Forgotten Gem Reimagined: The 2025 Infiniti QX80
NAPA, Calif. — I must admit, the Infiniti QX80 had slipped from my radar. Despite its occasional updates, the SUV has largely remained the same since its debut in 2010. I recall the days we fondly dubbed it "Fuzzy the Whale." The passing of time can dim even the brightest of memories.
However, having recently experienced the 2025 Infiniti QX80, it’s clear there’s much to admire. The third iteration focuses on tech advancements, elegant design, and superior comfort. These upgrades position it as a solid three-row SUV contender, though some ride issues hold it back from perfection.
Power and Performance
The QX80’s V8 engine has been replaced with a more efficient 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Although it lacks the auditory charm of the old engine, the new V6 offers improved power and fuel economy—18 mpg for rear-wheel drive and 17 mpg with all-wheel drive. These figures represent a noteworthy improvement over the previous 15 mpg for the four-wheel-drive model. The turbo V6 pairs seamlessly with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering power to the rear wheels on the Pure and Luxe trims and all four wheels on the higher Sensory and Autograph trims by default.
Transition and power delivery are seamless, with sufficient power for easy merging and quick overtakes. There are five drive modes and a customizable setting, though Standard and Sport modes were my preference. In Sport, the steering responds with increased sharpness, allowing the SUV to handle curves adeptly. Starting at just under $85,000, it’s a good deal, although it’s not quite a Mercedes-AMG GLS.
Comfort Hits and Misses
When driving through town, ride comfort becomes an issue. Except for the base Pure trim, all models feature Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension, which electronically damps the vehicle’s movements. While effective in controlling vertical oscillation, lateral stability leaves much to be desired. The experience can feel jarring, even when navigating smooth roads in Napa Valley.
A Pure model without the Digital Dynamic Suspension wasn’t available for testing, leaving me wondering if a standard coil-spring suspension could offer a more comfortable ride. As it stands, the ride quality remains a concern, especially for an SUV costing up to $112,590 for the high-end Autograph trim.
Striking Design
While the ride may falter, the aesthetic certainly does not. The QX80’s design confidently rivals luxury models like Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade. Infiniti claims the grille takes inspiration from bamboo forests—a whimsical notion for sure—but its sleek, imposing demeanor is no less striking. Features like the split, slender daytime running lights and the horizontally segmented LED light bar at the rear exemplify well-thought-out design.
Luxurious and Tech-Savvy Interior
Inside, the QX80 continues to impress. Open-pore wood trim, aluminum accents, and semi-aniline quilted leather elevate the cabin’s luxury. Passengers will appreciate the comfort across all three rows, with heated seats standard and massage functionality available in the first and second rows.
Space is ample, even for adults in the third row, and access is convenient. USB-C ports in every row ensure devices remain charged, adding to the cabin’s practicality.
Two 14.3-inch screens dominate the dash, with Google integration offering advanced navigation and app functionality. The 24-speaker Klipsch Reference sound system notably includes a headrest speaker, delivering a unique and immersive audio experience. Some may find the haptic feedback on the HVAC controls tricky, demanding a deliberate touch to function correctly.
Practical Innovations and Additional Features
Practical features abound in the QX80. A cooled center console, large enough for a six-pack of soda or tall water bottles, stands out. My favorite add-on, it chilled drinks to perfection within minutes.
Infiniti incorporated numerous camera features to aid drivers. A wide-view front camera can spot hidden obstacles, while a 360-degree camera offers multiple perspectives for better maneuvering. An in-car dashcam captures real-time footage, accessible through the Infiniti app, though its uses may seem more novelty than necessity.
However, some tech features, like the Biometric Cooling in the higher trims, seem less practical. While innovative, it’s easier to manually set the temperature.
Safety and Towing
Safety gets due attention with complete driver-assist features. ProPilot Assist provides hands-on and hands-off driving capability, including an advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 mode. Towing capacity reaches up to 8,500 pounds, and expanded cargo space easily accommodates family necessities, with space measuring 22 cubic feet behind the third row and 101 cubic feet with rows folded.
A Worthy Contender with Room for Improvement
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 impresses with its stunning design, potent powertrain, and enhanced features. Despite ride comfort that still needs some refinement, the QX80 stands as a formidable option in the luxury SUV market. Future updates could easily smooth out these bumps, introducing a more comfortable drive experience.
In summary, the QX80 isn’t perfect, but it comes impressively close. For more reviews and the latest in automotive news, visit Automotive.fyi.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
