2024 INFINITI QX80 SUV

　　

2024 INFINITI QX80 Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　The QX80 is Infiniti's big three-row luxury SUV. While all of the brand's other QX models are car-like crossovers, the QX80 is a traditional truck-based SUV with robust V8 power and a high towing capacity. But while Infiniti gussies the QX80 up with luxury features, there's no hiding this aging platform's need for updating. Newer rivals offer better efficiency, easier driving and more modern tech features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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) - $74,150 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $77,300 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $78,300 MSRPPREMIUM SELECT 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $81,400 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 7A) - $85,350 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 7A) (Most Popular) - $88,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Little change, same truck-like appeal

Inifniti adds only a single appearance package to the QX80 for 2024 — a dark chrome trim package that applies only to the top Sensory trim. It's a weak upgrade to a platform that's deeply in need of a complete overhaul to keep up with more modern rivals. However, if what you're seeking is traditional truck-like toughness, V8 power and serious towing ability, the QX80 will serve you well. Maximum towing capacity is a stout 8,500 pounds, and the four-wheel-drive system has low-range gearing for those times when you need extra low-speed grunt, such as when going off-road. What the QX80 sacrifices in modern comfort and convenience it somewhat makes up for in ruggedness.

　　

Competitors to consider

Other large luxury SUVs include the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS. In general, we recommend picking one of these competitors instead of the QX80 considering their fresher designs, newer technology features and better fuel economy. Read our test team's Expert Rating on the QX80 to learn more.

　　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 it feels much less nimble and modern than other luxury SUVs. 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