2023 INFINITI QX80

 

WITH UPDATES COMING, INFINITI’S FLAGSHIP SUV HAS A FAMILIAR LOOK FOR 2023

With a major — some would say overdue — overhaul apparently in the works for next year, the 2023 Infiniti QX80 is pretty much unchanged in appearance or details from recent years, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

As a roomy, comfortable vehicle with easy to operate tech features it offers a competitive price in the large luxury SUV segment and now features Infiniti’s  complimentary Premium Care package that provides three years of inspections, oil changes and tire rotations and more.

Actually, all 2023 Infiniti models sold in the U.S. now come with that program included, not just the QX80. But it’s still worth mentioning.

The 2023 Infiniti QX80 comes in three trim levels — Luxe, Premium Select, and Sensory, all equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and Infiniti’s All-Mode 4-wheel drive as an option to the standard rear-wheel drive. With the V8’s 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, it has a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds depending on the configuration.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Snow and Towing modes for specific conditions. Fuel economy, however, is a lack-luster 13 miles-per-gallon city, 19 highway, 15 combined, though some segment competitors are rated just as thirsty.

This is definitely not a vehicle for three-huggers, but then you can say that about any 7-8 passenger SUV with a full-throated V8.

This review is based on the 2023 Infiniti QX80 Sensory trim, but all trims come with a long list of standard safety features and provide passengers with lots of comfort and room.

In addition to the usual collection of seatbelts and airbags, all QX80 models get forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision, rear cross-traffic alert, around view monitor (a necessity in a vehicle this size), blind-spot warning and intervention system, and lane-departure prevention. Front-pre-cash seat belts also are standard on Sensory models.

This review is based on the 2023 Infiniti QX70 Sensory. Standard features included Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen for functions and navigation, Bose Premium Sound, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, wi-fi, wireless phone charging, leather-wrapped steering wheel, semi-Aniline leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated seats for the second row, and power-reclining seats for the third row.

Exterior features include LED headlights and foglights, a power moonroof and roof rails, a fixed running board, power rear liftgate.

Sensory and Premium Select models ride on 22-inch cast aluminum wheels. Luxe models get 20-inchers.

In addition to the cabin’s classiness, it also is spacious. Second-row legroom is actually a bit more (41 inches) than than the front row (39.6), but the third row is not really suitable for adults with only 28.8 inches of legroom and 19.7 inches of knee room.

With a length of 210.2 inches, all that passenger space still leaves room for good cargo capacity, starting with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row. With those seats folded, space is increased to 49.6 cubic feet. Max capacity is 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Infiniti QX80 starts at $74,405 (including the hefty $1,605 destination and delivery charge) for the Luxe trim with RWD,  $78,905 for Premium Select, and $85,955 for the top-of-the-line Sensory. For models with 4WD add $3,100.

What I liked about the 2023 Infiniti QX80 Sensory: The V8 engine provides plenty of punch and towing capacity. Braking power is excellent (as I found out when people twice ran red lights crossing my lane). Though critics decry the dated look of the interior, it is very sophisticated. The standard running boards give easy access to the cabin, and the power adjustable steering wheel automatically raises when the engine is cut off to get out of the way of the driver’s legs when exiting. Tech features are user-friendly. Seats are comfortable and the ride is quiet.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Infiniti QX80 Sensory: All that power makes for a thirsty engine. Rear storage room when the third-row seats are left in place may be inadequate to handle all the stuff/gear a large family might bring along for vacation. That is typical of three-row SUVs.

Would I buy the 2023 Infiniti QX80 Sensor? I’m not a fan of big, ponderous full-size SUVs so I would not go for the QX80. If you are dreaming of one (like my Nissan Armada-owning neighbor) and can live without updates that are in the works for 2024, you might find a bargain in the 2023 model and be happy.