2026 INFINITI QX80

 

 

Test Vehicle: 

2026 Infiniti QX80 Autograph 4WD

Powertrain: 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo Engine

Exterior Color: Grand Blue

Interior: Graphite

Notable Options: Interior Lighting Package ($1,060) 

Price as tested: $116,445 (with destination & delivery)

 

Pros: Powerful, Interior Comfort, Technology, Impressive Towing Capacity

Cons: Low Fuel Economy, Mediocre Handling, Push Button Gear Selector

 

 

The 2026 Infiniti QX80 represents a major redesign for Infiniti’s flagship SUV, aiming to compete directly with rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. It delivers a strong mix of luxury, technology, and presence. The QX80 is the brand’s flagship vehicle, residing at the top of Infiniti's lineup, a spot it has occupied since the SUV was first introduced 20 years ago as the QX56. Thanks to a full redesign last year, the QX80 stands out with bold styling and an elegant cabin that seats up to eight people.

 

For 2026 it is offered in Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph grades. Gone is the old V8, all QX80 models now have a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. It is available with either rear wheel drive or all-mode four-wheel drive. QX80 has a standard towing rating of 8,500 pounds, when properly equipped.

 

Prices start at $83,750 for the Pure RWD model and climb to over $111,500 for an Autograph 4WD. Key competitors include the aforementioned Escalade and Navigator, along with the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Lexus LX. I spent a week in a fully equipped QX80 Autograph 4WD that checked in at $116,445 and here’s what stood out…

 

 

Exterior:

The 2026 QX80 showcases the latest evolution of Infiniti Artistry in Motion design, building on long-standing expertise in craftsmanship and detailing. It leans heavily into bold, modern luxury styling. I and leave no mistake what model this is. Infiniti moved away from simple strips to what it calls “digital piano key” lighting. These LED elements create a layered, rhythmic look rather than a single line making the lighting signature highly recognizable, especially at night.

 

From the side, the design becomes more subtle but just as intentional. Flush door handles reduce drag and give a cleaner, high-end look. A strong horizontal shoulder line visually lengthens the SUV while the roofline is slightly tapered, avoiding the boxy “truck-like” feel of older models. Available two-tone paint schemes (like white with a black roof) add contrast and visual sophistication. Around back is a full-width lighting treatment that echoes the front’s intricate LED signature. The tailgate is cleaner, with fewer creases and more emphasis on horizontal lines. Subtle chrome or dark trim (depending on trim level) keeps it upscale without being flashy. 

 

Either 20 or 22-inch wheels are available depending on the grade, with most models riding on the 22s. If you care more about comfort, the 20s are the better choice. If you want the full luxury SUV look (and what you’ll see in most images), the 22-inch wheels are the ones Infiniti clearly designed the QX80 around. They are intricate and complement the rest of the design well. 

 

Color Palette:

Infiniti offers twelve total exterior colors on the QX80. These colors include both single-tone and two-tone combinations. Color options include Anthracite Gray, Black Obsidian, Dynamic Metal, Grand Blue, Radiant White, Coulis Red, and Mineral Black. And then there are several two-tone variants, such as:

 

• Radiant White / Black Obsidian
• Grand Blue / Black Obsidian
• Coulis Red / Black Obsidian
• Mineral Black / Graphite Shadow

 

Taking it one step further, there are up to 17 interior color combinations depending on the trim. It offers more variety than most of its competitors and the paint finish screams luxury. 

 

 

Powertrain:

The QX80 comes exclusively with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 is gone, there’s actually 50 more horses and 103 more lb.-ft of torque than before .Power delivery is strong from a stop and easy to access for passing. It will get from 0-60 MPH in around 6.1 seconds which is not bad for such a large SUV. Strong low-end torque makes this big SUV feel effortless in daily driving around town. Overall power is well suited to its size and generally an improvement over the old V8. 

 

All models feature a drive mode selector with Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Tow, and Personal settings, each offering unique tuning for powertrain response, electric power steering, driver-assistance features, and (if equipped) the Dynamic Digital Suspension and 4WD system. The available All-Mode 4WD system continuously adjusts power distribution between axles for optimal traction in varying conditions. The QX80 is capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds which makes family trips even more appealing if you need to haul a large camper, boat, or more. 

