INFINITI QX80 Review: Is the Redesigned Flagship Worth the Money?

The QX80 was completely redesigned from the ground up — and the result is the most significant improvement in the vehicle's history. If you've dismissed the QX80 in previous generations, the current version deserves a fresh look. If you're cross-shopping it against the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, or Lexus LX, this is the comparison that will decide your purchase. Here's the complete, honest review.

Performance: More Power Than the Escalade, Less Drama

The current QX80 runs a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 producing 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. That's 30 more horsepower and 56 more lb-ft of torque than the standard Cadillac Escalade's V8. Maximum tow rating is 8,500 lbs — 400 lbs more than the Escalade's maximum.

The character of the power delivery is notably different from a V8. The twin-turbo V6 builds boost quickly and pulls strongly through the rev range without the dramatic sound profile of a V8. For buyers who associate V8 rumble with a full-size luxury SUV, the transition takes adjustment. For buyers who prioritize smoothness and refinement, the turbocharged V6 is actually more appropriate to the vehicle's luxury positioning.

The QX80 handles its size reasonably well. Air suspension and adaptive dampers on upper trims keep body motion controlled. It doesn't drive like a smaller vehicle — it is a large, heavy, full-size SUV — but it's more composed on highway sweepers and gentler on rough pavement than some competitors at this size.

Interior: The Biggest Story

The cabin redesign is what transforms the QX80 from a competitive option into the best interior in its price class. The highlights:

Dual 14.3-inch "Monolith" touchscreens — the main infotainment display and a secondary climate/control screen, both running Google Built-In natively
Standard 9.0-inch second-row entertainment screen on LUXE and above
24-speaker Klipsch Reference audio system on AUTOGRAPH — a genuine high-end audio brand exclusive to INFINITI in this segment, producing 1,200 watts through a system designed specifically for the QX80's interior geometry
Semi-aniline leather on AUTOGRAPH — softer, more breathable, and more luxurious than standard leather across the entire cabin
Open-pore Silky Ash wood — actual wood texture, not lacquered plastic
Massaging front and available second-row seats with memory positions on AUTOGRAPH
64-color ambient lighting — not a gimmick; changes the entire feel of the cabin after dark
Standard panoramic moonroof across all trims

The honest assessment: the QX80 AUTOGRAPH cabin is comparable to the Cadillac Escalade Platinum and Lincoln Navigator Black Label in material quality — and both those competitors cost more. The Klipsch audio system has no peer in the segment.

Technology: Genuinely Class-Leading

Beyond the dual-screen setup, the QX80 offers Invisible Hood View — a system that projects a camera view through the front bumper onto the infotainment screen, letting you see directly below and in front of the vehicle while maneuvering. No competitor offers an equivalent feature. For a vehicle this large, it meaningfully reduces parking anxiety.

ProPILOT Assist provides steering, braking, and acceleration support on single-lane highways. Available on all LUXE AWD and above configurations, it's a practical technology for Northeast Ohio's significant highway commuting patterns.

Space & Practicality

Eight-passenger standard seating. Available captain's chairs in row 2 for a six-passenger premium configuration. Third-row legroom of 37.6 inches — adequate for adults on shorter trips. Cargo behind the third row is 20.4 cubic feet — functional but more modest than some competitors. With all seats folded, maximum cargo expands to 120.5 cubic feet.

Tow rating of 8,500 lbs is relevant for Summit County and Stark County buyers who need to move boats, campers, or equipment trailers. It handles real-world towing duty without strain.

The Section 179 Angle for Ohio Business Owners

The QX80's GVWR qualifies it for the IRS Section 179 vehicle deduction. Ohio business owners who use the vehicle for qualifying business purposes may deduct a significant portion of the purchase price in the year of acquisition. Details here. Consult your CPA — but for buyers who have this option, the after-deduction cost of a QX80 often compares favorably to vehicles at much lower sticker prices.

Is the QX80 Worth the Money?

Compared to the Escalade: the QX80 starts lower, has more standard horsepower, a higher tow rating, superior audio, and better infotainment technology. The Escalade has more cargo space, more interior volume, and a more recognizable nameplate. If recognition and the Escalade's specific character matter, buy the Escalade. If you want the stronger specification at the lower price, the QX80 wins.

Compared to the Lincoln Navigator: the QX80 has the Klipsch audio advantage and the Invisible Hood View technology lead. The Navigator has more cargo space and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, which is genuinely impressive. Both are worthy; the choice is legitimate.

Compared to the Lexus LX: the QX80 is more modern, more powerful, and less expensive. The LX has the Toyota reliability reputation and the hybrid option. The QX80's twin-turbo V6 is the more capable powertrain today.

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