Car Review: 2025 Infiniti QX80 Struggles In Competitive Niche

EAST HADDAM, CT – The new-for-2025 Infiniti QX80 demonstrates that survival of the fittest isn’t always easy. Even though the full-size, luxury sport utility has the competitive chops, Infiniti sales continue to struggle.  

Unlike Lexus which has proven to be a formidable Mercedes-Benz and BMW challenger, Infiniti never seemed to gain such traction in the premium segment. In fact, the division recently backpedaled and is allowing Nissan parent company dealers to start retailing the luxury line in an attempt to boost sales. Only a mere 10,000 or so QX80s cross the curb annually in the United States.

In addition to a general lack of awareness, there’s another issue – a large 2025 QX80 will set you back from $82,450 to $110,595, but so it goes in the rarefied realm of go big or go home. In fact, in an attempt to hit the reset button, this is Infiniti’s first new offering in what the company is referring to as an upcoming “product renaissance.”

Clearly, it’s a contender. A more responsible 3.5-liter, Twin-Turbo V6 engine delivers 450 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. torque, which is +50 and +103 more, respectively, than its V8 predecessor. 

The good news is that fuel economy is up 10 percent with the help of a nine-speed automatic. The bad news is that it’s still only 15 City and 19 Hwy mpg, which is on par with other large, luxury utilities.

The dirty little secret is that while so many of these full-size, three-row, luxury utilities can run, they can’t hide from the fact that they’re all built on separate, truck-derived chassis frames. You can always tell by the way they ride. Even though well damped and carefully controlled, bumps and road imperfections still find their way into the cabin. 

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The QX80 tips the scales at 6,200 pounds, which means that while it’s rugged and solidly planted, it’s also somewhat of a Q-ship. But certainly a well-appointed one.  

Infiniti pulled out all the stops when it came to refinement and attention to detail in its flagship QX80. The interior is truly the lap of luxury. Semi-aniline leather abounds and includes hand-stitched quilting that conveys craftsmanship with commendable comfort. All three seating rows are heated, while the first two are also messaging and cooled. 

Pore ash wood highlights are set off with delicate aluminum inlays which are laser-cut for utmost accuracy. Klipsch Premiere Audio provides concert hall-like acoustic quality through 24 speakers and 1,200 watts. Infiniti is consciously trying to transcend the extraordinary into owners’ everyday existence in an attempt to distinguish itself within the crowded luxury field. 

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Styling is another area where the brand has attempted to reinvent itself as it gives the U.S. market a reboot. Infiniti contends that the new QX80 is “artful” and “evocative.” Listen to this: “In front, QX80 wears the newest iteration of the signature INFINITI double-arch grille. Inspired by the organic shapes of a bamboo forest, the grille shape hints at a powerful, commanding driving experience,” according to company press materials.

From its inception 36 years ago, Infiniti has been known to go over the top when it comes to imbibing in nature’s influence. In my mind, the design is a bit too aggressive and in-your-face, which unfortunately happens to be many a large and in charge SUV’s forte. While the QX80 has blocky overall architecture, it clearly is spacious and accommodating.

Technology certainly abounds within the QX80’s 211-inch (17.5-foot) overall length. Intelligent all-wheel drive includes five discreet operating modes plus the ability to dial in personal settings. Dynamic Digital Air Suspension lowers the Infiniti for better aerodynamics and improved ingress/egress. It can also be elevated to avoid off-road obstacles. 

In the interest of roadworthiness and sound isolation, the new QX80 is also torsion-ally and laterally stiffer than its predecessor. It can tow 8,500 pounds and rides on 22-inch wheels.

The QX80 includes everything from Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection to Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention and Trailer Blind Spot Warning

If I had to set off tomorrow on a cross-country jaunt, the lavish 2025 Infiniti QX80 would be the equivalent of a first-class ticket. But if I truly wanted to be a bit more business savvy, I’d opt for a lesser (though essentially equivalent underneath) 425-horsepower Nissan Armada which goes for $56,520 to $76,990 and runs on regular versus premium fuel. No, it doesn’t include all the bells and whistles but have no fear, it’s certainly not like flying coach.

Although functionally the same size, the Armada’s not a big seller, either. Nissan sells about 15,000 of those a year here. Which means that you’ll still be behind the wheel of something exclusive, though a little less imposing – both physically and financially.

(Photos are courtesy of Infiniti unless otherwise noted.)