2021 INFINITI QX80 Review

　　

2021 Infiniti QX80 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2021 Infiniti QX80 combines the rugged construction of a traditional SUV and the upscale appointments of a luxury car. This is Infiniti's biggest SUV, and its most capable. It's got seating for up to eight people, for instance, and its standard V8 engine makes a robust 400 horsepower. And with 8,500 pounds of maximum towing capacity when properly equipped, the QX80 is ready to haul your recreational gear, whether it be a pair of dirt bikes or a good-size travel trailer.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 INFINITI QX80 LUXE 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 LUXE

　　QX80 LUXE

　　LUXE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $69,150 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $72,250 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $73,450 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $76,550 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $80,300 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) (Most Popular) - $83,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　On the downside, it's been more than a decade since this SUV received a full redesign. It doesn't have the fresh look of its competitors, and its ride comfort and fuel economy are subpar for a luxury SUV. While there's still some charm left in this big Infiniti, overall we think more highly of the redesigned Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

　　

Which QX80 does zzdcar recommend?

The top-of-the-line Sensory trim makes the best case for the QX80. It ensures you get ventilated seats, Infiniti's hydraulic body control system, a powerful audio system and higher-quality leather upholstery.

　　

2021 INFINITI QX80 models

The QX80 is offered in three trim levels: Luxe, Premium Select and Sensory. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is optional. All QX80s are powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. It's connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Highlight features include:

　　Luxe

　　Comes well equipped from the start, with:

　　20-inch wheels Self-leveling rear suspension (helps for towing and heavy payloads) LED headlights Three-zone climate control system Power liftgate Leather upholstery Power-adjustable and heated front seats Second-row captain's chairs (bench seat is optional) Heated steering wheel Dual touchscreen infotainment system 13-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility NavigationEvery QX80 also has:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the QX80 and the car in front) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the QX80 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping assist (steers the QX80 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)Premium Select

　　Adds different style with:

　　22-inch wheels Dark exterior trim Unique interior wood trim Additional leather upholstery colorsSensory

　　Ups the luxury with:

　　Hydraulic roll-stabilization suspension (for less body roll when cornering) Cabin air filtration Unique interior wood trim 17-speaker audio system Ventilated front seats Upgraded leather upholstery Heated outboard second-row seats Rear-seat entertainment system

　　

2021 QX80 Highlights

Trim: LUXEPREMIUM SELECTSENSORYLUXE

　　

Base MSRP	$69,150
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