2022 INFINITI QX80 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

At first glance, there's no denying the QX80's family resemblance to the Nissan Armada, with which it shares a platform, mechanicals, and general layout. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as both the Armada and QX80 are, subjectively speaking, good-looking SUVs. And while it's unmistakably large, in our opinion, the QX80 is sized just right—not too big, not too small.

While the QX80 and Armada look very similar from the A-pillar rearward, the Infiniti's front-end styling is unique, primarily owing to the familial Infiniti grille. Indeed, the QX80's grille is distinctive and prominent, but it's not overdone or imposing like the face of some rivals. LED lighting is tastefully integrated at the front and back, and the conservative use of chrome adds a tasteful, upscale look. The stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels—standard on the ProActive grade—are quite attractive as well, further dressing up the Infiniti's exterior.

Although Infiniti furnishes the QX80's cabin with unique and more upscale materials compared to the Armada, Nissan's design theme is evident in the big Infiniti's interior as well. Instrumentation, dashboard, centre stack, and switchgear layout and appearance in the QX80 closely resemble the Armada. In its favour, our test vehicle was outfitted with tasteful wood trim and nicely stitched, supple, and attractive quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite the fancy clothes and accessories, the QX80's style is steadily going out of fashion.

If this all sounds a bit too harsh, let us explain. We happily acknowledge that the QX80's cabin is an upscale, attractive, comfortable place to be. Our issue is that the bar in the premium full-size SUV market segment is exceptionally high. After all, we're talking about vehicles whose sticker prices rival those of some smaller homes (not that you'd want to live in one of those homes), and with that premium price comes premium expectations. Compared to its main competition, the QX80's interior, lovely as it is, falls below that collective bar.

At the heart of the Infiniti QX80 is a tasty 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine. Torque specs measure a healthy 413 lb-ft. In our opinion, this is one of the QX80's strengths. The engine delivers robust performance, and, better yet, it sounds great. Full-size luxury SUVs aren't exactly known or often praised for their exhaust note, but we found ourselves looking for any excuse to mash the QX80's throttle and let the big dog eat. Or drink, as the case may be. No doubt, the QX80's big V8 is thirsty. On the downside, Infiniti recommends premium fuel for the QX80, but why let that spoil our fun?

The big V8 in the QX80 works with a seven-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and manual mode. While it may be short a couple of gears compared to some of the competition, shifts are seamless and smooth, and the transmission does a great job of distributing the QX80's ample power. Kickdown for passing is quick and smooth. Conversely, upshifts during wide-open throttle acceleration don't result in a snap of the neck. Power delivery is smooth and linear. The transmission doesn't hunt for gears when climbing up mountain grades, and it does an admirable job of moderating speed and engine rpm on steep downhills when in manual mode. Fortunately, the QX80 does not have paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, which so many vehicles seem to possess unnecessarily.

As it is based on the global Nissan Patrol—a renowned and competent off-roader—the QX80 offers more capability than most owners will ever need or use. In Canada, four-wheel drive (4WD) is standard on all versions of the 2022 QX80 (a two-wheel drive (2WD) drivetrain is not offered in our market). The computer-controlled transfer case on 4WD models can be set to Automatic, 4Hi, or 4Lo using a rotary dial on the centre console. The QX80 also possesses ample ground clearance with just over 23 centimetres to work with for traversing rocky or otherwise challenging terrain.

Although steep, rutted, and poorly manicured, the lone gravel roadway we encountered during our test period was quickly dismissed by the QX80 with zero drama. That said, if you plan on taking the QX80 on genuinely rugged terrain, be mindful of the low-profile tires, lest you damage those fancy 22-inch rims.

Maximum towing capacity is a generous 3,855 kilograms (8,500 pounds), enough to pull a full-size travel trailer or just about any boat that will fit in a normal-sized garage.

For such a tall, heavy vehicle, the QX80 manages to control excessive body lean during cornering or quick lane-change maneuvers rather well. The available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system—standard on the ProActive grade—keeps things under control by automatically distributing pressure to either side of the suspension. Still, take a turn too quickly and the QX80 reminds you of the fact that you're driving a tall SUV with a nearly three-ton curb weight.

Owing to its tall ride height, you climb, rather than slide, into the QX80. Indeed, step-in height is nearly two feet—much higher than your typical large crossover SUV. Chalk that up to the QX80 having a traditional body-on-frame, ladder-type construction rather than a unibody structure. Vertically challenged drivers will appreciate the grab handle mounted to the A-pillar, which eases ingress.

