Fans of the Infiniti brand have spent a long time waiting for an updated design on its largest SUV, and it’s finally here. And I’m not exaggerating, as the QX80 — Infiniti’s big three-row whale — hasn’t seen a full redesign since 2011, which is 14 years if you’re counting.

For the 2025 model year, Infiniti has made major updates to the exterior, redesigned the interior, changed out the engine, implemented major tech upgrades, and hopes to become more competitive vs. key luxury rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, BMW X7, and Lexus LX.

The bold, long-anticipated redesign of the QX80 delivers. A great tech setup and roomy interior makes this a solid luxury SUV competitor once again after some down years.

This is the flagship ride for Infiniti, so it’s good to see it return to glory after some down years while rivals made improvements.

Read on to learn 5 key things you should know if you’re considering taking home the new 2025 Infiniti QX80.

1.
Strong tech upgrades

Technology is among the most important considerations for many car buyers these days, so Infiniti knew it had to come strong with the infotainment setup in the 2025 QX80 and significantly improve what the previous generation had to offer.

They succeed in doing so, with a massive new 14.3-inch screen up top in the center that is bright and clear, customizable, offers multiple tiles for various pieces of information, and is responsive to touch commands. There’s also another 14.3-inch screen in front of the driver showing key gauges and information.

A second 9-inch touchscreen in the center console controls climate function and drive modes, and is responsive to inputs with haptic feedback. This section is also well-designed and user-friendly, and the buttons to shift gears are among the very few physical buttons in this touchscreen-heavy vehicle, making the QX80’s new design quite high-tech and forward looking.

Beyond all that, voice commands can be used and are effective, with the vehicle understanding commands clearly. A wireless phone charger is also well placed in the center console. All in all, you get a major improvement over past Infiniti tech setups. Google Maps, Google Play app store, and Google Voice Assistant are all included.

Klipsch sound systems boom loud and clear in the QX80, with 14-speaker and 24-speaker versions offered.

In terms of safety tech, you get the latest ProPilot Assist system for self-driving on highways and other scenarios, plus the usual helpful features we’ve come to expect on these big rides — such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure prevention and many more.

The birds-eye camera offered in the QX80 features 3D surround-view monitoring with motion detection, plus an ultra-wide front angle that will help you maneuver in and out of tight spaces.

All safety systems are responsive and warn of potential danger, yet are not overly sensitive. Last but not least, the ProPilot Assist self-driving system worked well to steer the vehicle. But steering wheel controls in the QX80 were a bit wonky to activate this feature.

2.
Spacious interior

A truly versatile family vehicle, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 offers an extra roomy interior, with seating for 7 or 8, depending on configuration.

The QX80 upgrades its interior setup for 2025 and is now more spacious in all 3 rows, even the rear seats, which both kids and adults can fit into comfortably.

Whether hauling cargo or lots of people, the new QX80 has you covered well.
The amount of cargo space is impressive, with 101 cubic feet available with the 2nd and 3rd rows down, 59 cubic feet with the rear row down, and 22 cubic feet with all seats up.

You can access the third row with the simple push of a button on the second row seats, which moves the seats forward to allow entry. Lowering rear seats can be done through a button in the rear of the vehicle to maximize cargo space.

Infiniti’s interiors used to be among the best in the luxury business, but had been sliding a bit in recent years. The redesigned QX80 brings it back to its status as one of the more high-end vehicle interiors you’ll find anywhere, period.

Beyond the high-quality semi-aniline leather, you can also get massaging seats in both the first and second rows, which is rare, plus a tech-savvy design and attractive trim features. There’s also plenty of small storage areas and cup holders throughout the vehicle, and lots of charging ports for the whole family that will come in handy on road trips.

Ambient lighting options include 64 different color choices, and you can even cool down drinks in the center console.

As a whole, the 2025 QX80 looks and feels truly luxurious, and recent model years had lost that feeling. It's back to its glory days in terms of prestige.

3.
Design upgrades

Redesigned for 2025, the Infiniti QX80 is one of the most recognizable large SUVs on the market right now. The first thing that jumps out at you is the bold new look up front  — an in-your-face grille, paired with a unique lighting setup, that manages to maintain a bit of a classy design and a bit of sleekness.

Large wheels are included, coming in at 20 or 22 inches. The overall look of the QX80 is not as flashy as some rivals, but still very pleasing to the eye.

Side running boards allow everyone, even short adults and children, to easily access this big ride. It’s also important to note that the QX80 is a very heavy vehicle, weighing in around the 6,000 pound range, and measuring around 17 feet long and 80 inches wide.

