Car Reviews Archives

2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition Review

by Mark | Apr 20, 2020 | 0 comments

The redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback has been youth-enized for the modern family

An exterior view of the Subaru Outback Onyx Edition

The new top-line Outback Onyx Edition XT, with 260-hp, turbocharged, 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder starts at $35,905. (Photos courtesy of Subaru)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Subaru Outback has long been an automotive icon of independence and self-reliance — and for 2020 it gets a little nicer, a little larger and more powerful in its complete redesign. The Outback pioneered the concept of a raised all-wheel-drive wagon for adventurous trail riding. Subaru considers it an SUV, but rather than a truck-influenced utility vehicle, this fortified wagon is a pinnacle of simplicity and usability.

Most of the updates put more shine on what has been a very smartly designed vehicle. But the Outback is layered with details for long-term enjoyment, including a front-view camera, D-I-Y access to check vital engine fluids and a dedicated cargo compartment to stow the roller cover.

Overview of the 2020 Outback

You might not recognize the sixth-generation 2020 Outback from its familiar styling, which makes it look a little more SUV-like than a raised wagon. It might look like an off-road adventurer, but it is just as rewarding in the busted-up infrastructure of urban survival.

The footprint is about the same as its predecessor, but it is 1.4 inches longer on the same 108.1-inch wheelbase. The cabin is a half-inch wider, but the front headroom was shaved by a half-inch, now at 37.7 inches with the moonroof or 40.1 inches without. The front legroom is a click shorter but still long at 42.9 inches. Overall, the proportions added 10 to 35 pounds, depending on the model.

Total interior volume grew by 1.1 cubic feet, which is especially appreciated in the back seat where legroom grew by almost an inch and a half to 39.5 inches. Cargo space behind the back seat is smaller by 3 cubic feet but still generously proportioned at 32.5 cu. ft. — however, the space actually grew by 2.4 cubic feet with both seats folded.

The 11.6-inch vertical tablet is a hub of colorful access, but it is prone to glare.

Pricing

Sold in five all-wheel-drive trim levels with two engine choices and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Starting prices range from $29,905 to $38,355 for the base, Premium, Limited and Touring models, all with the 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine.

The new top-line Onyx Edition XT (today’s tester) with the 260-hp, turbocharged, 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder starts at $35,905; all MSRPs includes the $1,010 freight charge from Indiana. The tester, a reasonable $37,750, included the only available option package, $1,845, for the Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch multimedia navigation system, power moonroof, and reverse automatic braking.

Check the latest pricing and incentives here.

Onyx Edition XT has substantial Yokohama 225/60 18-inch tires and a full-size spare.

Performance

The new turbocharged, 260-hp 2.4-liter engine replaces a 265-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and adds improved fuel economy. With 277 foot-pounds of torque from 2,000-4,000 rpm, the XT engine has mileage ratings of 23 mpg city, 30 highway and 26 mpg combined.

The new turbocharged, 260-hp 2.4-liter engine improved fuel economy

The Subaru Outback engine has easily accessed vital fluids identified by yellow caps

Vital powertrain fluids are conveniently grouped and identified in the engine bay. Even the oil filter is positioned at the top of the engine and easily changed.

The base engine has ratings of 26/33/29 mpg city/highway/combined and both engines run on regular unleaded.

For do-it-yourselfers, all vital fluids are conveniently grouped and identified in the engine bay. Even the oil filter is positioned at the top of the engine and easily changed.

The power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes engage smoothly with vented discs all around, 12.4-inches at the front with dual-piston calipers and 11.8-inch discs rear with single-piston calipers. The vented rotors will provide cooling benefits when towing. Base models can pull up to 2,700 pounds and the XT is rated for 3,500 lbs.

Subaru Outback Safety Features

Standard on all trims is Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that now includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The system will provide steering assist when the vehicle veers outside its lane. Subaru’s system keeps the Outback well centered gives more fluid steering corrections than some, but always use two hands on the wheel.

Subaru’s DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System uses an infrared camera and facial recognition technology to monitor signs of driver fatigue or distraction. You’ll know it is working when you hear the subtle pings and see a warning light on the driver-info screen.

Subaru’s full-time four-wheel-drive system, usually a 60/40 power split between the front and rear axles, moves torque to the wheels that have grip and away from the ones that are starting to slip. When sensors in the system detect a slipping wheel (in less than a revolution of that wheel), the power is redirected from the slipping wheel to wheels that still have traction. It is an invisible action and requires no driver engagement.

