2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD may not be the newest SUV on the road today, nor is it the swoopiest. But is it reliable, comfortable and economical? In the words of the immortal rocker Meatloaf, Don’t be sad, cause two out of three ain’t bad. Napleton News spent a week in the QX80 recently. Here’s what we thought.

What exactly is the Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD?

The Infiniti QX80 is a body-on-frame full-size luxury sport utility vehicle that can carry up to 6- or seven passengers, depending on its configuration. It is well-equipped to satisfy most SUV buyers looking for a decent value. It is also a competent Sport Ute that can tow up to 8,500 pounds of trailer.

Power for the QX80 derives from a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It mates to a seven-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive standard. Buyers can outfit their QX80s with optional 4WD that helps to improve its towing and off-road chops. As it turns out, the Infiniti QX8O can tow a boat or a camping trailer without breaking a sweat. It also turns out that this Infiniti is quite thirsty, only achieving mileage of 13 city/19 highway, 15 combined.

How does the Infiniti QX80 4WD look?

Boxy but sleek. Big and brutish. Broad and imposing. All of these provide an apt description of the new QX80. This model’s roots can be traced back to the QX of 2011. It hasn’t changed much in eleven years, although its competition has. Back then, it was the QX56 which was based on the 5.6-liter V8 under the hood. Today it uses an arbitrary numbering system that’s more a reflection of the vehicle’s overall size rather than that of its engine.

Oh, did we mention the 22-inch tires and aluminum alloy wheels make a massive presence? They do!

What about inside?

Although we love the heated and ventilated features of the QX80’s front seats, we are not alone in thinking they could stand some bolstering, too. Otherwise, those least expecting it may be sliding across the front or rear seats into their seatmates. We believe in closeness but we do have our limits.

There’s plenty of room to stretch out inside, at least in the first two rows. The third row in the wayback is another story: Adults may avoid it in favor of the shorties who may be along for the ride.

The tech controls inside have received an upgrade extending to and including the climate controls. Above the deck is a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that uses the Infiniti InTouch protocols to operate navigation, audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Speaking of audio, we think the impressive Bose audio system with 17 speakers is quite nice!

As for cargo space, there are 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats. Fold both the second and the third-row seating forward to enjoy up to 95.1-cubic feet of storage space.

Behind the wheel of the QX80

The ferocious power of Infiniti’s 5.6-liter V8 is all on tap here, but its 400 horsepower comes with a price. This engine is not a fuel sipper. Instead, think of it as a super big gulp(er). It works just fine with regular fuel, but if you search for ultimate horsepower, you’ll want to use the expensive stuff.

The ride is enhanced by the addition of a hydraulic Body Motion Control System. This helps smooth out the ride of what is essentially still a truck. But it can still be a bit awkward, as though we had to tip-toe our way around a tight 90-degree turn.

Safety features are all around in the QX. These include Predictive Forward Collison Warning and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, along with an Around View Monitor with moving object detection, help to round out the safety side of the equation.

The Infiniti QX80 has many positives going for itself. Price being one of them. Its abilities are not too shabby either, as this SUV can take you off the beaten path and back on again. It suffers mainly in the features department, where despite doing everything well, the QX80 comes off as a senior citizen compared to its rivals.

But it still may be the SUV for you. The only way to know for sure is by hitting your local dealership to try one yourself.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD Specifications

 

	2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD
Engine Type	5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8
Horsepower	400 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	7-speed auto w/4WD
Fuel Economy	15 mpg (13 city/19 hwy)
Suspension	Control Arms F/R
Turning Circle	41.6 ft.
Also Available	Various trim levels, RWD
Specs
Warranty	4 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5-star
Max Seating Capacity	7
Wheelbase	121.1 inches
Overall Length	210.2 inches
Width	79.9 inches
Height	75.8 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st, 2nd & 3rd row)	95.1/49.1/16.6 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	39.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd	40.0 inches
Headroom, 3rd	36.8 inches
Legroom, 1st	39.6 inches
Legroom, 2nd	41.0 inches
Legroom, 3rd	28.8 inches
Shoulder, 1st	63.8 inches
Shoulder, 2nd	63.5 inches
Shoulder, 3rd	60.5 inches