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)
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.
The Limited is well dressed in attractive open-pore matte-finish wood trim and neatly stitched semi-aniline leather.
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.
New for 2020 is a new generation 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 powertrain is a 400-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic transmission.
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.
The leather-trimmed upholstery is supple and elegantly designed.
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 Limited has dark, 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.
Back-seat occupants have access to heated seats and controls to adjust temp and fan speed.
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.
Third-row space is kid-class.
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
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 26 gallons
Cargo space: 16.6-49.6 cu. ft.
Front head/leg room: 39.9*/39.6 in. *w/sunroof
2nd row head/leg room: 40/39.6 in.
3rd row head/leg room: 36.8/28.8 in.
Length/wheelbase: 210.2/121.1 in.
Height/width: 75.8*/79.9 in. *w/roof rack
Curb weight: 6,098 lbs.
Turning circle: 41.3 ft.
FEATURES
Standard QX80 Limited equipment includes: smart-key locking and push-button ignition, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery, navigation system with lane guidance, 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, 8-way power passenger’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, 17-speaker Bose audio system, auto-leveling rear suspension, twin-tube shock absorbers, 22-inch all-season tires (275/50), high-beam headlight assist
Safety features include: 6 air bags, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning and lane-departure prevention, predictive collision warning, blind-spot warning, and intervention
PRICING
Infiniti QX80 Limited base price: $92,845, including $1,395 freight charge; price as tested $93,200
Options on test vehicle: all-season package, $355, of floor mats and cargo pad
Where assembled: Kyushu, Japan
Warranty: 4-years/60,000-miles with 24-hour roadside assistance; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain
The QX80 Limited features satin chrome exterior trim and 22-inch wheels and tires.
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