The Cadillac Escalade has remained America’s most popular full-size luxury SUV for more than a decade, but rivals like the Jeep Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX600h, and the all-new Infiniti QX80 are vying for attention.
The third-generation Infiniti QX80 debuted as a 2025 model with a new twin-turbo V6 powertrain, updated technology, and enhanced chassis.
I recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2025 Infiniti QX80 Luxe in a radiant Coulis Red paint job.
I was impressed by the eye-catching looks, luxurious, high-tech cabin, and smooth ride.
Unfortunately, I felt a little let down by the big SUV’s new twin-turbo V6 engine, which just did not deliver the boost in performance I expected.
My test car came to $99,195.
The base rear-wheel-drive QX80 Pure starts at $82,450, while the top-spec Autograph 4WD variant starts at $110,595.
My lower-mid-tier four-wheel-drive Luxe trim test car starts at $92,650. Freight fees, upgraded paint, and a $3,300 driver’s assistance tech package pushed the as-tested price to $99,000.
The QX80 looks terrific.
The design of the new QX80 is bold enough to hold your attention but doesn’t veer into the garish. It features the latest interpretation of Infiniti’s Artistry in Motion design language, highlighted by a large double-arch front grille inspired by bamboo forests.
The new QX80 is longer, taller, and wider than the model it replaces.
It can also tow an impressive 8,500 lbs.
My test car came with an electronic air suspension system.
The suspension can be lowered 1.2 inches to improve aerodynamics while driving and 2.8 inches to help make it easier to load cargo. In off-road mode, it can be raised 2.1 inches over its normal ride height to help clear obstacles.
The QX80 is powered by a gutsy twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
Under the hood is a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
My QX80 Luxe test car boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. I observed fuel economy in the 16mpg range during my time with the QX80.
This is a vehicle that could really use a hybrid or PHEV option.
While smooth and easy to drive, it’s no speed demon.
Like its US counterparts, the QX80 is built on a truck-based body-on-frame platform, so it isn’t quite as refined on the road as a car-based crossover.
Its cabin is quiet. The ride is smooth and comfortable, while the steering is responsive, albeit a bit numb in feel.
The engine is velvety smooth and feels eager to deliver its 450 ponies. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission is geared for fuel economy, which held back some of the performance potential.
In fact, the transmission seems reluctant to unleash the engine’s power. You have to really stamp down hard on the gas pedal to get the transmission to kick down a few gears and go higher in the rev range.
Some vehicles accelerate effortlessly, but the QX80 feels like it does so against the wishes of its transmission.
According to Motor Trend, the QX80 does 0-60 in a quick 6.8 seconds.
The QX80’s cabin is luxurious, roomy, and loaded with tech.
The new interior is a big step forward compared to the outgoing model. I was impressed by Infiniti’s excellent mix of materials in the cabin and the quality of the fit and finish.
The dual 14.3-inch screen atop the front dash looked great. Unfortunately, the 9-inch touch control screen is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s a tidy way to organize a maze of controls, but it’s far less intuitive to use than physical buttons would be.
Apart from that, interior ergonomics are solid, there’s plenty of storage, and the standard 14-speaker audio system sounded great.
The leather upholstered seats were soft and supportive.
The driver’s seat in my test car did not have the optional massage function, although the passenger seat did.
In front of the driver is a 14.3 digital instrument display and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The high-quality configurable gauge display is augmented by an optional head-up display.
The QX80 is equipped with Nissan/Infiniti’s latest InTouch infotainment system
The system in the QX80 is elegantly designed and a breeze to navigate. The 14.3-inch infotainment screen is also home to the QX80’s around-view camera system that includes an invisible hood view for off-roading and parking in tight spaces.
All QX80s come with a panoramic glass moonroof.
My test car also came with an optional 64-color LED ambient lighting system.
QX80s also come standard with the second-row captain’s chairs.
The QX80’s second-row seats are heated, power-operated, and come with a solid 39-inch legroom.
Second-row passengers also have access to their own climate controls and a handful of USB sockets.
Third-row passengers have a generous 32.9-inch legroom, roughly the same amount of space you get in coach on a plane.
The third row comfortably accommodates two adults, but things get tight if you try to squeeze three people back there.
Open the motion-activated rear liftgate, and you’ll find a stout 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
With the third row folded, cargo space expands to 59 cubic feet. Fold down the second row, and you’ll get a cavernous 101 cubic feet of room.
There’s a small underfloor storage area behind the third row.
The QX80 comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane centering technology.
You can upgrade to ProPilot Assist 2.1, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering in certain highway driving conditions.
My Verdict: The QX80 is a boldly styled luxury SUV that makes for an off-beat alternative to the Escalade.
The previous version was a good luxury SUV during its prime. Unfortunately, its prime was 10 years ago. I knew this new QX80 would be better, but this is really impressive.
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is boldly styled with great tech, a smooth V6 engine, and a luxurious cabin.
I like it.
The post I drove a $99,000 Infiniti QX80. It’s a high-tech Japanese alternative to the Escalade appeared first on Business Insider.