All Outback models have LED headlights, high and low beam.

Ride and Handling

Turbocharged power is welcome, but it would be more vital with a traditional, stepped automatic transmission that might respond more fluidly and quickly. At times the performance felt resistant to wasteful fuel usage, but when urgent demand is made through the accelerator, the boost can be an unexpectedly loud rush with just moderate force. It’s like pushing through the paywall until you hit the power switch, though the power surge is less noticeable in around-town driving. With the 18.5-gallon tank some mindful drivers could expect a range of nearly 600 miles.

The Outback’s global platform feels robust and solid with a ride quality that is comfortably compliant but capable enough for tooling through backcountry curves. The 18-inch Yokohama Avid GT tires (225/60) have a substantial sidewall for off-road cushioning, which is just as beneficial on-road. And the Onyx Edition XT has a full-size spare wheel and tire — a requirement for off-roading safety.

There is carlike comfort to the back-seat area with long legroom.

Interior Function

Inside, the cabin is well soundproofed with a sound-insulated windshield and side glass. But the raised ride height and substantial roof rack and crossbars generate some ambient noise at highway speeds.

The driver area is smartly arranged with unobstructed sightlines at the side mirrors and over the shoulder. The white-on-black dual gauge array has a driver-info panel between the dials for the digital speedometer, radio-media, fuel economy, etc.

The shifter console is compact but with an e-bin and two 2.1-amp charging USBs and wireless charging. Sliding visors have covered and well-lighted mirrors.

Base models have fabric upholstery or leather for the upper trim levels. But the Onyx Edition has Subaru’s water repellent StarTex upholstery, which is leather-like in appearance. The two-tone gray treatment is appealing with reserved use of satin metallic and chrome trim.

Front-view camera

One of my favorite features was the front-view camera. It is very helpful when off-roading or steering into a parking slot.

The big 11.6-inch vertical tablet seems like a great idea, too, but it is a two-edge paper cut. It is helpful as a plug-and-play element for manufacturers, which simplifies the grouping of cabin controls in a user-familiar iPad-like format.

Except for stand-alone knobs for radio volume and station selection, the remainder of the controls are accessed by a two-tap touch-screen process. This action will take eyes from the road until the format is mastered. And even then, some often-used features, like the seat heaters, are a deeper dive.

The big tablet display will at first seem like an overwhelming puzzle of colors and zones. And it is also prone to sunlight glare. (Base models have a simpler two-screen setup.)

The step-in height is hip-high and easy to maneuver without over-bolstered seat sides or bottoms to slide across.

The cargo area has eight tie-downs rather than the usual four.

Back Seat and Cargo Area

There is carlike comfort to the back-seat area with adult-size seating and long legroom. The broad fold-down armrest has a pair of cup holders and there are two more 2.1-amp charging USBs. There is no seatback recline, which parents value for sleeping youngsters, but dozing grown-ups should be quite comfortable.

The square cargo area has eight tie-downs rather than the usual four, with upper and lower anchor points. The deep space has seatback releases, corner nooks, and dedicated basement space to stow the roller cover when not needed. The liftgate opening is 44 inches wide by 29 inches tall at the entry opening. Fold the seatbacks for up to 7 feet of length, which means car camping is very doable.

Why Buy the Subaru Outback?

Once a symbol of modern maturity, Subaru has youth-enized the 2020 Outback for the modern family.

A rear view of an Outback on a dirt trail with the ocean in the background

The Subaru is an eager off-road adventurer, but it is also at home on the broken pavement of the city.

2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition

• Body style: compact, 5-seat, 5-door raised wagon SUV

• Engine: 260-hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder; 277 lb.-ft. torque from 2,000-4,000 rpm

• Transmission: High-torque Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle shift

• Fuel economy: 23/30/26 mpg city/hwy/combined ;87 octane

• Tow capacity: 3,500 lbs., with 350-lb. trailer tongue weight

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 18.5 galLONS

Cargo space: 32.5-75.7 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 37.7*/42.8 in. *40.1 in. without moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 39.1/39.5 in.

Length/wheelbase: 191.3/108.1 in

Curb weight: 3,884 lbs.

Turning circle: 36.1 ft.

