Review: 2021 INFINITI QX80 Premium Select 4WD

The full-size luxury SUV INFINITI QX80, which is a part of Nissan's luxury division, was first sold in North America as the INFINITI QX56 before it was rebranded and sold as the current QX80 in 2014. For 2021, the QX80 will have another aggressive update similar to the 2014 refresh that was debuted at the New York Auto Show. This new look pushes the boundaries of what a full-size luxury SUV can be with a bolder and sportier exterior look. It will also have an interior that brings even more comfort and style to a vehicle that is already well known for its luxurious interior styling and comfort.

For 2021, INFINITI will add three new luxury grade models for the loyal INFINITI buyers to choose from. The entry level LUXE grade will offer a starting price of $72,250 and will come standard with the full range of driver-assist technologies like Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI®), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Distance Control Assist (DCA), an updated Intelligent Cruise Control system, and my favorite the Rear Seat Belt Reminder. And for your smart phone connectivity needs, the LUXE will come with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay.

Next up, the mid-grade Premium Select QX80 with a starting MSRP $76,550 offers a number of exterior trim enhancements that were on the popular limited-run 2020 QX80 'Edition 30. You will see dark chrome and black highlights in the front grille, fender vents, door mirror caps, and rear tailgate strip for a sporty flair. The height was also raised a bit with the dark chrome 22-inch forged alloy wheels. The interior wasn't overlooked either, so there will be three trim colors that a buyer can choose from including Graphite, a new Truffle Brown, and pictured is the Sahara Sandstone.

The final grade is the Sensory Grade with a starting MSRP of $80,300. The interior features quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, Charcoal Burl trim, and a new graphite tricot headliner for handcrafted and tailored feel. The exterior is all about the look of elegance all the way down to the stylish 22-inch forged alloy wheels and chrome mirror caps.

For one of my recent May weeks, I received the mid-grade Premium Select 4WD QX80 with the dark chrome and black highlights in the front grille, fender vents, door mirror caps. I always look forward to getting these big lumbering full-size 3 row SUV unicorns. I see them like comfort food, or a very comfy pack mule that will shuttle the family safely around town in over-the-top comfort. When one arrives, I usually feel like I have earned a Boy Scout merit badge for patience after driving all the cookie cutter mid-size and compact CUVs.

The QX80 has ample room for eight people and inside cargo space capable of stowing 95.1 cu-ft of fun and is well equipped for loading up the kids, travel gear, and a 24' pull-behind trailer in order to hit the road to see all the amazing and marvelous sites this great country has to offer in pure comfort.

This vision isn't too farfetched for the QX80 SUV when you consider all three 4WD grades discussed above come standard with a 5.6-liter 32-valve V8 engine that produces 400hp and 413 lb-ft. of torque. Also the body-on-frame F-Alpha platform the QX80 sits on is the same high-tensile steel platform used on the Nissan Frontier and Titan pickup trucks; so just like the trucks, the QX80 can easily pull 8,000-pound travel trailers or other trailers with ease.

So whether you are looking to spend the summer hitting all the national parks or just running to the beach for the weekend, you can easily find a big lumbering full-size three-row comfy pack mule that will shuttle the family safely. The 2021 QX80 is currently available in INFINITI showrooms across the country, so go test drive one.

Specifications

MSRP Pictured: $79,490
Engine: 5.6-liter V6 engine with aluminum-alloy block and heads.
400hp - 13/19 City/Highway mpg
Transmission: Electronically-controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control.
Snow and Tow Modes control throttle response and transmission shift points
Driver-adaptive learning algorithm senses driving style and adjusts automatic shifting accordingly.
Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
4 Wheel Drive - Also available in 2 Wheel Drive
All-Mode 4WD® with computer-controlled transfer case, offers settings in Auto, 4H and 4L
Towing: 8,500 lbs
22 x 8.0-inch forged dark chrome wheels w/275/50R22 all-season tires

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
INFINITI | QX80