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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As buyers start to enter the luxury realm, they have to begin their journey somewhere — and typically these days that’s with a compact luxury SUV.
Everyone from BMW (X3) to Mercedes-Benz (GLC) to Genesis (GV70) and more offer solid offerings in the category, but one brand that’s been there a while and continues to offer respectable offerings is Infiniti.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2025 Infiniti QX50, the brand’s smallest SUV offering.
Read on to learn 5 key things you need to know if you’re considering the QX50 as part of your search for a luxury ride.
1. Sharp design
On the outside, the QX50 features bold styling, including a no-nonsense grille and standout lighting designs.
Wheels are offered at 19 or 20 inches and in flashy designs, sidelines have a sleek look, and despite its age (last redesign in 2019), the QX50 is still a looker — portraying itself as muscular, but not ridiculous or gaudy.
Moving inside, the QX50 is a comfortable, roomy vehicle for all five passengers. Infiniti continues to make among the most attractive and comfortable interior designs in the luxury segment. My test vehicle featured attractive two-tone red and black leather seating, and plenty of legroom in the back seat compared to rivals in the compact segment. It feels bigger than its class, and the materials are high-quality, though perhaps a bit less luxurious than some rivals.
In the realm of luxury SUVs, Volvo has a variety of options to compete in this increasingly competitive category.
In the middle of their SUV lineup, stuck between the compact XC40 and three-row XC90 offering, is Volvo’s XC60 — a midsize SUV that will meet the needs of most SUV shoppers.
While it’s been seven years since the last full redesign of the XC60, the vehicle surprisingly still holds up well with the 2025 offering, which I recently had a chance to test. Offered in both regular and plug-in hybrid versions, the XC60 continues to offer attractive design, plenty of space inside, and excellent tech and safety features.
Read on for a full breakdown of how it compares in the luxury market vs. midsize SUV competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Luxury brands are among the leaders in the automotive industry when it comes to embracing EVs. Mercedes-Benz falls squarely in this group, with its EQ lineup of vehicles continuing to grow and lead the cutting edge of EV offerings for the well-to-do.
Mercedes-Benz’s extensive EQ lineup includes sedans as well as SUVs. To electrify its popular S-class model, Mercedes has created the EQS — which comes in both a sedan version and an SUV version.
I recently spent some time with a 2024 EQS SUV model (specifically the 2024 EQS 450+). The SUV version of the EQS is basically an elevated version of the EQS sedan.
First introduced in 2023, the EQS SUV features a roomy cargo area, impressive range, strong tech and a sharp design. Read on for a full report on how it measures up in the growing field of luxury electric SUVs — as it battles EV offerings from luxury heavyweights including Porsche, Audi and BMW, as well as non-luxury EV mainstay Tesla.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are plentiful and come in all shapes and sizes, including some uniquely designed smaller SUVs.
I recently spent some time driving one of those options, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic, a compact, beautiful and powerful luxury SUV.
First introduced in 2020, the GLB (the second smallest Benz SUV option) first gets your attention with its boxy design, then the AMG power and advanced technology take the GLB to the next level.
The 2024 AMG GLB35 takes on tough luxury competition including BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Read on to learn more about how the GLB holds up in this competitive segment.
LOOKS
Immediately of note is the GLB’s boxy but attractive look, which also helps with cargo space. The GLB gets a slight refresh for 2024 in the exterior design (front and rear lighting, bumper, etc.).
A large Benz logo highlights the front, along with a small AMG logo on the hood. Bold, rectangular designs are included on the grille and lighting up front.
In the realm of luxury vehicles, buyers can be very picky, so it’s good to have all your bases covered with a variety of models.
Take Infiniti for example. In addition to their compact SUV the QX50, Nissan’s luxury brand also introduced a new compact offering starting in the 2022 model year — calling it the QX55.
This vehicle adapts the QX50 into a more sporty coupe-style crossover design, improving its looks while maintaining a roomy interior (but sacrificing cargo space).