FEATURES

Standard Onyx XT equipment includes: smart-key locking with push-button ignition, 11.6-inch HD multimedia tablet display, Wi-Fi hot spot, StarTex upholstery in gray two-tone interior, 10-way power (heated) driver seat, 8-way power (heated) front passenger seat, heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors and wiper de-icer), rearview and front-view cameras, insulated front door glass, full-size spare tire and wheel, four 2.1-amp USB ports, Starlink infotainment with touch screen, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a hands-free power liftgate, and LED headlights (high and low beams)

Safety features include: 8 air bags, EyeSight driver-assist technologies with advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, precollision braking, lane-departure, and sway warnings, brake assist

PRICING

• Base price: $35,905, including $1,010 freight charge; price as tested $37,750

• Options on test vehicle: Moonroof-Nav-RAB $1,845

• Where assembled: Indiana

Car Reviews

2020 Audi Q3: Largesse in a compact cute ute

by Mark | Apr 15, 2020 | 0 comments

The Q3 was redesigned last year, standing 1.5 inches taller, 3.8 inches longer and nearly an inch wider than its predecessor. *(Audi*)

The Audi Q3 is a natural-born fun car to drive, which is somewhat unexpected for a small SUV crossover, even if it is an Audi. There is a palpable driver-machine synergy between steering, suspension set, braking and exhilaration. It is a nimble city runner and a safe commuter with all-wheel drive, eight air bags and supportive safety features.

Redesigned last year, the Q3 stands 1.5 inches taller, 3.8 inches longer and nearly an inch wider than its predecessor. And it has a new turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

The cabin is handsomely crafted with an emphasis on driver focus. *(Mark Maynard)*

The bigger footprint translates to 2.6 inches more front headroom, now at 39.6 inches with the standard panoramic sunroof, and almost an inch more front shoulder room. Back seat headroom lost about an inch (now at 36.3 inches) due to the more athletic slope of the roofline, but legroom grew by 5 inches. And cargo space grew by 7 cubic feet behind the back seat and stayed about the same with the seats folded at 48 cu. ft., with about 5 ½ feet of length.

Headroom grew by 2.6 inches with almost an inch more shoulder room. *(Mark Maynard)*

Drivability

The engine has the same displacement as before but now with 228 horsepower, a boost of 28 hp, and 51 foot-pounds more torque, now at 258 lb.-ft. from 1,700-4,400 rpm.

But there is a slight delay from foot down to turbo spooling to forward motion, and then it can be a rush of force. There is fuzzy logic in how the transmission responds and if the driver had been driving lightly but then called for full force, the system takes precious split seconds to respond. Sport mode trims away some of the mileage-minded temperament, but it can feel abrupt and shift points do not feel luxurious, but the active engine-rev downshifts are fun.

The virtual cockpit graphic display is part of the navigation package, $2,000. *(Mark Maynard)*

The curb weight is up by 234 pounds at 3,916 lbs., but performance and fuel economy improved. Audi cites 0-60 acceleration in 7.0 seconds vs 7.8 seconds, with quattro all-wheel drive.

EPA fuel-economy estimates lost 1 mpg in all three categories, 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined. But the new engine runs on 87 octane rather than premium. I was averaging 19.7 mpg around town and worked up to 25 mpg on the highway, but I expect more range was possible.

The shift console includes an e-bin for wireless charging with two USBs. *(Mark Maynard)*

The new suspension has five drive modes — comfort, auto, dynamic off-road and individual. And the four-wheel vented disc brakes also were upgraded to 13.4-inch rotors front, 12.2-inch rear versus 12.3/11.1 inches.

The tester’s Goodyear Eagle Sport (235/50) 19-inch all-season tires were on the hard side (with a treadwear rating of 560) and with some tire noise at highway speeds. But they stuck well in cornering and braking with no whining. The tires have a warranty of 50,000 miles and are praised by owners at the various tire websites.

Cabin features

The cabin is handsomely crafted with an emphasis on driver focus, with a slight angling of the center control touch screen to the driver. Sightlines are open at the side mirrors and the little rear quarter glass helps over-the-shoulder views, with parking help from the rearview camera.

The new cabin width allows smart placement of screens, switches and buttons in logical succession for easy adjustment. The shift console is substantial with a large e-bin for wireless charging and two USBs, one of which is a Type C. There are several areas for small-item storage and a height-adjustable center armrest.