Once inside, the driver and passengers are greeted by a spacious greenhouse, providing an open and airy feel to the cabin. Indeed, front-seat head- and legroom are good, even if the QX80 is not quite as accommodating as the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. Forward visibility out the large windshield is commendable as well. We did find the sideview mirrors a little on the small side, but it didn't adversely affect rearward visibility. It was more of an aesthetic thing.

The QX80's power-sliding moonroof, while still large by passenger-car standards, has a smaller opening compared to the panoramic design found on some of Infiniti's other, smaller models. The QX80 has such a long, flat roof that Infiniti could easily install a Grand Canyon-sized moonroof.

The QX80 can hold up to eight passengers with the second-row bench-seat configuration. Otherwise, the SUV holds seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs. While the QX80 does have three-row seating, space in the third row is cramped, especially for adults or taller tweens. The split-fold third-row seats can be powered down, but the process is slow. The huge liftgate is also power-operated, but it also takes its sweet time going up or down.

Cargo space in the QX80 is not as good as others in the class, measuring 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third-row seat folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats folded.

Our test vehicle came equipped with illuminated kick plates and cargo scuff plate, as well as radiant exterior welcome lighting. While certainly not necessary, they added a nice, premium touch.

As we've mentioned, the Infiniti QX80 is an older design based on an even older architecture. A technological tour de force it is not. That said, it is a large premium SUV competing against other high-dollar utes, so Infiniti does what it must to keep the QX80 respectable in the tech department.

At the top of the QX80's centre stack resides a new, 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system that is the gateway to Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The new display also includes navigation with lane guidance, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch connected services.

A Bose 17-speaker Performance Series premium sound system is now standard on QX80. Other standard infotainment-related features include multiple USB ports and illuminated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. A wireless smartphone charger is new for 2022, making it even more convenient to charge an iPhone or an Android-based cell phone.

Our test vehicle came equipped with the "complimentary" dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system that included screens built into the back of the front-seat headrests, along with two wireless headsets. Unfortunately, the HDMI adapters required to use the system with our electronic media devices were nowhere to be found in the vehicle, which was very distressing to several of our younger passengers during a four-hour road trip.

Conspicuous by its absence is Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system. Due to the QX80's older vehicle systems architecture and the associated costs to upgrade those systems, the venerable Infiniti SUV simply isn't equipped to take advantage of ProPilot's electronic driver aids that combine adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centring assistance. It does seem a bit counterintuitive that you can get ProPilot Assist in a Nissan Qashqai costing a third as much as the QX80.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 comes equipped with a healthy number of standard safety features, some of which are optional on other large premium SUVs. Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning are all standard on the QX80. Additional standard safety items for 2022 include driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row outboard passengers. A smart rearview mirror and adaptive cruise control are available on the ProActive grade.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the model year 2022 Infiniti QX80 other than to give it three out of five stars for rollover resistance. However, the structurally similar 2021 QX80 received four stars for overall crash protection. This score was due to a mediocre three-star rating for front crash protection combined with five stars in side crashes. As of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the QX80 for safety.

Although it may sound ridiculous, at just over $80,000, the Infiniti QX80 is a relative bargain among large luxury SUVs. Indeed, the QX80 costs thousands less than competitive models such as the Cadillac Escalade ($90,498), Lincoln Navigator ($97,000), and the all-new (don't call it a Jeep) Grand Wagoneer ($101,495).

Infiniti Canada's new-vehicle warranty covers 4 years or 100,000 kilometres, while the powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 110,000 kilometres. These periods are slightly longer in distance than those of the competition. Granted, the QX80 lacks a bit of the tech found in those other models, but if you're looking for a gateway to the world of large premium sport utility vehicles and everything that accompanies it, the QX80 is a strong choice.

The 2022 QX80 is available in two trim levels: Luxe and ProActive, both offered in 7- and 8-seat configurations at the same price.

The Infiniti QX80 Luxe (MSRP $81,695, not including a $2,095 destination charge) comes with the stout Endurance V8, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, forward auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with lane-departure prevention, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, a wireless smartphone charger, heated and cooled front seats, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system.

The top ProActive grade ($83,630) adds advanced climate control, quilted semi-aniline leather seats, and the body motion-control system.

According to the Natural Resources Canada, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 returns fuel consumption of 17.8 litres per 100 kilometres city/12.3 highway/15.3 combined. The QX80's fuel efficiency is comparable to the Escalade and Grand Wagoneer, but the Navigator, with its standard turbocharged V6 and 50 more horsepower, gets 13.2 L/100 km combined.

During our week of testing, we averaged 15.2 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving. Infiniti recommends you fill the QX80's tank with premium gasoline, so consider yourself warned. With a fuel tank capacity of 120 litres, expect a maximum travel range of around 650 kilometres, though it's best to fill up sooner.

Note: Images show a US model.