 

Ride & Handling:

The QX80 rides well on smooth roads, but it struggles to deliver true “luxury softness” consistently, especially on broken pavement. Infiniti added an available air suspension to improve comfort and control which it does well. The air suspension smooths out most surfaces and does a good job of controlling body motion around corners. The air suspension also lowers by 1.2 inches at speed for aerodynamic improvements, and raises for increased ground clearance when needed, up to 10 inches for light off-road use. It’s comfortable for long-distance drives or cruising on the highway, passengers will appreciate how relaxed it feels over these long stretches. Acoustic glass further deadens wind and road noise, making long-distance cruising feel effortless and serene. Around town, the ride can be a little more firm and truck-like. It’s on the stiffer side of the luxury segment, especially through some broken city roads. It is, however, still very good compared to non-luxury full size SUVs.

 

At 6,127 pounds, the QX80 is a heavy, tall, body-on-frame SUV, and it drives like one. The steering is direct and weighty, prioritizing confidence over sportiness. On curvier roads, you feel its mass. The 2026 QX80 drives like a modernized luxury truck and is much improved over the old model, but still clearly focused on comfort, size, and presence rather than driving engagement.

 

Fuel Economy:

When it arrived with a full 23.6-gallon tank, it offered a driving range of around 400 miles. EPA estimates are 16 / 19 / 17 MPG city / highway/ combined on the AWD model that I drove. RWD will get a tad better MPGs with a combined rating of 18 MPG. During my mixed highway and city driving, I averaged 17.9 MPG. These figures are on par with most of the QX80's rivals, though Lexus offers the hybrid LX 700h which delivers around 20 mpg combined.  It's worth noting that the QX80 requires premium unleaded gasoline to perform at peak efficiency, which will cost a bit more at the pump. 

 

 

Interior:

Hopping inside you're met with a lavishly trimmed instrument panel highlighted by matte-finished wood accents that reinforce the QX80's upscale ambitions without tipping into excess. Drivers will face two 14.3” displays plus a 9” touchscreen mounted below the infotainment touchscreen. Soft-touch materials abound, with particular attention paid to layering them over any hard parts where passengers' arms or elbows may rest. Additionally, elements like leather appointments, wood trims, suede and metal seamlessly integrates with high-tech items like touchscreens. The vibe is sophisticated, reserved and intentional luxury. Up above is a standard panoramic moonroof, with one-touch open/close, tilt and a power-sliding sunshade. It allows more natural light into the cabin when desired to highlight the details and materials used inside.

 

Interior color choices across the lineup include Tuscan Beige, Graphite, Sepia Brown, and the Sport-exclusive Dusk Blue; a sporty, free-flowing shade paired with semi-aniline leather that feels fresh and distinctive. Wood trim varies by trim level, with the Sport featuring open-pore ash wood across the doors and dash, complemented by dark chrome accents. The overall ambiance is comfortable and welcoming. 

 

Seating:

The QX80 offers three rows of seating for up to 8 passengers. The standard configuration includes second row captain’s chairs, and third row seating for three accommodating 7 total. Optional is the second-row bench which adds a seat for a total of 8. Synthetic leather is the standard seating surface on the base Pure trim, with genuine leather options becoming available as you move up the trim levels. The Luxe steps up to genuine leather with ventilated seats, while the Sport and Autograph trims use semi-aniline leather which is softer, more natural-feeling and a noticeable step above standard leather. Stitched leather adorns the doors, dash, and center console, and it's all assembled with precision.

 

The front seats in the Infiniti are both stylish and comfortable, with soft padding and excellent support. Both are heated and ventilated with multiple power adjustments including power lumbar support and memory settings. Sport and higher trims add a massage function, and the heated, power-adjustable steering wheel is standard. 

 

Second-row legroom is an impressive 41.0 inches, actually more than the front row. Kids and adults will be genuinely comfortable. The Autograph trim adds massaging captain's chairs with touchscreen controls for the ultimate second-row experience, a feature that my kids took full advantage of after dance class. The seats also recline so that you really feel like you’re in first class.

 

Push the button on the seatback, and the second-row seat leans and slides out of the way for easy access to the third row. Climbing into the third row is easy enough, and while the space would be cramped for three, two adults could make do. If the second-row passengers are kind enough to slide forward, the legroom is reasonably good. Heated third-row seats are available on the Autograph. USB Type-C ports are available in every row with a total of eight throughout the cabin, featuring up to 15-watt/3.0-amp power ratings for rapidly charging devices.

 

 

Technology:

A large dual 14.3-inch display setup is the focal point of the dash, lending the interior a high-tech feel. Ahead of the driver is a configurable digital cluster with three views: Classic, Elegant and Enhanced. An available color head-up display helps keep key information in the driver's sight line without being distracting. The touchscreen infotainment system comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in. A 9-inch touchscreen mounted below the infotainment display provides convenient control of all climate functions, as well as front seat heating or cooling operations and QX80's drive modes selection. Lighting can also help set the mood with available 64-color Personalized Ambient Lighting, incorporating light pipes in the dashboard and doors. Additionally, a wireless phone charger is located inside the front center console.