There are several areas for small-item storage, including the door panels. *(Mark Maynard)*

The seats are supportive and eight-way power adjustable, but with wedgie-inducing side cushion bolsters for those moments of sporty driving.

Back seat

The tall AWD tunnel makes the Q3 a great four-seater, with reclining seatbacks and extended thigh support at the window seats. But the space still feels compact for adult comfort with a slight butts-down, knees-up position. A wide fold-down center armrest has can holders and passengers have access to two charging USBs, grab handles above both doors, dry-cleaning hooks and are jacket hooks on the B-pillars.

Cargo

The working end of the Q3 is more functional than might appear. The opening is wide at 44 inches with 3 feet of length to the seatback or about 5½ feet with the 60/40 seat folded. There are side corner storage nooks but just four small sections for basement storage, which is full occupied by the temporary spare tire.

The tall AWD tunnel makes the Q3 a great four-seater, with reclining seatbacks and extended thigh support at the window seats. *(Mark Maynard)*

Sold in three trim levels of Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, starting prices range from $35,695-$43,895, including the $995 freight charge from Gyor, Hungary. The S-line upgrade adds $3,100 to the Premium trim or $1,300 to the Premium Plus. Today’s Premium Plus S-Line tester was $43,295 with options for the navigation package, $2,000, which adds a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi connect for six months and the 12.2-inch virtual (graphic display) cockpit. A 15-speaker, 680-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system added $850 and brown-gray natural wood and matte inlay trim added $350.

The S line’s sporty treatment includes a full-paint finish (front and rear bumpers and the side sills), and 19-inch five spoke alloy wheels with all-season tires, though an upgrade to 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires is offered.

The Premium Plus package is a substantial upgrade, including smart-key locking and push-button ignition, wireless charging, side assist with rear cross-traffic assist, lane departure warning and eight-way power front passenger seat.

Standard equipment includes leather-trimmed upholstery, rearview camera, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, eight-way power driver’s seat and four USB ports (one Type C).

The warranty four years or 50,000 miles includes a free first scheduled maintenance and four years of roadside assistance.

Value rated

The Audi Q3 and Audi e-tron EV have earned top rankings in the ALG Residual Value Awards for 2020. The Automotive Lease Guide forecasts which vehicles in 27 categories are expected to retain the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after a three-year period.

Cargo opening is wide at 44 inches with about 5½ feet of length, seats folded. (Mark Maynard)

Safety

The 2019 and 2020 Audi Q3 have earned the maximum overall safety rating of five stars by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its New Car Assessment Program testing. The NCAP’s crashworthiness ratings focus on frontal, side and rollover tests.

Some of the credit goes to Audi’s advanced technologies in the so-called pre-sense basic, and pre-sense front, both standard on all models of Q3. Pre-sense basic helps prepare the vehicle for impact by beginning to close the side windows and sunroof and pretensioning the front safety belts. Pre-sense front uses a front camera and radar sensor to monitor the scene for potentially hazardous situations and then issues visual and acoustic warnings to alert the driver.

Standard safety features include eight air bags and rear cross-traffic assist with lane-departure warning.

The Q3’s bigger footprint is more practical as a young family’s starter car, even if they could soon outgrow the back-seat space. But it will be a welcome option for others seeking to simplify and downsize while living in congested urban space.

The Q3 has more substantial styling and more useable passenger and cargo space. *(Audi)*

2020 Audi Q3 S Line 45 quattro

Body style: compact, 5-seat AWD SUV crossover

Engine: 228-hp turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 258 lb.-ft. torque from 1,700-4,400 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic

Fuel economy: 19/27/22 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane

SPECIFICATIONS

Fuel tank: 15.9 gal.
Cargo space: 23.7-48 cu. ft.
Front head/leg room: 39.6/40 in.
Rear head/leg room: 36.3/36.1 in.
Length/wheelbase: 176.6/105.5 in.
Curb weight: 3,916 lbs.
Turning circle: 38.4 ft.

