2022 INFINITI QX80

Premium full-sized sport utility vehicles once followed a simple formula: Build a purposeful body-on-frame SUV with plenty of space and a dash of luxury, and the crowds will come. That’s the rule Infiniti followed when it launched the QX80 in 2004—though they called it the QX56 until 2013—as the brand’s first made-in-the-U.S. offering. Curated from the bones of the comparatively humble Nissan Armada (à la the Toyota Landcruiser and Lexus LX arrangement), production for QX80, followed later by the Armada, moved back to Japan for the current second generation. Both are now built on the underpinnings of the Nissan Patrol, which isn’t sold in the U.S. 

Although more performance-oriented entrants such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS and their higher-performance M and AMG variants have entered the segment, body-on-frame machines still dominate this class. In addition to the Infiniti QX80, the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX, and Cadillac Escalade are all truck-based and can tow over 7,000 pounds. GMC’s Yukon and the top-trim Ford Expeditions are also competitors.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 comes through with a quiet, plush drive, although it suffers from body roll in the corners. It excels at cruising down the highway rather than navigating narrow twisty mountain roads. Still, its suspension and available four-wheel drive system are more than capable when called into duty. To nobody’s surprise, it’s a gas guzzler and much thirstier than the redesigned V6 Lexus or Cadillac’s diesel.

Updates for the 2022 QX80 include the addition of a 12.3-inch center display and new wireless infotainment support. The full-size SUV offers standard seating for seven across three rows. An optional second-row bench increases capacity to eight occupants. 

In the final stretch of its second generation, there are only three streamlined trims: the base Luxe, mid-grade Premium Select and top-of-the-line Sensory. All models are amply powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. They feature standard automatic self-leveling suspension to stabilize the vehicle, which is helpful when towing up to its maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds. Rear-wheel drive is the standard configuration, but four-wheel drive (4WD) is available across the lineup. 

The QX80 is posh inside, looks good and offers plenty of tech, but it feels older than many of its competitors, particularly the new-for-2022 Lexus LX and recently redesigned Escalade. Its primary advantage is that it’s quite a bit more affordable than they are while offering a genuine luxury experience. The QX80 even undercuts high-end trims of the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, which definitely don’t have the same brand cachet.

Performance: 12/15

Despite its size, the QX80 offers good performance thanks to its torquey big engine, though handling can feel vague and disconnected. It’s available with one drivetrain: a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 producing up to 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain uses a 7-speed automatic transmission. It’s solid and smooth, offering linear acceleration and velvety shifts. The QX80 comes standard with trailer sway control to tow up to 8,500 pounds. That’s enough for most towing needs. 

None of the QX80 trims can be described as having sporting driving dynamics. Still, there is parity across the steering, braking and acceleration characteristics that telegraphs a silent heft, feeling almost as if the controls are viscously damped. While drivers coming from traditional sedans or sport coupes will find it distracting at first, it reduces fatigue on extended highway excursions. 

Fuel Economy: 8/15

The full-size luxury SUV segment isn’t known for its fuel efficiency, but the QX80 is among the least thrifty. The EPA estimates that drivers of the 5,600-pound, two-wheel-drive version can expect 14 mpg in city driving, 20 mpg on the highway and 16 in combined driving. That falls to 13, 19 and 15 mpg with four-wheel drive.

The Lexus LX equipped with a twin-turbo V6 engine achieves 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 combined. The Lincoln Navigator follows closely with 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway from its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine. The only competitor that is thirstier than the QX80 is the Cadillac Escalade, which ekes out 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway from its 6.2-liter V8 engine. However, unlike the Infiniti, it’s available with a more fuel-efficient optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six engine at no upcharge. That powerplant offers best-in-class fuel economy despite the Escalade’s considerably larger size.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 10/15  

Although its size and weight bestow a considerable measure of inherent safety in collisions with other vehicles, the QX80 receives decent but not outstanding safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the QX80 four out of five stars, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t tested it at all. The mediocre result from NHTSA and lack of IIHS data hurt the QX80 in our scoring.

Although many luxury brands expect you to pay for each feature on the vehicle, including safety tech, Infiniti doesn’t. The base Luxe model includes adaptive cruise control, rear emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. Moving up to the Sensory trim adds adaptive front headlights with auto-leveling. While these features aren’t considered safety equipment, a standard digital mirror rearview displays what’s behind the vehicle. A 360-degree camera and sensors help detect nearby objects and navigate tight parking spaces.

