Infiniti holds its own in the large SUV class with the QX80
Infiniti, the upscale brand of Nissan Motor Co., took its flagship Armada SUV, beautified it, added some sweet features and boom — the QX80 was born.
While the Armada feels large and tank-like, Infiniti’s version really delivers in the seven-passenger QX80. The drive was great, the ride was nice and the passenger space was exemplary
We took the QX80 all over the Northeast, starting in Greater Boston, migrating through the Worcester Hills, through the Berkshires, down to the Hudson Valley, across lower New York through the Delaware Water Gap in eastern Pennsylvania and back.
All that driving needed to be in something big, comfortable and spacious. Ding, ding, ding — the QX80 checked those boxes nicely.
The 5.6- liter, 32-valve V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower, delivered strongly. Although it drank plenty of fuel, the owner of this vehicle is not worried about gas. They have a specific need for space to haul, comfort for passengers and a touch of luxury. The QX80 has those things taken care of.
Sometimes with larger SUVs, the need for towing exists. Whether it be camping, hauling or moving, the 8,500- lb. towing capacity will certainly answer the call. Especially with All-Mode 4WD, our Moonstone White, Edition 30 tester worked great in the hills and snowy weather, even on the 22-inch all-season tires provided.
The interior was average, although the Infiniti InTouch infotainment system offered a dual screen system that was easy to use for every type of driver and the trim accents were typical for a vehicle of this class.
Infiniti deserves recognition as its own distinct brand, not just being described as an upscale Nissan. Infiniti showed off its beauty, class, luxury and dependability.
The QX80 competes with the Lexus GX460, Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. Infiniti did its homework and did it well — this beauty is way above the Cadillac, stomps the Lexus and falls in line right behind the Volvo, all while maintaining similar pricing.
Infiniti QX80
MSRP: $69,850 As tested: $76,150 MPG: 13 city, 19 highway, 16.2 as tested