FEATURES

Standard Premium Plus equipment includes: smart-key locking with push-button ignition, 3-zone climate control, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, 8.8-inch touch screen display, electric parking brake, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connections, 10-speaker audio system, LED headlights-taillights-running lights, high-beam assist, parking sensors front and rear, heated side mirrors with turn signals, 60/40 folding back seat, power tailgate, adjustable cargo floor with basement storage, 19-inch wheels
Safety Premium Plus features include: 8 air bags, rear cross-traffic assist with lane-departure warning, hill-descent control, stability and traction controls

PRICING

Base price: $38,095, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $43,295
Options on test vehicle: navigation package, $2,000, includes a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi connect for six months and the 12.2-inch virtual (graphic display) cockpit; Bang & Olufsen audio system $850; and brown-gray natural wood and matte inlay trim $350
Where assembled: Gyor, Hungary
Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles with free first scheduled maintenance and 4 years of roadside assistance

2020 Infiniti QX80 Review

by Mark | Apr 9, 2020 | 0 comments

A quiet place in turbulent times

The 2020 Infiniti QX80 is sold in Luxe and Limited trim levels. Starting prices range from $68,145 to $92,845. (Photos courtesy of Infiniti)

BY MARK MAYNARD

In this era of little houses and downsized lifestyles, the appeal of a big body-on-frame SUV is enduring. The major players in the mainstream segment are the Lincon Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and today’s tester, the 2020 Infiniti QX80.

The QX80 might not be the most evolved big SUV, but I found an unexpected quiet place among its 17 1/2 feet of length and three tons of refined utility.

Part of the popularity of a truck-based SUV is a foundational sense of security on the road, a substantial towing capacity, and the potential for long-term ownership.

But the appeal is more than brawn, Infiniti says, the QX80 has a significant percentage of female buyers versus the segment average. Motivators, no doubt, are its cohesive exterior styling and an elegant interior design that looks and feels more carlike than a repurposed truck. And the QX80 can pull a boat, horse, or travel trailer weighing up to 8,500 pounds.

The new InTouch infotainment system with upper and lower twin screens

Infiniti QX80 Pricing

The Infiniti QX80 is sold in Luxe and Limited trim levels, in two- or four-wheel drive. All models have a powertrain of a 400-horsepower, direct-injected 5.6-liter V-8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Starting prices range from $68,145 (add $3,100 for 4WD) to $92,845, including the $1,395 freight charge from Kyushu, Japan. Today’s Limited tester with standard 4WD had one option package of all-season floor mats and cargo mat ($355) for an as-tested price of $93,200.

Check current Infiniti QX80 pricing and incentives here.

Infiniti QX80 Overview

The QX80 had a significant “facelift” redesign for 2018. And new for 2020 are a new generation InTouch infotainment system with upper and lower twin screens, 7-inch gauge display and a revised center stack of cabin controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard with standard technology systems of lane departure warning, backup collision intervention, and blind-spot warning.

Opting for the Limited model adds appreciable standard features. Among them, smart-key locking and push-button ignition, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery, navigation system with lane guidance, 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support, eight-way power passenger’s seat with two-way power lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, 17-speaker Bose audio system, auto-leveling rear suspension, 22-inch wheels and all-season tires (275/50) and the Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension system.

30-Years’ Package

Infiniti is celebrating 30 years in America with a special Edition 30 package. For $3,500, adds 22-inch, dark forged aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/50 all-season tires, black front grille mesh, dark chrome exterior trim and mirror caps and a graphite black headliner, sun visors, sun shades and pillars. Other features include EDITION 30 stainless steel kick plates, a smart rearview (video) mirror and driver-assist technologies of lane departure prevention, intelligent full-speed cruise control, distance control assist, blind spot intervention.

Keeping It Simple

For those who can resist the siren-song of overwhelming advanced technologies, the QX80 does not require higher education to learn and appreciate its ease of ownership.

The driver area could benefit from a redesign for more open-concept usability and, particularly, a larger rearview camera screen. But the systems in place will assist and inform without intrusion or frustration. And it might cost less to maintain when it’s out of warranty compared with its European counterparts, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS or BMW X7.

The machine-finished 22-inch forged aluminum wheels

QX80 Powertrain

With the Limited’s curb weight of 6,098 pounds (or 5,679 lbs. for 2WD) the V-8’s 413 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm are almost required for respectable performance. Acceleration can be quite brisk when needed, but the overall performance seems tuned for fuel economy.

The seven-speed automatic rolls easily through the gears and even has rev-matching downshifts, for those bold enough to attempt.

