How you receive the new 2018 Infiniti QX80 will largely come down to your response to an age-old question: Does size matter? For me, clearly the answer is yes.
The Infiniti QX80 is probably the most important vehicle the Japanese automaker sells. And although this top-shelf luxury vehicle is still a 7-year-old SUV, it is hard to fault Infiniti for taking a conservative tack in redesigning this top selling vehicle.
Yet, Infiniti’s reskinning of the QX80 has been a success. The new 2018 features new quarter panels, new hood, more attractive grille, revised headlights, and a new front bumper.
The restyled back bumper sits beneath a revamped tailgate that includes stylish new LED taillights. The designers also added a very thoughtful touch — standard sidesteps that are now larger, allowing easier ingress and egress.
Stepping into the cabin, thoughtful details all come together to enhance the ultra-lux experience. Beautiful quilted upholstery envelops the seats while Infiniti’s wave-form stitching adorns the door panels. The dark-wood trim also serves to remind both driver and passenger that they’re riding in a luxury vehicle.
In addition to the smartphone cubby, the center console also features deep, notched cup-holders to secure even the tallest of handled travel mugs. The available 15-speaker Bose surround sound system comes through clean and crisp, thanks to an acoustically-tuned cabin.
There is no doubt that it is a supremely nice place to spend time. But at the end of the day, the main job of this amazing vehicle is to transport lots of people and things.
This is an absolute workhorse of a truck that will happily accommodate seven people with lots of room to spare. The front seats are broad and welcoming. The second row, particularly with a set of captain’s chairs, is way comfortable on a long road trip, thanks in no small part to a larger pair of displays for the available rear-seat entertainment system, ample USB outlets, an HDMI input, and a 120-volt power outlet.
The third row is more comfortable for kids than adults but frankly, buying a QX80 with a second-row bench and keeping the third row stowed is a smart call.
A combination rear view mirror and camera allows uninterrupted backwards visibility even when the cargo area is stacked to the ceiling with suitcases.
And the ride? Well, there is enough low-end torque to set occupants back in their seats, while the V-8 is all too happy to deliver power for passing maneuvers. Part of that is thanks to the seven-speed automatic transmission.
On the road, the body-on-frame construction makes for a floaty driving experience that’s somewhat mitigated by the company’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control, which counteracts body roll in the turns and keeps the truck level.
Should you actually take advantage of the QX80’s off-road abilities, you will find its low-range transfer case and high ground clearance well-suited for the task.
All QX80s feature a 5.6-liter, naturally aspirated V-8. Mileage comes in at 14 mpg city, 20 highway, and 16 combined in rear-wheel-drive trim. Subtract a point from each rating for the four-wheel-drive model, which is the vehicle I tested.
Prices for the 2018 Infiniti QX80 start at $65,745 for the two-wheel-drive model. Going with all-wheel drive adds a hefty $3,100 to that price. If you want to go all out, go for the Driver Assistance Package, the Theater Package, the Deluxe Technology Package, plus a $2,800 22-inch wheel package – and more – and the QX80 can quickly crest at $84,600.
The QX80 is quiet, confident, capable, and comfortable. It is clear Infiniti is doing something right in the minds of consumers.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