 

Other standard features include Infiniti InTouch connected services with a three-year free trial, eight USB ports, and a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system. The Sport and Autograph trims upgrade to a 24-speaker Klipsch Premiere system. The Klipsch audio can be individualized into focused sound zones for undisturbed music, allowing different passengers to enjoy different listening experiences.

 

Camera View:

The QX80 offers several advanced camera systems that make driving this large SUV much easier. Front Wide View uses camera information to provide a wide, 170-degree view to the sides of the vehicle. That viewing angle allows for "seeing" past parked cars or around corners in tight garages. QX80 also offers Invisible Hood View, which uses advanced image processing to take footage from the vehicle's exterior cameras to project an image of what's directly in front of the vehicle onto the in-car displays. The result is as if one could see right through the engine bay, helping spot curbs in narrow drive-through lanes, car wash tracks and other hard-to-spot obstacles on the ground.

 

Both features become more impressive and more useful when combined with the world-first Ultra-Wide View, which extends the displays of Front Wide View or Invisible Hood View across both 14.3-inch displays. 3D Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection features a 3D spin function and eight pre-selected angles from which the driver can see the car, providing a more natural viewpoint to see the vehicle's surroundings when parking or maneuvering. It’s an impressive use of camera technology that serves a functional purpose. 

 

 

Cargo Space:

The QX80 is genuinely practical for families. When all three rows are in use, the QX80 offers up cargo space on par with its larger rivals. Behind the third row is 22 cubic feet of trunk space.  Fold down the third row, and the space increases to 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row. The capacity expands to 101 cubic feet with the second row folded leaving a huge flat, load area. The available air suspension can lower the QX80's rear height to ease loading and unloading, making cargo access more convenient.

 

The second and third rows feature power fold and raise functions, which can be accessed from buttons in the cargo area or convenient buttons on the front control touchscreen. The second row features a "walk-in" mode that makes access to the third row simpler. 

Additionally, owing to precise engineering of the folding mechanism, child safety seats can remain safely buckled in place even when the second-row tips forward. Up front, a covered wireless device charger is conveniently located in the center console next to the driver, and the dual cup holders can double as storage. A large shelf below the console can handle a book or tablet.

 

Safety / Driver Assist:

The QX80 leans heavily into advanced driver assistance, with a strong mix of standard active safety tech and a sophisticated (but trim-dependent) semi-autonomous driving system.

 

Core standard features include:

• Automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection)
• Blind-spot warning + intervention (can actively steer you back)
• Lane departure warning + lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control (Intelligent Cruise Control)
• Steering assist (lane-centering)
• Predictive forward collision warning (can “see” beyond the car ahead)
• 3D Around View Monitor (360° camera)
• Front Wide View (180° forward camera)
• Invisible Hood View (shows wheels under the vehicle)
• Smart rearview mirror (camera-based)

 

In addition to these, there are two levels of advanced driver assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 is standard and combines Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assistance to aid the driver in staying centered in their lane. QX80 AUTOGRAPH also offers ProPILOT Assist 2.1, which elevates the experience by allowing attentive drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain freeway driving scenarios. Infiniti’s ProPILOT system works very well and is competitive with other top tier systems like GM’s SuperCruise and Ford’s Blue Cruise. I was impressed how smoothly the QX80 operated when it was activated and I truly could take my hands off the wheel while the SUV maintained its lane position, speed, and distance behind other vehicles. 

 

Other available features include a trailer blind spot warning, trailer stability assist, and a standard dash cam on higher trims. The 2026 QX80's safety and driver-assistance package is one of the most generous in its class at the standard level — virtually every meaningful collision prevention and warning technology is included on every trim, which is commendable at a time when many rivals still charge extra for basics like blind-spot monitoring.

 

The QX80 earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the highest rating offered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, excelling in crashworthiness, front crash prevention with pedestrian detection, and headlight performance. The IIHS gives the 2026 QX80 "Good" scores across crashworthiness and crash-avoidance categories.

 

Final Statement:

Often overlooked and underestimated, the new Infiniti QX80 should be on your shopping list if you’re looking for a full-size luxury SUV. This one stands out with unique styling inside and out. Its refined road manners make it a great vehicle to take a road trip in and the seats inside are beyond comfortable. The luxury amenities extend all the way to the third row on top trims like the Autograph keeping everyone inside happy. While competitors like the Escalade and Navigator may come to mind first when thinking about this segment, the QX80 has been significantly improved. Opt for this one if you want something different that stands out.