First Drive Review | 2025 Infiniti QX80: Detailed View of Each Part

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Infiniti’s luxury SUV lineup. Since its inception in 2010, the QX80 has continually evolved to meet the demands of luxury SUV enthusiasts. The latest iteration features a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

This new engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, promises an enhanced driving experience. The QX80 offers rear-wheel drive as standard on Pure and Luxe trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option and standard on higher Sensory and Autograph trims. While the QX80 boasts several impressive features, some areas, particularly ride quality, still require improvement.

Engine and Performance Infiniti QX80

Powerful Engine and Transmission

The heart of the 2025 Infiniti QX80 is its robust 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, capable of producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery.

The combination of the new engine and transmission significantly enhances the QX80’s performance, making it a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market.

Drive Modes and Ride Quality

The QX80 offers five distinct drive modes to cater to various driving conditions. However, despite these options, the ride quality becomes a concern, especially in urban settings. The base Pure trim lacks the advanced Dynamic Digital Suspension, which is available on all other trims.

This suspension system electronically applies damping forces to monitor the QX80’s motions, providing a smoother ride. Unfortunately, the ride quality still falls short compared to other manufacturers, highlighting an area for future improvement.

Exterior Design

Distinctive Styling

Infiniti’s QX80 stands out with its bold and distinctive styling. The grille, inspired by a bamboo forest, and segmented daytime running lights contribute to its unique appearance. The vehicle’s rear end features a horizontal LED light bar, adding to its modern look. The 22-inch wheels further enhance the QX80’s presence on the road.

Functional Design Elements

In addition to its striking design, the QX80 incorporates functional elements that enhance its practicality. The 170-degree front wide view camera is a practical feature, allowing the driver to see hidden objects and providing an image of what lies under the hood. This feature is particularly useful in various driving scenarios, from urban environments to off-road adventures.

Interior Comfort and Features

Luxurious Cabin

Step inside the 2025 Infiniti QX80, and you’ll be greeted by a luxurious interior that exudes sophistication. The cabin features open-pore wood trim, aluminum accents, semi-aniline quilted leather seats, and soft-touch surfaces. The attention to detail and high-quality materials create an inviting and upscale atmosphere.

Spacious Seating and Advanced Technology

The QX80 offers comfortable seating for all passengers, with heated seats available in all three rows. The third row is spacious enough to accommodate full-sized adults, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. Each row is equipped with USB-C charge ports, allowing passengers to charge their devices quickly.

The dashboard features two 14.3-inch displays with Google Built-in, providing access to Google Maps, downloadable apps, and voice control via Google Assistant. The infotainment screen includes a 9-inch touchscreen for HVAC and drive mode controls, with haptic feedback for selecting features. One standout feature is the Autograph’s cooling center console box, which can chill bottles of soda and water, adding a touch of convenience for passengers.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Safety is a paramount concern for Infiniti, and the 2025 QX80 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. These include blind-spot monitoring, ProPilot Assist, and a two-mode lane-change feature. These systems enhance the driver’s confidence and ensure a safer driving experience.

Built-in Dashcam and Biometric Cooling

The QX80 also features a built-in dashcam that automatically records traffic events, which can be manually activated or used for selfies or podcasts. Another innovative feature is the biometric cooling system, which adjusts the zoned climate control to max cooling when a second-row passenger is overheated. While this feature is less serviceable compared to others, it highlights Infiniti’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into their vehicles.

Towing and Cargo Capacity

Impressive Towing Capabilities

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is designed to handle demanding tasks, including towing. With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, the QX80 is well-equipped to haul trailers, boats, and other heavy loads. This makes it an adaptable option for both outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Expanded Cargo Space

In addition to its towing capabilities, the QX80 offers expanded cargo space to accommodate various needs. The air suspension can lower the vehicle nearly 3 inches for easy loading, adding to its practicality. This feature is particularly useful for loading and unloading heavy or bulky items.

Design and Aesthetics

Artistry in Motion

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 embodies Infiniti’s new design language, “Artistry in Motion.” This design philosophy emphasizes artful expression, five-star hospitality, and harmonious integration of technology. The result is a sophisticated and visually appealing SUV that stands out in the luxury segment.

Interior Materials and Design

Inside the QX80, you’ll find an array of high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements. The cabin features semi-aniline leather upholstery, open-pore ash wood trim with laser-cut metal inlays, and 64-color Personalized Ambient Lighting. First- and second-row massaging seats further enhance the luxurious experience, ensuring that passengers travel in comfort and style.

Technology and Infotainment

Cutting-edge Technology

Infiniti has integrated cutting-edge technology into the 2025 QX80, making it a tech-savvy choice for modern drivers. The vehicle offers Google Built-in connectivity, allowing access to Google Maps and other familiar apps. The Klipsch audio system delivers outstanding clarity and lifelike audio to all three rows, ensuring an immersive listening experience.

Individual Audio and Camera Systems

One notable feature is the Individual Audio system, which allows for focusing specific audio elements to the driver’s seat. The QX80 also boasts innovative camera systems, including the Invisible Hood View2 and Ultra Wide View mode. These systems provide additional visibility and safety, enhancing the driving experience.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Pure and Luxe Trims

The base Pure model starts at $84,445 and comes standard with a range of features, including heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory, power-folding third-row seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, remote starting, a wireless phone charger, and a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system. The midrange Luxe model, which starts at $91,545, offers a spacious cabin and a quiet ride, along with ProPilot Assist hands-free driving technology.

Sensory and Autograph Trims

Moving up the chain, the Sensory and Autograph trims offer additional luxury and convenience features. These trims come with semi-aniline leather, massaging first- and second-row seats, power-folding second-row seats, heated third-row seats, a front center console cool box, and cameras that let occupants take selfies and record exterior scenes.

The Autograph trim, priced between $104,995 and $124,995, includes segment-first features like a wide-view camera, a 1,200-watt, 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system, driver’s seat-specific individual audio, and biometric cooling for the second row.

Driving Experience

Powerful and Efficient Powertrain

The QX80’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission provide a powerful and efficient driving experience. The engine delivers 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, ensuring robust performance in various driving conditions. The QX80’s all-wheel-drive system, which uses similar logic to the Nissan GT-R setup, provides confident handling, although it still drives like a three-ton truck.

Comfort and Handling

The air suspension does an admirable job of soaking up lumpy surfaces and keeping the QX80 reasonably flat through winding roads. However, the ride quality could benefit from further refinement, especially when navigating rough asphalt. The selectable drive modes, including Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Tow, and Personal, offer versatility, but accessing these modes can be cumbersome.

User Experience

Owners of the 2025 Infiniti QX80 often highlight the luxurious feel and advanced technology that elevate the driving experience. The spacious interior, adorned with high-quality materials like semi-aniline leather and open-pore wood trim, provides a comfortable and refined environment.

Passengers appreciate the heated seats available in all rows and the ample legroom in the third row, making long journeys more enjoyable. The dual 14.3-inch displays with Google Built-in offer intuitive access to navigation, apps, and vehicle controls, ensuring that both drivers and passengers remain connected and entertained.

However, some users have pointed out areas where the QX80 could improve, particularly in ride quality and handling. Despite the inclusion of an advanced Dynamic Digital Suspension in higher trims, the ride can still feel firm and less smooth over rough urban roads.

The vehicle’s size and weight, while contributing to its commanding presence, can also make it feel cumbersome in tight spaces. Nonetheless, the overall consensus is that the 2025 Infiniti QX80 provides a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and practicality, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.