Completely redesigned 2025 Infiniti QX80 is genuine luxury family hauler

Published 9:03 am Monday, December 9, 2024

The completely redesigned 2025 Infiniti QX80 full-size luxury SUV is proof that the Land Yacht is not only alive and well, but better than ever.

Despite government efforts to make everyone buy an EV, there are more large gas-powered SUVs for sale than before, including those based on trucks like the QX80. They may get relatively terrible mileage, but, when equipped with all- or four-wheel-drive, they can reliably carry entire families through severe weather in comfort and safety.

Until now, the three-row QX80 was the oldest body-on-frame SUV on the market. It was based on the aging full-size Titan pickup produced by parent company Nissan that also underpins its full-size Armada SUV. But they have all been redesigned now, with such upgrades as a more powerful and fuel-efficient twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, replacing the previous 5.7-liter V8, and a nine-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous seven-speed.

Carrying over is the fully independent suspension that gave all versions of the Titan, Armada and QX80 a much smoother ride over bad pavement than most competitors. Also continuing is the 4WD system that can be set in auto mode, but still provide better traction than conventional all-wheel-drive systems in slippery conditions.

The 2025 QX80 is larger than the last generation, growing over an inch longer, nearly an inch wider, and about two inches taller. Although that may not seem like much, the visual impact is substantial, largely because the exterior lines have been squared off, amplifying the increases. The front grill is also much larger and extends lower, creating a bolder front end.

The interior of the QX80 has also been upgraded, with two 14.3-inch displays spread across the top of the dash, replacing the previous upright screen. A second display for climate, seating and other controls angles up from the center console to the middle of the dash, creating a unique high-tech look.

Infiniti call the new design “Artistry in Motion,” which might sound a little pretentious for such a large and imposing vehicle. But trust me when I say that it looks great, both outside and in, and easily stands apart from other full-size luxury SUVs.

One change that was inevitable but not so welcome is a substantial price increase. That’s bound to happen when manufacturers replace a 13-year-old model with a new one, of course. But the starting price for the 2024 entry level Luxe version jumped from $76,145 to $84,445 for the 2025 Pure trim level. The previous upper level Sensory increased from $90,930 to $102,640. A new top-of-the-line Autograph version starts at $112,590, which suggests Infiniti wants it to be compared to such heavy hitters at the BMW X7 M60i ($112,075) and the Mercedes GLS580 ($115,950).

That’s asking a lot, especially considering the 2025 Pure and now next step up Luxe (starting at $91,945) are very well equipped, with the same powertrain for a lot less. In fact, my test QX80 Autograph was priced even higher at $115,020 because it included $3,126 worth of mostly cosmetic options, such as an interior lighting package priced at $1,020 and an umbrella holder for $355 that I never did find. But it also came with Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension features that enhance the independent suspension, making the three-ton SUV feel almost nimble, even when pushed.

Speaking of which, the new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is a gem. It produces 450 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque, which are substantial improvements over the 400 and 413 from the previous normally aspirated 5.7-liter V8. The nine-speed automatic transmission that replaced the previous seven-speed allowed Car and Driver to clock the V6 version at zero to 60 in just 5.3 seconds, compared to 5.9 for V8. Average EPA estimated fuel economy also improved from 15 to 17 miles per gallon, although neither are exactly gas savers, of course.

Standard on all versions is a suite of driver-assistance features that includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. A more advanced adaptive cruise control system, which Infiniti calls ProPilot Assist 2.1, is available on the Luxe, Sensory and Autograph trims and and features a hands-free driving mode.

In a week of test driving, my 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph 4WD always stood out from the crowd, was very comfortable and surprisingly easy to drive for such a large vehicle, and offered impressive acceleration whenever the roads opened up enough to allow some full throttle runs. Unlike BMW and Mercedes, Infiniti does not offer an in-house performance version of their flagship SUV, but I don’t know how often any more power could be used in day-to-day driving.

The 2025 QX80 is Infiniti’s flagship model and the new Autograph 4WD version is their top-of-the-line version. All should be taken seriously as luxury full-size SUVs with performance aspirations. Buyers with money aren’t walking away from traditional three-row, body-on-frame family haulers, and are still willing to pay for well-appointed premium versions with power and towing capacity. The completely redesigned 2025 version should be near the top of their shopping lists.

2025 Infiniti QX80

Base price: $$84,445 (Pure)

Price as tested: $115,020 (Autograph 4WD)

Type: Full-size luxury SUV

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (450 hp, 516 lb-ft)

Transmission: 9-speed automatic w/paddle shifters

Drive modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, Snow, Personal

EPA estimated mileage: 16/19 (as tested); 19/20 (Pure)

Towing capacity: 8500 pounds

Overall length: 211.2 inches

Curb weight: 5900-6100 pounds

Final assembly: Smyrna, Tennessee