2022 INFINITI QX80

　　

2022 Infiniti QX80 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　Infiniti's QX80 is a full-size traditional SUV with a powerful V8. This premium family hauler can seat seven or eight passengers and has enough towing capacity for most jobs. The available four-wheel-drive system can take you off the beaten path while a host of standard features keep you in the lap of luxury. For the 2022 model year, Infiniti has updated the QX80's dash with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and more modern-looking audio and climate controls. 

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) (Most Popular) - $71,950 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $75,050 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $76,250 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $79,350 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $83,100 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $86,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The current generation of the QX80 hasn't changed much since its debut in 2011. Still, this large SUV offers a quiet, luxurious and comfortable cabin. Infiniti also loads the QX80 with lots of standard advanced driver aids including automatic emergency braking and a 360-degree camera system that makes parking in tight spots considerably easier.

　　On the downside, this burly SUV is showing its age. When compared to competitors such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the QX80 lags behind in interior design, engine choices and efficiency. The Infiniti QX80's attractive starting price and long list of standard features will satisfy many buyers, but those looking for the latest in luxury and technology should consider others in the large luxury SUV segment.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the QX80 drive? Large SUVs have been transitioning to turbocharged engines, which leaves the QX80 and its naturally aspirated V8 as a rare offering in the class. There's 400 hp on tap, but in our testing the QX80 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is unremarkable for a luxury SUV. Its brakes, however, are a standout, especially for such a large family hauler. They're powerful but also easy to use in typical driving.

　　Yet there's no getting around the fact that the QX80 is, underneath its skin, a dated 6,000-pound SUV. The steering isn't as quick or accurate as we'd like, and around turns its clever suspension, which we once lauded for the way it controlled its mass, feels much less nimble and modern than it once did. The field has moved on and it's clear the QX hasn't.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the QX80? The QX80 has some good qualities for a large SUV. Its weight, long wheelbase and tall tire sidewalls lend some cushion over rough surfaces and small bumps. But larger, uneven bumps tend to shake the cabin dramatically side to side. While that's not uncommon for such a big vehicle, it feels more pronounced in the QX than in some rivals.

　　The seats look nice but offer limited adjustability and support and aren't up to the standards of the seats in similarly priced vehicles. The climate control is straightforward to use, and the seat heat and ventilation are very effective. That said, with the exception of a quiet, well-insulated cabin, the QX80 has a hard time hiding its utilitarian roots.

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