Infiniti QX80 Review 2026: The New Full-Size Flex

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Infiniti

QX80

Infiniti | Premium | SUV

In this Infiniti QX80 Review, we look at how the 2026 Infiniti QX80 turns its full-size SUV mission into something far more polished than before, with a premium-looking finished cabin, standard twin-turbo V6 power, and a genuinely quiet long-haul feel.

The redesign still feels fresh for 2026, and while it is not the sportiest choice in this class, the 2026 Infiniti QX80 makes a strong case for buyers who care more about comfort, space, and presence than corner-carving reflexes.

Slip behind the wheel of the 2026 Infiniti QX80, and you are instantly wrapped in near silence—the kind that makes highway speed feel almost surreal. The gentle hum of the twin-turbo V-6 fades away, replaced by the rich scent of leather and the soft touch of crafted trim.

After its major makeover last year, the Infiniti QX80 now has the plush interior and high-end exterior style to compete with some of the biggest full-size luxury SUVs.

The luxurious inside is roomy, quiet, and full of features that give it an undeniably high-end feel. The chairs in the first and second rows are designed to relax and cool you down, while the third row is spacious enough for everyone.

The base 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine does a great job of pulling all that weight. For buyers who prioritize comfort, roominess, and a sense of luxury over blistering acceleration or sporty handling, the QX80 generally delivers.

However, within the full-size luxury SUV segment, its performance can lag behind rivals: the QX80 feels slow for its horsepower, and the ride can be stiff and uncomfortable on uneven roads. Drivers who expect a more responsive feel or athletic driving experience may find alternatives like the BMW X7 more appealing.

What's New?

For 2026, the Sensory trim from the previous year will be replaced by the Sport trim, which will be the second-to-last choice for the QX80. Despite the Sport moniker, all of the trim’s updates are cosmetic, with no effect on the SUV’s performance. The most noticeable design updates include a newly designed crosshatched front grille, a stronger front bumper featuring a small splitter, black exterior accents, and dark 22-inch six-spoke wheels, all contributing to its sleek, blacked-out appearance.

The Sport’s interior features dark chrome accents, a graphite-colored headliner, black and Dusk Blue leather seat inserts, along with dark brown wood detailing on the doors and control panel. The Sport trim level also includes a 64-color ambient lighting system, massage front seats, and a Klipsch audio system with 24 speakers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

You can connect wirelessly with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The Premiere Sound System (optional) includes 24 Klipsch Reference speakers and 14 Klipsch Standard speakers.

The QX80 uses a three-screen setup that feels modern without being overly complicated, with dual 14.3-inch displays for infotainment and gauges plus a separate 9.0-inch touchscreen for climate controls and drive modes. The Google-based system includes built-in Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, and the cabin also gets eight USB-C ports. Audio starts with a 14-speaker Klipsch system, while higher trims step up to a 24-speaker version for a more premium listening experience.

Engine and Performance

The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 450 horsepower.
Automatic gearbox with nine speeds.
All-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are both types of drivetrains.

The QX80 has a 3.5-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine that makes 450 horsepower. The engine is relatively quiet, even at full speed, and it moves quickly. The Sport and Autograph models come standard with all-wheel drive. You can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the Pure and Luxe models. It comes with an automatic transmission with nine speeds. The base model is the only Pure trim level without air-sprung suspension.

This car took 6.1 seconds to reach 60 mph during testing.

However, the QX80’s substantial curb weight results in slower acceleration. In contrast, lighter full-size luxury SUVs with six-cylinder engines, such as the Land Rover Range Rover and BMW X7, easily surpass it, reaching 0 to 60 mph in only 4.6 to 5.5 seconds.

Fuel Economy

In our highway test at 75 mph, the QX80 achieved 23 mpg. With its 26-gallon fuel tank, this means you could expect up to 600 miles of range between fill-ups under similar conditions, making it easy to visualize how far you can go on a full tank.
The EPA says it gets 16 mpg in the city.
The EPA rates highway gas mileage at 19-20 mpg.

On paper, the EPA has not yet released official fuel-economy figures for the 2026 Infiniti QX80. Last year’s rear-wheel-drive model posted up to 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, with highway efficiency dipping by 1 mpg when all-wheel drive is engaged. Yet, out on our 75-mph interstate loop, the all-wheel-drive QX80 surprised us by surpassing expectations and delivering an impressive 23 mpg. What seems modest by the numbers becomes more compelling behind the wheel, showing that real-world efficiency can outshine what the specs suggest.

Safety Features

All QX80 models come standard with a full suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Many rivals charge extra for these features, so you get important safety technology at no extra cost on every QX80. Infiniti also offers a more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 hands-free driving system, which is included on the Autograph, Sensory, and Luxe models.

Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection are all standard safety features.
Adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving mode are two optional safety tools.

For detailed information on the QX80’s crash test ratings, visit the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Cargo and Towing Capacity

Storage Space:

The QX80’s cargo space can hold up to 56.3 cubic feet when the power-folding 60/40-split third-row seats are folded down. To put this in practical terms, that means you can easily fit four full-size suitcases and a stroller, or up to 22 carry-on bags inside. When the third row is upright, there is space for about seven carry-on bags or a couple of large suitcases and a few smaller items, making it easy to handle both daily errands and family vacations.

First Row:

There are great places to sit in the front of the QX80. Rich materials are used throughout, including wood trim, brushed metal details, and leather seats that feel butter-soft and cool to the touch thanks to gentle ventilation. A slanted screen placed below the main infotainment panel, along with clear screen-based instruments, make the climate controls easy to reach.

Second Row:

The QX80’s second-row captain’s chairs offer ample headroom and are comfortable for long trips. The top-of-the-line Autograph model features massage and air flow, while other QX80 grades offer heated seats in the middle row.

Third Row:

The QX80 offers ample space in the third row, allowing three passengers to sit comfortably without crowding. Unlike the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, whose third rows feel tighter for adults, the QX80 provides enough room even for longer journeys. In the Autograph version, there are even heated seats in the third row.

Towing Capacity:

The maximum weight that any QX80 model can pull is 8,500 pounds. This is more than what the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class can pull at their most.

Price and How to Choose

Rates for the 2026 Infiniti QX80 could range from $85,940 to $113,690, based on options and trim. The Luxe, which is in the middle price band, is the best option. As an alternative to the Sport and Autograph models, which cost over six figures, this one offers features like 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, and warm, ventilated seats in the first and second rows.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Upscale cabin feels far more premium than the old QX80, especially in higher trims with massage seats and nicer materials.
Standard 450-hp twin-turbo V6 gives the big SUV strong towing capability, with every QX80 rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds.
Exceptionally quiet, comfort-first character makes it an easy long-distance family hauler.
Third-row space and cargo usability are real strengths for a full-size luxury SUV.
The three-screen layout and available Klipsch audio give the cabin real showroom appeal.

Cons

Despite the horsepower, acceleration is not especially quick for the class because the QX80 carries a lot of weight.
Ride quality can feel firmer than expected on rough pavement, which cuts against the comfort-first mission.
Fuel economy is still a weak spot for the segment.
The new Sport trim is mostly a visual package, so buyers expecting a real performance upgrade may be underwhelmed.