The 2024 Infiniti QX80 review: the full-size luxury SUV has a smooth ride, V-8 engine and the lowest price in its class

By Eric Brandt

It's expensive, but costs less than its competition. Don't expect great fuel economy, though.

Pros

Most affordable in its classStandard V8Good warranty

Cons

InefficientTight third-row and cargo space for its size

What's new?

Rear entertainment system discontinued

The 2024 Infiniti QX80 is the most affordable full-size luxury SUV and comes with V8 power, a good warranty, and premium features. Pricing starts at $74,150.

The full-size luxury SUV segment is an expensive one, but the Infiniti QX80 is an affordable SUV compared to most of its rivals. With a standard V8 engine and a commanding view of the road, the QX80 delivers the experience we love about full-size SUVs. It's not cheap, but it has the lowest starting price and one of the best warranties in its class, giving it some practical appeal.

The top rivals of the Infiniti QX80 are the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but it also competes with pricier options like the Lexus LX and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

2024 Infiniti QX80 pricing

The 2024 Infiniti QX80 starts at $74,150. That's for the base Luxe trim. The mid-range Premium Select model starts at $78,785, and the top Sensory trim begins at $85,835. Four-wheel drive is a $3,150 option on the Luxe model and $3,100 on the other two trims.

The comparatively low starting price is one of the biggest strong suits of the QX80. It's more affordable than the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Even the top Sensory trim is cheaper than the base models of the Lexus LX and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

   2024 Infiniti QX80   MSRP 
   QX80 Luxe            $74,150 
   QX80 Premium Select  $78,785 
   QX80 Sensory         $85,835 

These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and don't include the factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

Before buying a QX80, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Infiniti QX80 resale value is about average for the segment.

Check out: Here are 15 SUVs that seat 8--for your big family or small team

What's new?

There's a new Dark Chrome Appearance Package available for the Sensory trim. It incorporates the dark chrome elements that are standard in the Premium Select trim. Also, the rear seat entertainment system and three paint options (Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, and Coulis Red) are no longer available.

Power, ride and handling

The Infiniti QX80 is powered by a 400-horsepower V8 engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission and rear- or 4-wheel drive. The mighty V8 delivers plenty of thrust with no shortage of passing power, even when this SUV is loaded with passengers and cargo. We think the engine is a great match for this SUV.

Infiniti has done a nice job tuning the suspension for a smooth and luxurious ride. We especially like driving the top Sensory trim, partially because of the Body Motion Control suspension system improving the ride quality.

This luxury SUV has no delusions about its ruggedness, but it has decent off-road capabilities when equipped with 4-wheel drive thanks to its 2-speed transfer case and generous ground clearance. This popular option makes traveling on snowy roads a breeze.

We've spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size luxury SUVs, including the Infiniti QX80.

Fuel economy

The Infiniti QX80 gets a combined fuel economy rating of 16 mpg with RWD and 15 mpg with 4WD. Premium gas is recommended, which adds to the fuel costs of this big SUV.

Even for a full-size SUV, the QX80 is inefficient. Its fuel economy is similar to the Cadillac Escalade with its standard V8, but the turbo V6 engines in the Lincoln Navigator and Lexus LX both get up to 19 mpg, and the Navigator doesn't require premium gas. Also notable is the optional diesel engine in the Escalade, which gets up to 23 mpg.

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Premium interior

The cabin of the Infiniti QX80 is luxurious and roomy in the first two rows. We can't help but notice that much of this interior design dates back to 2011 when this SUV debuted as the QX56. But the recently revised center stack is crowned with a sleek infotainment system with modern features like wireless Apple (AAPL) CarPlay.

Although it's the biggest SUV in the Infiniti lineup, we found the third row of the QX80 a bit tight for an SUV this big. These seats are best reserved for kids. The QX80 has 28.8 inches of third-row legroom, much less than the Navigator (40.9 inches) and Escalade (34.9 inches).

The cargo space in the QX80 is also below average. It has 16.6 cubic feet of volume behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Again, this is much less cargo room than the Navigator (20.9/57.5/103.4) and Escalade (25.5/72.9/121.0).

Plus: The all-new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: This 3-row midsize SUV offers expanded cabin space and a broad choice of trims

Bold exterior

The Infiniti QX80 wears its bigness with poise and style. The large grille, stylish wheels, and tasteful use of chrome make this a classy-looking SUV with an imposing presence.

Our favorite features and tech

Standard V8The standard V8 engine under the hood cranks out 400 horsepower providing a satisfying driving experience. It also has an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds.

Semi-aniline leather seatingThe quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery in the Sensory trim takes the QX80 to the next level of luxury. These seats are not only supremely comfortable with top-notch material quality, but they're heated and cooled in front and heated in the second row.

Infiniti InTouch infotainment systemThis user-friendly 12.3-inch infotainment system is packed with desirable features like Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Amazon (AMZN) Alexa, navigation, HD Radio, and wireless charging.

Infiniti Premium CareInfiniti Premium Care is a complimentary maintenance plan that comes with all 2024 Infiniti models. Inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, brake fluid changes, and cabin air filter replacements are covered for three years.

Bose audio systemsEvery QX80 has a Bose audio system. The standard system has 13 speakers, but we prefer the Bose Performance Series 17-speaker system in the Sensory trim.

Body Motion ControlThe top Sensory trim comes with what Infiniti calls Body Motion Control. It's a hydraulic system that evenly distributes pressure where needed, resulting in a more stable ride with less body roll.

Engine and transmission

The Infiniti QX80 is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. We love the V8 power, but it's worth noting that the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Lexus LX all have more powerful standard engines.

You might like: The new 2024 Lexus GX is updated with more power, a bold exterior and a rugged new off-road model

4-year/60,000-mile warranty

The Infiniti QX80 is backed by a 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which is 10,000 miles longer than many competitors. The powertrain is covered for four years or 70,000 miles, which is one year shorter than many competitors. You win some, you lose some. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year maintenance plan for routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, and more.

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Safety

The Infiniti QX80 has received a 4-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). The Cadillac Escalade also earned four stars, while the Lincoln Navigator was able to claim all five stars. Standard safety features include parking sensors, a surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

See: The deadliest--and least deadly--cars, trucks and SUVs

KBB's car review methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.

-Eric Brandt

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09-20-23 0502ET

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