021 model year, which itself comes from the second-generation Infiniti QX80 that was introduced in 2011. That’s a pretty long life for a luxury model and while the QX80 is a beautiful machine, that age really shows when it’s compared to rivals.
Others in the luxury SUV segment have more refined interiors, better third rows, and better fuel economy. The QX80, however, still boasts a load-leveling suspension and a tow rating of 8,500 pounds and 49.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row. Few in the segment can boast both of those as standard.
Fuel economy from the big 5.6-liter V8, however, is not that good. At 20 mpg on the highway, which is not likely what most will get once people and stuff are added to the QX80’s load, this dated SUV falls behind its competition. There’s no getting around that this is a large, low-geared, heavy sport utility.
The good news is that no matter what is happening, the QX80 looks good doing it. It’s as handsome as it is massive and sports 20-inch wheels and a self-leveling suspension as standard equipment, plus the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 13-speaker Bose stereo. Several active safety systems are also standard equipment, including a 360-degree camera system that makes maneuvering and parking easy and a camera-based rearview mirror. Update options include 22-inch wheels, darkened chrome exterior trim, and more leather upholstery options.
Overall, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 is a well-done SUV with a lot of high qualities, but its age is showing and rivals have definitely upped the bar. We expect Infiniti will be updating the QX80 soon with a newer model that is more competitive.