Comfort & Room: 11/15

The base QX80 features Napa leather-appointed seats in all three rows, standard second-row Captain’s chairs, heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-of-the-line Sensory model is plush and brings climate-controlled semi-aniline leather-appointed front seats, heated second-row outboard seats and an advanced climate control system.

With 39.6 inches in front and 41-inches in the second row, the QX80 provides room for most adults to stretch their legs. The Lexus LX has 41.1 and 36.6 inches and the Cadillac Escalade 44.5- and 41.7-inches, respectively. However, adult passengers will find the third-row seats cramped, with only 28.8 inches of legroom. That’s slightly less area than the Lexus LX, which has 31.1 inches of room. It is not nearly as generous as the rear-most seats in the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator, which have 34.9 inches and 40.9 inches, respectively.

Infotainment: 12/15

New for the 2022 Infiniti QX80 is a standard 12.3-inch center-mounted touch screen that includes navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto smartphone integration, and mobile device charging. It replaces the ancient dual-screen setup and includes updated HVAC controls with a wireless smartphone charger hidden behind a retractable panel below.

Navigation with lane guidance is standard and includes five years of complimentary access to premium traffic and MapCare software. Four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 13-speaker Bose audio system are standard features in the Luxe and Premium Select trims. Upgrading to the Sensory model adds a second-row entertainment system with twin 8-inch screens and a 120-volt outlet in the front center console. 

Cargo Space & Storage: 9/15

Unlike the Escalade and the Navigator, the QX80 is available in only one body size. The Infiniti’s abrupt vertical tail limits cargo capacity to 16.6 cubic feet with all seating rows up. Folding the third-row boosts capacity to 49.6 cubic feet, while folding the second row elevates it to 95.1 cubic feet.

That’s less than the Lincoln Navigator, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 57.5 behind the second. It even further trails the Cadillac Escalade, which provides 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 72.9 cubic feet behind the second. However, it offers more storage than the Lexus LX, which maxes out at 11 cubic feet behind the third row and 41 cubic feet behind the second. On the Infiniti’s plus side, a standard power liftgate makes it easier to load gear. Standard silver-painted roof rails also expand its storage potential. 

Style & Design: 8/10

Brash and bulky, the QX80’s funky proportions are far from sleek or sexy, though they do manage to exude their distinct personality in a sea crowded with cookie-cutter SUVs. Glittering chrome-trimmed everything—including air intakes, door handles and roof rails—are hallmarks that call attention to rather than apologizing for its hulking size.

The cabin’s burl wood-trimmed interior is civilized, though not an outrageously decked-out space. The spacious second row is as well-appointed as the front and features standard Captain’s chairs that resemble living room furniture and provide the comfort to match. A large central storage area keeps everything organized and within easy reach. The power-operated third-row continues the generously outfitted and well-proportioned theme. Semi-aniline leather, tricot headliner and a second-row entertainment system offer an even more plush cabin experience in the Sensory trim.

Is the 2022 Infiniti QX80 worth it? Which QX80 is the Best Value? 

Starting well below its competitors at $71,995, including a $1,395 destination fee, the base 2022 Infiniti QX80 Luxe is practically a bargain in the full-size luxury SUV segment and offers the best value for buyers. It’s well-equipped with standard features, including leather and burl wood interior, heated front seats and steering wheel and a new infotainment system that supports all the essential functions, such as navigation and wireless smartphone integration. Although not as cutting edge as some competitors, the suite of advanced driver assistance systems is comprehensive and includes the most helpful technology, including blind-spot warning with intervention, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a digital rearview mirror. 

But even the higher trims reside in the lower luxury SUV price spectrum. Upgrading to the Premium Select ($76,780 including destination fee) adds dark chromed 22-inch alloy wheels and matte interior trim. The top-of-the-line Sensory ($83,630 including destination fee) darkens the exterior chrome and brings quilted semi-aniline leather and charcoal burl trim for a more high-end cabin design. It also includes a second-row entertainment system and an adaptive hydraulic suspension system that helps reduce body roll and sloppy handling. 

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Infiniti QX80?

The QX80’s Insurance costs are comparable to other large luxury SUVs. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of $2,761 for a QX80 Luxe, though this averages all 50 states. That compares to $2,996 for a Cadillac Escalade Luxury Platinum, $3,226 for the Lexus LX600 and $3,100 for the Mercedes-Benz GLS450 4MATIC. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.