EPA mileage ratings are 13 mpg city, 19 highway and 15 mpg combined, on premium fuel. I worked up to 17.4 mpg on a long highway run. The 26-gallon fuel tank provides a decent vacation cruising range.

The Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension system is a magic act in how it smooths, settles and balances the ride; a self-leveling rear suspension is standard. Braking force is reassuring from 13.78-inch vented four-wheel disc brakes, but I wasn’t hauling a travel trailer down a mountain grade in summer.

The back seat can be configured with captain’s chairs or a three-position bench

QX80 Cabin Features

While fuel economy is challenged, there are stronger selling points. Infiniti is masterful at interior finesse with refined materials — and the Limited, Infiniti says, is its best effort yet for luxurious surroundings. The enormity of the QX80 cabin is calmed with a wraparound instrument panel. The design is set off by matte silver ash wood trim, supple (semi-aniline) leather upholstery neatly stitched, and a black Ultrasuede headliner and roof pillars.

The QX80 is a high-riding SUV and the running boards and big grab handles at the windshield pillars are helpful when hoisting aboard. The front seats are full-bodied, elegantly designed, and not excessively bolstered but with perforated centers for breathability (ventilated) and heated.

A grand armrest console with deep storage separates the captain’s seats; and its well-padded console lid is also rear-hinged for an upper storage area for second-row occupants to use.

A wide shift console has covered cup holders and an e-bin, but with no wireless charging.

Sightlines are generally open, but the wide base of the side mirrors can complicate cornering views. The Around View camera system provides rear views and an overhead view to help with parking in tight quarters. It also alerts with tones to moving objects, front or rear. The front view is a huge asset when nosing into a parking slot.

The Limited has puddle lighting and illuminated kick plates.

Driver-Assist Technologies

While some SUVs can be a handful in small-space maneuverability, the Infiniti QX80 drives much smaller than might appear and it is not intimidating. The steering is light and its turning radius of 41.3 feet is reasonable, and not much wider than some midsize sedans.

Standard safety features include six air bags, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning and lane-departure prevention, predictive collision warning, and blind-spot warning and intervention.

The QX80 has supportive driver-assist technologies but not the complete Level 2 semi-autonomous drive mode that Nissan does so well. This system uses the intelligent cruise control navigation system, which integrates lane guidance, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and predictive forward collision warning. And for 2020, the system adds blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and backup collision intervention.

When activated, the system will steer and brake the vehicle, but two hands on the wheel are required. The system will let the Q80 wander over the highway Botts dots and road lines before making course corrections. But it will be a helpful support in heavy commuting traffic.

2nd-Row Seating

The back-seat area looks like a road-trip lounge with captain’s chairs that are almost as large as those in front. Legroom of 39.6 inches is a stretch, but not limo-like depending on who is sitting up front. The seatbacks recline a few inches, but there is no seat-track slide; grab handles at the B-pillars are a smart addition to ease entry.

Overhead side vents help with airflow that has controls for temp and fan speed. A large armrest console has deep storage for the video headphones. Amenities include heated seats, two charging USBs, and a 150-watt household plug.

Third Row and Cargo Space

Access to the third row is by a one-handle release to flip and tumble the second-row seats. The space is kid-class with short legroom of 28.8 inches, but the flat-folding seats make it more functional as expanded cargo space.

The cargo area has a wide 50-inch opening with an entry opening of 33 ½ inches, but it is a tall lift-up to the cargo floor. There is slim space of 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, but it is convenient to corral grocery bags.

Power fold the second-row seats for a square space of 49.6 cu. ft. or about 4 feet in length. Or fold both rows for about 7 feet to carry a surfboard, skis, or a ladder.

Why Buy the Infiniti QX80?

The $93K tester was a showpiece, but the $75K Luxe model brings all the hallmarks of the QX80. Its hushed cabin and sound-isolated ride communicate safety and security. The QX80 is a big ride ready to brave a pandemic or at least the natural elements of hail, hell, or high water.

2020 Infiniti QX80 Limited 4WD Specifications

Body style: large, 7-seat, body-on-frame SUV with 4WD

Engine: 400-hp, direct-injection 5.6-liter V-8; 413 lb.-ft. torque at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic, with rev-matching downshifts in sport mode; high- and low-range transfer case; hill-start assist, and snow and tow mode functions

Fuel economy: 13/19/15 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel

Tow capacity: 8,500 lbs., with 7-pin trailering harness