2023 INFINITI QX80 SUV

　　

2023 INFINITI QX80 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Eleven years is an eternity in the automotive product cycle, but that's the last time we saw a significant update to Infiniti's largest luxury hauler. The 2023 Infiniti QX80 will likely continue that streak amid reports that the automaker is preparing a more thorough overhaul in 2024.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $72,700 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $75,800 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $77,300 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $80,400 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $84,350 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) (Most Popular) - $87,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The next-gen QX80 is expected to be the flagship face of an even deeper brand identity update (including changes to Infiniti dealerships, apps and websites). It will offer more power and luxury detail that Infiniti hopes elevates the big SUV into the same realm as the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX and even Land Rover Range Rover. Power would likely come from a new turbocharged V6 engine, replacing the current fuel-thirsty V8.

　　For now, the QX80 looks to carry on with minimal changes. Infiniti hasn't revealed details about the upcoming model, but we'd expect to see a handful of new features such as a head-up display, a frameless digital rearview mirror (projects a real-time camera image) and possibly massaging front seats. These features have filtered into Infiniti's smaller SUVs, the QX55 and QX60, and we'd be surprised if some weren't offered in the lineup's flagship.

　　Infiniti's Premium Care integrated maintenance program, which includes three years of scheduled service (oil changes, tire rotations), is also a likely addition, as are Amazon Alexa functionality and driver alerts using haptic feedback.

　　And while the QX80 is showing its age, some characteristics are timeless. It's massively roomy, quiet and comfortable, and it comes with an impressive set of active safety features and driver aids. It remains a solid value among luxury SUVs, with a starting price several thousand dollars less than its main rivals. And despite the thirst and inefficiency of its big V8, the QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds, among the highest ratings in the large luxury SUV segment. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to learn if the current-generation QX80 is right for you.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below