Supersized Luxury 

Full-size SUVs are beloved for many reasons: they're powerful, they're accommodating, and they’re perfect for towing, hauling, and carrying lots of gear and passengers. The 2017 INFINITI QX80 is all of those things and more, blending the brawn and versatility of a full-size SUV with the refinement and technology that upscale drivers desire.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2017 INFINITI QX80 is available with one powertrain, but it offers all the performance and refinement luxury car buyers expect. A 5.6-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers also have the choice of rear-wheel drive or INFINITI’s All-Mode® 4WD system for added traction and all-weather capability.

While it is a full-size SUV, the QX80 does offer reasonable fuel economy. The EPA rates rear-wheel drive models at 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway). Thankfully, four-wheel-drive models don't suffer a substantial penalty in terms of fuel economy, returning 15 mpg combined (13 city/ 19 highway).* 

Features and Trims

The five-door, eight-passenger 2017 INFINITI QX80 starts at $63,850** with rear-wheel drive. That price of entry buys plenty of standard equipment.

Even the base QX80 features 20-inch alloy wheels, powered external mirrors, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, a Bose® 13-speaker audio system with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and SiriusXM® satellite radio capability, and navigation. Trailer sway control, which makes towing a breeze, is now standard across the lineup in 2017. For no cost you can add the Split Bench package, which replaces the second-row captain's chairs and center console with a 60/40-split folding bench seat that increases seating capacity from seven to eight.

There are several option packages that can turn the QX80 into a luxury apartment on wheels. The Driver Assistance package  (see the safety section of this review) is designed for even more peace of mind behind the wheel, while the Theater package includes dual seven-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, a remote control, auxiliary input jacks, and a 120-volt outlet.

The Deluxe Technology package includes an Advanced Climate Control System, a Bose® Cabin Surround audio system with 15 speakers, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, different interior colors, and other features. Another possibility is the Tire and Wheel package, which features 22-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels on all-season tires.

Further refinement can be had with a step up to the Limited model. It includes all previous packages and adds leather interior coverings, unique 22-inch wheels, and Ash wood trim. For 2017, in-car Wi-Fi is also available as a standalone option.

Design 

The 2017 INFINITI QX80 features bold, upright styling set off by details like the stylish side vents, auto High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, and LED taillights. A big chrome grille makes quite a statement, while the boxy profile is set off by a distinctive kink in the D-pillar.

A front underbody spoiler and rear liftgate spoiler even help this big SUV slice through the air with some efficiency. INFINITI claims a drag coefficient of 0.36 and zero lift. 

The interior is lavishly trimmed in leather and wood, with a prominent center-stack screen for navigation and audio functions. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, but a bench seat can be substituted at no charge. There are also nine cupholders to make sure that all of those passengers stay hydrated.

Safety

The formidable exterior conceals a formidable array of safety features. Standard safety equipment on the 2017 INFINITI QX80 includes INFINITI’s Advanced Air Bag System, Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.

Also standard (and quite useful in a full-size SUV) is the Around View Monitor system, which uses four small, super-wide-angle cameras and advanced image processing to give the driver a 360-degree “birds-eye view.” It’s paired with front and rear sonar and Moving Object Detection.

A suite of additional driver assistance features is also available with the aforementioned Driver Assistance package. It includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and intervention, front collision warning and mitigation, and a backup collision mitigation system. 

Bottom Line

The 2017 INFINITI QX80 offers everything a good full-size luxury SUV should. Its powerful V8 engine will ensure pleasurable driving, and the vehicle’s handsome styling will ensure drivers look good while doing it. Several electronic aids will help anyone feel comfortable behind the wheel, despite the QX80’s size.

Meanwhile, the interior forms a spacious mobile oasis full of modern tech features like navigation, premium audio, and plenty of available entertainment options. It’s also got enough room for all of the people or cargo you’ll ever need to carry.

Contact us or visit us at 3Birds Template today for a test drive.

*2017 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

**All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options. Retailer sets actual price.

Image: INFINITI