2017 INFINITI QX80 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What’s new

　　Trailer sway control is now standard across the lineup. In-car Wi-Fi is now part of the optional Theater Package.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　For some shoppers, a minivan just doesn't have the right capabilities. Even large, crossover-based SUVs won't do the trick. That's where hulking three-row, luxury vehicles such as the 2017 Infiniti QX80 come into play. With real towing power, high-quality interior appointments and a big-SUV attitude, the QX80 can shuttle your whole crew, and it can do it with style.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI QX80 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$283/mo  for QX80 Base

　　QX80 Base

　　4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) (Most Popular) - $63,850 MSRP4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $66,950 MSRPSignature 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $67,335 MSRPSignature 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $70,435 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $89,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Equipped with a powerful V8 engine, the QX80 can pull up to 8,500 pounds. Its robust optional four-wheel-drive system can take you far off the beaten path. Or it can just transport you and seven of your closest friends to and from the local diner. The QX comes with upscale standard equipment such as tri-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera, and it is available with a suspension that gives it serious handling skill for its size — definitely not an attribute you typically associate with a three-row SUV. Thanks to its overall competence and several unique strengths, the 2017 Infiniti QX80 is definitely one of our top picks in the luxury, three-row SUV segment.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

　　High levels of luxury, comfort and tech make the three-row 2017 Infiniti QX80 a solid pick among large luxury SUVs. It tows up to 8,500 pounds, seats up to eight passengers and drives well both on- and off-road.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited (5.6L V8 | 7-speed automatic | AWD ).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Infiniti QX80 has received some revisions, but most of them were minor trim-level changes. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Infiniti QX80.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	4.0
Comfort	3.0
Interior	3.0
Utility	4.0

　　

Driving

4.0

　　There's no getting around the fact that the QX80 is, underneath its skin, a 6,000-pound truck. That said, Infiniti has done a solid job engineering solutions to the problems that come along with moving so much mass, and there's really nothing here that lets the big SUV down.

　　

Acceleration

4.0

　　The 400-horsepower V8 motivates this 6,000-pound SUV to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. It's an impressive and smooth engine with more than enough grunt to hustle this massive vehicle along. Most competitors at this price point post similar or quicker times, but you won't want for power.

　　

Braking

5.0

　　The pedal is soft but linear and offers some feedback. There is a lot of nosedive when braking hard, which might shake your confidence but doesn't hurt performance. In zzdcar testing, our best stop from 60 mph was 116 feet, which is very impressive for a vehicle with this much mass.

　　

Steering

3.0

　　Steering is very light, but more communicative than most. It does the job of making you confident about moving such a large object around on crowded roads. Tight maneuvers at low speed can be annoying due to the massive turn radius and number of turns between locks.

　　

Handling

4.5

　　Infiniti's trick self-leveling hydraulic suspension keeps the car stable in turns, controlling body roll very well, and the SUV is not upset by midcorner bumps or corrections. Stability control is always on, and it steps in decisively before the QX80 can reach its limits.

　　

Drivability

3.5

　　The QX80 is generally very predictable, but during passing maneuvers or hard starts, there is a delay between putting your foot down and acceleration. The transmission shifts smoothly, only causing problems on uphill climbs where its eagerness to upshift makes it difficult to maintain constant speed.

　　

Off-road

4.0

　　The QX80's trick suspension allows for better articulation than many competitors, and off-road traction settings mean this big beast should be competent enough in most situations. The 22-inch wheels are less than ideal for off-road applications.

　　

Comfort

3.0

　　The QX80 can't quite hide its utilitarian roots. While the seats look nice, they aren't up to the standards of similarly priced vehicles, and the climate control is unrefined. The suspension is quite good, but the big wheels make for some harsh moments.

　　

Seat comfort

3.0

　　For a car this expensive, the front seats offer limited adjustability. Unfortunately, the only upgrades are aesthetic and not functional, which means not everyone will be able to find a comfortable seating position. The second-row dual thrones are less adjustable versions of the front seats.

　　

Ride comfort

3.0

　　Big bumps are handled well by the clever suspension, but the car gets bouncy over uneven paving. The massive 22-inch wheels and slim sidewalls mean more harshness makes it through than we'd like. With smaller wheels, the ride could outshine many other luxury offerings.

　　

Noise & vibration

4.5

　　The QX80's cabin is generally quite well insulated from outside sounds and road noise. At partial throttle the V8 can sound a bit trucky, but it's not intrusive. The QX80's biggest weakness in this category is moderate audible wind noise at freeway speeds.

　　

Climate control

3.0

　　On automatic, climate control alternates between too passive and too aggressive, and it doesn't maintain temperature so much as charge toward it then back off for a while. Seat heating and cooling both work very well. The controls aren't the best we've seen but are straightforward enough to use.

　　

Interior

3.0

　　There's plenty of interior room to go around, and in spite of thick pillars the visibility is good, with a high seating position and big mirrors. That said, the control layout isn't the best we've seen, and some controls require a bit of a reach. The QX80's truckish roots show through again.

　　

Ease of use

3.0

　　Basic driving controls are easily accessed, but with the big center stack, reaching some controls can be a stretch, requiring you to lean. Also, the distinctly last-generation button layout and user interface require a bit of getting used to.

