2017 INFINITI QX80 Review

The 2017 Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV offering robust towing power, a high-quality interior and numerous technological features. Suitable for both around-town driving and off-road pursuits, the QX80 is a strong player in its segment.

Available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the 2017 QX80 is available in base, Signature and Limited trims. This large premium SUV can be configured to seat seven or eight passengers. All models come powered by a V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti made trailer sway control standard across the model line for 2017. Also, the available Theater package now includes Wi-Fi.

Exterior

Based on a traditional body-on-frame chassis, the 2017 QX80 projects a formidable presence with its bold, upright grille, massive hood and strong shoulders. Front to rear, every section of this big Infiniti amplifies its strength.

All models come equipped with LED headlights, LED fog lights, automatic high-beam control, heated power-folding side mirrors, a front skid plate, a power sunroof, roof rails and a power liftgate.

Standard 20-inch and optional 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are set within all-season tires, and headlight washers are available. Underneath the SUV is a full-size spare, placed behind the rear axle.

Interior

The QX80 seats seven passengers across three rows, and an available eight-seat package replaces the middle-row captain’s chairs with bench seats. Passenger accommodations are roomy all throughout, and cargo capacity is similarly generous. This SUV provides 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the third row and 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows folded, cargo space swells to 95.1 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel with wheel-mounted controls, heated power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, power-folding third-row seats and three-zone climate control. Available features include remote tip-up second-row seats, plush semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, an upgraded climate control system and heated outboard second-row seats.

Performance

QX80 drivers enjoy crisp acceleration and predictable handling. All models come powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine generating 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission choice is a seven-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive with a high/low transfer case is offered.

The 2017 rear-wheel-drive QX80 makes an EPA-estimated 14/20 mpg city/highway. Four-wheel-drive models carry a 13/19 mpg city/highway rating.

Infiniti’s QX80 is capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds.

Technology

There’s no shortage of standard technology features onboard the QX80. Base models come with a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a CD/DVD player, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a surround-view monitor, an auxiliary audio jack, an 8-inch touch screen, voice recognition, navigation and keyless entry and ignition.

Optional equipment includes a 15-speaker Bose audio system and a Theater package with a pair of 7-inch monitors and two wireless headphones.

Available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, backup collision intervention, blind spot warning and intervention and lane departure prevention.