The way these super-sized SUVs are designed is so high up, you feel like king of the world when you’re behind the wheel, and all other vehicles look like miniature toys.

4.
Powerful engine

To move a beast of a vehicle like this, you need a quality engine.

Infiniti has provided just that, with all trim levels featuring a powerhouse 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine pushing out 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

This turbo V6 replaces the former V8 power plant in the QX80, and it provides a significant upgrade from past models.

Most trims also feature an impressive air spring suspension that boosts ride quality. The QX80 comes with rear-wheel drive on lower trims (Pure and Luxe), and all-wheel drive comes with the Sensory and Autograph trims.

Even with the size of the QX80, this motor gets you moving 0-to-60 in just over 6 seconds, which is respectable. For a massive ride, the speed and handling is quite impressive, both on highways and main roads. You know you are driving a large SUV but it is not unmanageable or difficult to maneuver.

The QX80 feels fast, brakes well, and the suspension impresses, all the while staying very quiet inside the vehicle. Overall I would say the QX80 is a bit less fun to drive than some rivals, but still offers a solid drive quality.

It also offers impressive towing capabilities at 8,500 pounds, a competitive number among the remaining body-on-frame SUVs. Drive modes include: Personal, Standard, Eco, Sport, Tow, and Snow.

5.
Disappointing fuel mileage, high price tag

Being an extra-large vehicle, fuel economy is going to be one area where the QX80 suffers.

The official numbers listed are 16 city/20 highway/18 combined on the RWD model, and 16/19/17 on the AWD version.

With a tank size of roughly 24 gallons, that will provide nearly 500 miles of highway range if you can achieve those numbers.

In reality, though, the numbers didn’t work out that well in my testing. I averaged about 13 mpg through a mix of city and highway driving. While these are disappointing numbers, even in this segment, fuel mileage is likely not the deciding factor for most buyers in this price range.

The other major downside to the QX80 is of course the price tag, as luxury full-size SUVs tend not to fall on the inexpensive side.

Starting around $84K is a high entry point, but if you’re looking for a bright spot, it starts out lower than rival full-size luxury SUVs from BMW, Land Rover and Cadillac.

And if you max out the QX80, you can reach into the $110K range, but some rivals blast far past and into the $150K+ realm, making it a bargain if you look at it that way.

Warranties are competitive, including:

— Overall warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty covers four years or 70,000 miles
— Free scheduled maintenance for three years or 45,000 miles

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While other Kia SUVs are more likely to end up in the headlines, there are some lurking in the lineup that are also solid options for SUV shoppers to consider.

One such vehicle is the Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV that slots into the Kia SUV lineup just below the larger Kia Telluride and the smaller Kia Sportage, and comes in a variety of versions (two gas-only engines, a hybrid offering, and a plug-in hybrid).

Buyers seeking a high-quality three-row SUV, but whose budgets are too tight for a Telluride, are a key target of the Sorento.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige model, and I’m back with a full report. (Note: I tested a 2024 model, but it carries over for 2025)

With the demand for SUVs as high as it’s ever been, automakers are wise to cover all bases and offer additional models and vehicle styles to fit different buyers.

For Volkswagen, which already offers the Volkswagen Atlas three-row SUV, that means also having a shorter two-row version of the Atlas  — dubbed the Atlas Cross Sport — for folks who need fewer seats and are seeking a sharper look.

There’s a ton of strong competitors in the midsize SUV segment (including Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, and many others), so the Atlas Cross Sport must clear a high bar to make a significant impact.

New for 2024 is an updated engine (a four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous model’s V6 but adds power), and some styling updates and additional standard tech features.

I recently spent some time in a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line, a midsize SUV which catches your eye with its attractive, sloping roofline, and I’m back with a full report on this stylish ride.

For families shopping for an SUV that will serve their needs, the Toyota Highlander has long been on the list of vehicles to consider, in part because it can hold up to 8 passengers and lots of cargo.

This three-row midsize SUV isn’t the class-leader in all areas (some rivals are more luxurious, and have more third-row space, for example), but collectively it delivers an excellent experience that has led to it being a top seller in the segment for many years.

A full redesign of the Highlander hasn’t happened since 2020, but there was a change in the engine offerings starting with the 2023 model, which carried over to 2024. The new engine is a turbo 4-cylinder instead of the V6 offering that had been offered prior. And the new Highlander features an updated tech system that delivers an excellent user experience.