　　

Getting in/getting out

3.0

　　This is a tall SUV that requires a bit of a climb to get in and out. But grab handles and a generous running board, along with high, square door openings, help. The third row can be a struggle for an adult to access: Its floor is higher, and the folding second-row seats don't create a large opening.

　　

Driving position

3.0

　　The driving position feels commanding and upright, and there's enough adjustability for shorter and taller drivers, but the steering wheel feels canted up quite a bit toward the driver. All part of the underlying truck roots. Some controls are hard to reach from a comfortable sitting position.

　　

Roominess

5.0

　　The first and second rows offer tons of head- and legroom and shoulder room. There's no feeling cramped in those seats. The third row has much more limited room, but it's better than the third rows in some competitors. Shorter adults will fit in a pinch, and children should have no problem with the space.

　　

Visibility

4.5

　　Visibility is good, with lots of glass all around. The big side mirrors and 360-degree camera help. The hefty front roof pillars can obstruct some views, and rear visibility can be compromised by third-row headrests and a viewpoint high enough to hide some small cars at stoplights.

　　

Quality

3.0

　　Surface materials are nice, and nothing rattles. Under its skin, this is a well-built truck. But Infiniti could have gone much further with the interior upgrades. While there's lots of leather around, it mostly just covers over the hard, plasticky, truck-based Nissan Armada underneath.

　　

Utility

4.0

　　With the QX80's folding seats and great towing capacity, there's a lot of utility. But the SUV's design hurts accessibility and usability. The high liftover and deep bumper make loading heavy items in the back a strain, and you can't open up a completely flat cargo space as in some competitors.

　　

Small-item storage

3.0

　　Storage is sufficient, but not as clever or well integrated as many competitors. You'll find a big center armrest bucket and door pockets for water bottles. The cupholders don't have any restraint system, which has become a common feature, and there are no real spots to put a cellphone.

　　

Cargo space

3.5

　　Folding the third row provides quite a bit of room. The second-row center console is fixed in place, so unless you option second-row bench seats, the QX80 can't provide the same kind of cavernous cargo space as competitors. Liftover is also very high, and the deep rear bumper forces you to reach.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

4.0

　　The spacious second-row buckets means two of just about any car seat will fit, and the LATCH points aren't hard to find. Unfortunately, the vehicle's height means you'll have to lift infants in.

　　

Towing

5.0

　　Stated towing capacity is 8,500 pounds, which is quite respectable. The suspension offers load-leveling, and an integrated tow hitch and seven-pin wiring harness are standard equipment.

　　

Which QX80 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Though the Limited top trim level is appealing, we would start with a base QX80 and add the Theater and Driver's Assistance packages. That way, you get most of the desirable tech and safety features without the 22-inch wheels and tires that make for a bumpy ride quality.

　　

2017 INFINITI QX80 models

　　The 2017 Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV that offers seating for up to eight passengers. It's offered in base and Limited trim levels. The base comes with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and the Limited comes exclusively with four-wheel drive.

　　Standard features on the base QX80 are abundant, so you won't be missing out on much, especially if you choose a few of the available options packages. The Limited model is a good option for buyers who just want to check every box and get all the equipment the QX80 offers.

　　There are quite a few standard features on the QX80, so calling it a base model is misleading. Nonetheless, even in the base trim level, it comes with a 5.6-liter V8 engine (400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet), a seven-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive (four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is optional), 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and foglights, automatic high-beam control, a sunroof, roof rails, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, automatic tri-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable and heated driver seat (with two-way power lumbar adjustment), a six-way power front passenger seat, driver-seat memory settings, second-row captain's chairs (a 60/40-split bench seat is available as a no-cost option), a power-folding 60/40-split third-row seat, and a power-adjustable, heated steering wheel.

　　The QX80 is also packed with quite a bit of technology, most of which you would expect at this price point. Standard features include a 360-degree parking camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, voice controls, and a 13-speaker Bose sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.

　　If you're looking to add a few more items to your QX80, you'll find that options are arranged in packages, some of which require other option packages as prerequisites. If it's advanced safety features you're after, the Driver Assistance package comes with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning (with pedestrian detection), stolen vehicle notification and secondary driver services such as geo-fencing and maximum speed notifications. If you have the Driver Assistance package, you can also add the Theater package, which includes a dual-screen rear entertainment system, a 120-volt household-type power outlet and heated second-row seats with a power tip-up feature for easier third-row access. The Tire and Wheel package gets you 22-inch wheels and all-season performance tires.

　　Going for the Deluxe Technology package gets you all the previously mentioned packages plus adaptive front lighting, headlight washers, Infiniti's Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension, an upgraded climate control system, upgraded leather upholstery, special wood trim, ventilated front seats and a 15-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.

　　Finally, the QX80 Limited comes with just about everything standard (including four-wheel drive) and adds its own distinctive interior and exterior trim. For both the base and Limited trims, in-car Wi-Fi is available as a stand-alone option.

　　

2017 QX80 Highlights

Trim: BaseSignatureLimitedBase

　　

Base MSRP	$63,850
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$283/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 60,000 miles