Infiniti is facing an uphill sales challenge these days in the U.S. with deliveries far off their all-time highs.
But, a massive redo of the company's large, three-row SUV, the 2025 Infiniti QX80, could be the right model at the right time. The large Infiniti QX80 arrived in the early 2000s as the three-row QX56, the as luxury brand owned by Nissan's first vehicle built in the United States. That first generation was only sold in the U.
S. and Canada, and in the Middle East and Russia. The first QX was square-bodied and looked much like the Nissan Armada SUV it was based on.
For the second-generation Infiniti rounded off all the edges and then in 2014 the whole Infiniti line went to the Q naming structure. The newly-named QX80 got another facelift in 2018, debuting at the . The third generation of the made its first appearance earlier this year, sporting a new exterior look, interior design and engine, though it has a similar trim structure, starting with Pure ($82,450), going up through Luxe, Sensory and the top of the line Autograph (tested here) at $110,595.
Everything is new including the design that looks like a hybrid between the recent rounded model and the early square body. The QX80's rectangular shape has a new nose, a take on the company's double arch grille. The front end is even more upright than the previous model, almost shoulder height, while the monolithic sides are big enough to block out two regular-sized vehicles stacked on top of each other.
But that's an advantage here. The segment is led by the massive and GMC Yukon, followed by the Expedition. The Infiniti QX80 is way down from the leaders in sales.
It moved about 13,000 examples last year to the Chevy Tahoe's 110,000. However, the Infiniti is closer in sales to luxury models like the Grand Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator and Lexus LX. It's main competitor is still the Cadillac Escalade.
One of the huge changes on the 2025 Infiniti QX80 is the new twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine sourced from . In the QX80 the engine is more refined, quieter and smoother shifting with a nine-speed automatic transmission compared to the GTRs raucous six-speed dual-clutch. Here it delivers 450 horsepower (hp) and 516 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque, increases of 50 hp and 103 lb-ft versus the outgoing QX80.
The new powertrain offers a 10 percent gain in fuel economy, though still at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. It can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped. The new engine feels not only more powerful than the outgoing one, but also more responsive.
Launches are quicker than a car this big has a right to be while passing power, with a few downshifts, is also impressive on the highway. The paddle shifters aren't really entertaining with the nine-speed automatic but overall, the car drives smaller than it used to, especially with the firm brakes. An available air suspension lowers the QX80 by 1.
2 inches at speed, when parked it can lower by 2.8 inches to an Easy Access level easing entry and exit. An Off-road setting raises the air suspension 2.
1 inches above SUV's normal ride height. The new Dynamic Digital Suspension measures the vehicle's motion and regulates it, reducing body roll around curves and minimizing up-and-down motions over bouncy roads. The cabin is gorgeous and elegant, especially in the Autograph version tested here.
All have a standard panoramic moonroof, with one-touch open/close, tilt and a power-sliding sunshade. Soft-touch materials are everywhere along with a pinstripe motif that flows from the dash, around the cabin. Additional leather, wood, suede accents and laser-cut metal inlays are also incorporated.
The QX80's dashboard features two 14.3-inch displays the central used as a touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto capability). The digital cluster is configurable with three views, Classic, Elegant and Enhanced, that can be operated by way of an ergonomically positioned jog wheel on the right of the steering wheel.
That jog wheel can also operate the center display. The radio makes it easy to switch back-and-forth between Apple CarPlay and the Infiniti functions. There's also a channel switching button on the screen for satellite radio, but from the steering wheel, you can only switch to your favorites.
A separate, 9-inch touchscreen mounted below the infotainment display provides convenient control of all climate functions, as well as front seating heating or cooling operations and selection of QX80's drive modes. It clicks when pressed for confirmation and is a convenient way to always have those controls available. The second and third rows are both large enough for adults, even for longer trips.
They can both be folded or raised using buttons in the cargo area or the front control touchscreen. The second row features a "walk-in" mode that allows access to the third row, even when child seats are in place. Standard safety features include emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure prevention.
Trailer Blind Spot Warning works when towing trailers up to 33 feet in length. ProPilot Assist 1.1 is standard combining Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assistance.
ProPilot 2.1 is an option and allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain freeway driving scenarios. The 2025 Infiniti QX80 starts at $82,450 while the Cadillac Escalade is $81,895.
The Escalade offers a V8, though the twin-turbo six in the Infiniti is more powerful. However, the Escalade V is much more powerful with 682 horsepower. That model is about $150,000.
The most expensive QX80 Autograph is $110,595 before options. Another competitor, the has a starting sticker price of $88,050, with the range-topping GLS GLS 580 4MATIC at $113,050. Cadillac moves about 40,000 Escalades per year, almost four times the Infiniti number.
However, this new model is far improved in both style and substance and will surely close that gap..