This coupe-style crossover segment has grown popular in recent years in the luxury segment, with offerings from Audi (Q5 Sportback), BMW (X4), Mercedes-Benz (GLC Coupe), Genesis (GV70) and others, and has emerged as its own niche category of luxury rides.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2024 Infiniti QX55, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up against the competition.
There’s no doubt that when listing the most iconic vehicles in modern history, the Range Rover — the most well-known offering in the Land Rover family of vehicles — is going to be a name that comes up consistently.
A vehicle unlike any other that is literally associated with royalty, this ultra-luxurious ride has an elegant and bold look, while also offering tremendous power and off-road capabilities and a family-friendly setup — a truly rare feat to achieve.
The number of top-shelf competitors in the Range Rover’s class is quite limited, including a Maybach SUV offering from Mercedes-Benz, the Bentley Bentayga, and if you stretch the category you can also include vehicles like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade and BMW X7, which are nice options but not quite as upscale.
I recently tested a three-row Range Rover SE (long-wheel base version with room for 7 passengers), and I’m back with a full report.
Electric vehicles continue to generate news, specifically regarding how ready the public are to adopt them en masse.
But in the luxury realm of vehicles, many automakers are fully committed to making EVs a priority, and Audi is one that fits that category — planning to make all new vehicle offerings electric by 2026, and completely electrify its vehicle lineup by 2033.
At the moment, they have several EV options for sale, and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of their flagship EV — the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron.
Improved for 2024 with a more powerful battery and longer range, improved aerodynamics, as well as some styling updates, the Q8 e-tron aims to be one of the main options for people looking to join the ranks of luxury EV ownership.
Read on for a full breakdown of what it has to offer and how well it competes in the overall EV landscape vs. rivals from BMW, Genesis, Jaguar and more.
For the past several years, I’ve called the Genesis an upstart in the luxury vehicle category, as they continued to drop solid vehicle after solid vehicle to take on the luxury mainstays who had long dominated their segment.
At this point, I’m dropping the upstart label, and instead just telling it like it is — the Genesis brand is one of the best options in the luxury market right now, period, and will continue to be so for a long time.
The latest Genesis vehicle I had a chance to experience is the GV70, a powerful and sporty compact SUV that comes in both gas and EV versions (I tested the gas-powered GV70).
The GV70 has been a strong competitor in the segment since debuting in 2022, shining straight out of the gate; and it hasn’t lost its luster despite tough competition growing every year in the sector.
Specifically, I drove the 2024 GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige, a trimmed-out version at the top of the GV70’s lineup that delivers bold looks, lots of power and cutting-edge technology.
The GV70 has some tough competition — including Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX, Jaguar F-PACE, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60 — so it’s got to come strong if it’s going to attract buyers.
The 2024 model year mostly carries over from the previous year’s GV70, but there are upgrades to the wheels and brakes, some upgraded safety features, and additional creature comforts on some models such as ventilated front seats.
Read on for my take on the GV70 and how it holds up in the cut-throat world of luxury SUVs.
With SUVs being the go-to for most car buyers these days, a brand has to have every angle covered in their SUV lineup.
This remains true in the luxury space, and Lexus decided to fill out its lineup for the 2024 model year with a brand new offering — the Lexus TX.
One way to think of the TX, a three-row model, is that it's the luxury version of the similarly sized but less upscale Toyota Grand Highlander SUV.
Another way is to think of it as one step up from the long-popular Lexus RX, but using a crossover design instead of the large, truck-based GX and LX models — which are built less for comfort and more for utility and towing ability.
Any way you describe it, one thing’s for sure: This is a large, roomy, classy, tech-savvy three-row SUV option that will be appreciated by any families that decide to take one home.
Competition is fierce, with strong three-row crossovers available from Audi, Acura, LIncoln, Volvo and other luxury leaders, but it definitely holds its own even as a first-year model.
Multiple versions of the TX are offered, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport.
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