There are a ton of major vehicles in this segment — including Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and more. Read on to see how the Highlander holds up in this very popular and competitive category of three-row family haulers.

The interest in Hyundai’s SUVs has seen a resurgence in recent years due to some high-profile new models including the popular Palisade, but the brand’s SUV history started way back in 2001 with the introduction of the Santa Fe SUV.

Still around decades later, the Santa Fe is now considered the midsize SUV offering from Hyundai — slotting in between the smaller Tucson and the larger Palisade — and remains a stout competitor in a massive sea of crossovers that dwarves what was available two decades ago.

I recently spent some time beyond the wheel of a 2023 Santa Fe Calligraphy model, the final year of the current look before an anticipated 2024 redesign,  and I’m back with a full report on how this family 5-seater measures up in this busy SUV landscape.

Mazda has announced the brand new 2024 Mazda CX-90, a three-row SUV built on Mazda's all-new large platform. The CX-90 represents the company's new flagship vehicle with wider, longer, and more aggressive proportions. Mazda CX-90 is available with all-new electrified powertrains, including an inline 6 turbo and a plug-in hybrid, that offer drivers enhanced performance and efficiency.
2024-Mazda-CX-90-Reveal

"At Mazda, our focus is to deliver an ownership experience that enriches the lives of our customers. With each new vehicle launch, we challenge ourselves to progress through our human-centric approach of design and engineering," said Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "CX-90 offers powerful and responsive performance, alluring design, and intuitive technology. We're very proud of our team's work on CX-90, which we know is a breakthrough vehicle in its segment."

As with all Mazda vehicles, CX-90 is designed with the driver in mind. With seating for up to eight passengers, CX-90 can accommodate families and friends in all three rows. Cabin space, cargo capacity, safety features, and many amenities are optimized for their needs.

BMW has a variety of popular models, but even for this sports-car focused brand, SUVs are increasingly stealing the spotlight.

Case in point: The BMW X3 — a compact luxury SUV offering — is now the brand’s best-selling model in the U.S. with over 75,000 vehicles sold in 2021.

That’s a tremendous success considering the strong competition in this sector from brands including Genesis, Benz, Audi, Cadillac, Lincoln and more.

I recently tested the 2022 BMW X3, which features design upgrades as well as tech improvements, and I’m back with a full report.

As large as vehicles have gotten these days, with the biggest SUVs looking more and more like monster trucks than ever, there is still a strong market — particularly among younger people and those who drive mainly in urban areas — for smaller and more maneuverable vehicles that don’t take up so much space.

That’s where vehicles like the 2022 Nissan Kicks — a subcompact crossover first introduced a few years back — come into play. WIth a no-frills approach that’s the polar opposite of the ultra luxury offerings available today, it’s focused mainly on offering an attractive, tech-savvy ride that is also affordable.

I recently tested the 2022 Nissan Kicks (in the top SR trim level), and I’m back with a full report of what it offers and how it compares to the myriad small SUV offerings available to today’s car-buying public.

If we’re talking about Hyundai SUVs, most of the focus in recent months is on the Palisade, Hyundai’s new full-size three-row model that was a finalist for the NACTOY Utility of the Year. But the good news for Hyundai, and the SUV-buying public, is that even if the Palisade isn’t the best fit for all consumers, there’s plenty of strength throughout Hyundai’s SUV lineup.

Once such example is the midsize Santa Fe, which got a full redesign in 2019 and sees minor changes for 2020. I recently spent some time in a Santa Fe, and I’m back with a full report on how it compares in this highly competitive segment.

LOOKS

The exterior design of the Santa Fe is svelte and elegant, yet still a bit imposing at the same time.

I was impressed with the quality of the materials used on the interior, which was approaching near-luxury territory on the Limited trim level that I tested. Highlights included a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel and extremely comfortable leather seating. You also get heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, push-button start, manual rear sunshades, and a long and attractive panoramic sunroof

In the U.S., the vehicle trend in recent years has been “bigger is better”. Sedans are disappearing every year, and large SUVs appear to be growing on trees.

Even companies that had traditionally were not focused on the larger SUV category are now dipping their toes in the water. Once such company is Hyundai, which debuted its 2020 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV during 2019.

LOOKS

The Palisade is the largest SUV ever offered by Hyundai, jumping to the top of their lineup above the Santa Fe, Kona and Tucson. And it’s an impressive debut, to say the least.

A corporate cousin to the Kia Telluride (another impressive debut for the 2020 model year in this segment), the Palisade offers an attractive design, both on the exterior and the roomy interior setup.