The 2025 Infiniti QX80 has undergone significant updates, making it a highly impressive SUV in terms of design, powertrain, and technology. The third-generation model offers a range of features that surpass its predecessor, but it falls short in terms of ride quality.
Under the hood, the QX80 trades in its V8 engine for a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. While it may not have the same sound as the previous engine, it offers greater power and improved fuel economy. The new engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth power delivery and easy passing on the highway.
The SUV provides a comfortable driving experience and offers five drive modes, including a Personal setting. The Sport mode tightens up the steering and powertrain, enabling the QX80 to handle twisty roads with minimal body roll. Although it may not match the performance of high-performance models like the Mercedes-AMG GLS, it comes at a much more affordable starting price.
However, the QX80’s ride quality becomes an issue when driving around town. The Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension equipped on most trims fail to provide the desired stability, resulting in side-to-side movement and a bumpy ride. It’s unclear if this issue is present on the base Pure trim with its standard coil-spring suspension, as it was not available for testing. Nevertheless, this problem casts doubt on the SUV’s overall value, especially considering the price tag of the Autograph trim.
Despite the ride quality concerns, the Infiniti QX80 excels in numerous areas. Its bold and stylish exterior design rivals top luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade. The front grille, inspired by a bamboo forest according to Infiniti, adds a unique touch to the SUV’s appearance. The rear end is equally impressive, featuring a horizontal LED light bar that spans the width of the vehicle.
The interior of the QX80 matches its high-end exterior with premium materials and ample comfort features. Open-pore wood trim, aluminum accents, and quilted leather seats create a luxurious atmosphere. All trims come with heated seats in all three rows, while most trims also offer cooled seats in the first and second rows. The spacious interior comfortably accommodates full-sized adults in the third row, a rarity in full-size SUVs. Additionally, the SUV provides ample charging options with USB-C charge ports in all rows.
The QX80’s technology features are equally impressive. The dashboard boasts two 14.3-inch displays, with the center display featuring Google Built-in functionality. This integration allows for greater functionality with Google Maps, downloadable apps from Google Play, and voice control through Google Assistant. The SUV also offers a Klipsch Reference sound system with 24 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 9-inch touchscreen for HVAC and drive mode controls.
One standout feature is the cooling center console box available in the Autograph trim. This spacious cooler keeps beverages chilled to perfection in a short amount of time. The QX80 also incorporates advanced camera technology, such as a 170-degree front wide view camera that can detect objects hidden from the driver’s line of sight. Other camera features include an invisible hood that displays what’s under the vehicle on interior screens and a rear camera mirror that provides a wide-angle view behind the car.
The QX80 comes equipped with a range of advanced driver’s aids, including blind-spot monitoring and ProPilot Assist. The latter offers hands-on and hands-off driving modes, with the advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 featuring a two-mode lane-change feature. The SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and offers ample cargo space, expanding from 22 cubic feet behind the third row to 101 cubic feet with both rows folded.
Overall, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 is an impressive SUV that offers a combination of style, power, and advanced technology. While it falls short in terms of ride quality, its numerous strengths make it a strong contender in its segment. The SUV’s attractive design, comfortable interior, and innovative features make it a worthy choice for those in the market for a luxury SUV.
