2025 Infiniti QX80

The 2025 QX80 underwent a massive aesthetic makeover, and its mechanical bits are also new. Gone is the previous generation’s 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic transmission. A 450-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 is new to the QX80 this year, and it mates to a nine-speed automatic. The boosted six-pot hustles this big SUV just fine, and while we miss the V-8’s heady burble, we suspect most buyers will appreciate the six’s extra power and quieter operation.

Infiniti says the QX80’s available all-wheel-drive system uses similar logic as the setup in the Nissan GT-R, but make no mistake, this three-ton truck still drives like a three-ton truck. A new air-spring suspension is standard on all but the base Pure trim, and when set to Sport mode it does a decent job of keeping body roll in check through corners. It doesn’t however, smooth out every crack in the road. While reasonably comfortable and soft-riding, the top-level Autograph model we drove—equipped with the biggest wheels, 22-inchers—allowed some uncouth body-on-frame jiggling into the cabin when running over rough asphalt.

Through the twisting canyon roads near Napa, California, we noticed the QX80’s size the most. Its width makes it difficult to place in a narrow lane, and its weight works against you if you’re attempting to quickly nip around corners. The QX80 is happiest—as is, we assume, the SUV’s key demographic—on highway slogs and suburban commutes. During those driving scenarios, occupants are treated to a deluxe interior with three roomy rows of seats. Even adults can fit in the third row in relative comfort. The Autograph trim (starting at a staggering $112,590) provides the most creature comforts. Three rows of semi-aniline leather upholstery, two rows’ worth of massaging seats, a refrigerated center console, and open-pore wood trim with metal pinstripes are all exclusive to that top model. We also had a chance to take a short drive in a midrange Luxe model, which Infiniti expects to be the volume variant. At $91,545 to start, you’re saving quite a bit of cash but giving up little of what makes the QX80 compelling: a spacious cabin and quiet ride. The Luxe comes with the aforementioned air-spring suspension and can be optioned with ProPilot Assist hands-free driving tech, which is standard on the Autograph (and optional on the Sensory trim too).