2022 INFINITI QX80

 

NEW SCREEN, EXTRA FEATURES COME

WITH INFINITI’S QX80 FLAGSHIP SUV

As the biggest vehicle in the company’s fleet, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 serves as Infiniti’s flagship SUV and has done so since debuting as the QX56 in 2004.

The name change came for 2014 when Infiniti abandoned the practice of using the numbers in its alpha-numeric nomenclature to designate engine size. The QX56, for example, came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine. The new system instead reflected the vehicle’s place in Infiniti’s portfolio. The higher number, the higher the vehicle’s place in the hierarchy.

So, no, the QX80 does not cram an 8L V8 into its engine compartment but at 210.2 inches long and 75.8 tall, it is significantly bigger than the next 3-row SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, the QX60 at 198.2 and 69.7 inches, respectively. It’s also the most expensive of Infiniti’s products.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 gets its mojo from a 5.8L V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 85 hp and 20 lb.ft. that the V8 in the 2004 QX56 produced.

It is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and provides a healthy 8,500-pound towing capacity in either 2-wheel or all-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case for off-road excursions.

Power is not the issue with the 2022 Infiniti QX80. AWD models zip from zero-to-60 mph in a tick under 6 seconds, according to zeroto60times.com. But fuel economy definitely is. The government reports figures of 13 miles-per-gallon city, 19 highway, and 15 combined for all-wheel drive models and 14/20/16 for those with rear-wheel drive.

And yes, that is using recommended premium fuel.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 comes in three trims starting with the base Luxe that rides on 20-inch wheels. The upgraded Premium Select and the Sensory trim that this review is based on get 22-inch dark chrome wheels as standard.

The roomy interior has not changed all that much since the redesign of the QX56 in 2011, which makes it subject to criticism of being “outdated” in some corners, but there is an air of sophistication about it. Why change just for the sake of change?

One change in the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory, however, is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation that replaces the former dual-screen setup in previous models. Wireless Smart Phone charging and Apple CarPlay USB-based Android Auto also are new standard features. 

Other standard items on the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded leather seat surfaces throughout, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row heated seats, an advanced automatic climate control system. power moonroof. and Bose premium sound system. 

The cabin overall is pretty spacious with front seats providing 39.6 inches of legroom and those in the second-row 41.0 inches The third row is tight with just 28.8 inches of legroom.

The second-row captain chairs do not slide forward to grant any more space but do flip forward to allow easy access to the the far back. You can get a bench seat for the second row if you prefer.

Driver assistance features for the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory include Driver Attention Alert, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Backup Collision Intervention.

Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and an Around View Monitor are among standard safety features.

For the exterior, LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights are standard on every 2022 Infiniti QX80 as is a power liftgate and silver painted roof rails.

Pricing for the 2022 Infiniti QX80 starts at a very competitive $71,395 for RWD Luxe trim, including $1,395 for destination and delivery. RWD Premium Select models start at $75,095, RWD Sensory trim at $83,630.

All-wheel drive adds $3,100 to each trim.

My test 2022 QX80 Sensory added a couple of options, including a rear-seat entertainment system, that ran the final bottom line to $87,985.

What I liked about  the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory: Premium touches give the roomy interior a sophisticated look. It cruises comfortably and quietly on the highway. The V8 engine packs enough punch to move its nearly three-ton heft comfortably.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory: Some of the features in the updated infotainment system are fussy to get to. I miss the dual screen setup that separated functions like the navigation map and radio, allowing you to adjust one without affecting the other. Storage space behind the third row is severely compromised when the backseats are in place. Capacity behind the third row is 16.6 cubic feet, but much of that is vertical. It is 49.6 cubic feet with the far back seats folded. Finally, the QX80 is very thirsty even taking into consideration its class.

Would I buy the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory? As the top trim in the QX80 lineup, the Sensory comes with a significantly higher starting MSRP than base Luxe and Premium Select trims and the extra standard features in the Sensory may not be worth it. I personally have no need for a large SUV, but if that is your target vehicle, don’t skip past the QX80.