The 2026 Infiniti QX80: A Behemoth of Luxury and Capability
Despite all the advancements in automotive technology aimed at making cars smaller, more efficient, and better packaged, large SUVs continue to dominate the market, especially in the United States. Their enduring popularity can be attributed to a complex mix of psychological and practical reasons. People love getting more car for their money—more power, more seats, more luxury, and more functions. And the 2026 Infiniti QX80 fits this mold perfectly, offering a lavish driving experience with its impressive size and power.
A Luxurious Take on a Proven Model
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is essentially a more luxurious iteration of the already formidable Nissan Armada. Infiniti has taken the Armada’s robust foundation and elevated it with additional luxury features, resulting in a vehicle that embodies the quintessential American luxury SUV, albeit from a Japanese brand. While the Nissan Armada already exuded a sense of luxury, the QX80 amplifies this with greater opulence and capabilities, albeit at a significantly higher price point.
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Under the Hood: Power That Impresses
Beneath the QX80’s imposing exterior lies a slightly tuned version of the Armada’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. While this is only a modest increase over the Armada’s output, it highlights Infiniti’s approach to enhancing performance without overhauling the engine entirely. The power is transmitted to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds—impressive for any SUV.
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However, this power comes at a cost. With a combined fuel efficiency of just 17 miles per gallon and a requirement for premium gasoline, the QX80 is not the most economical choice, especially with rising fuel prices in 2026.
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Sportiness
Driving the QX80 offers a pleasant experience, thanks to its smooth ride and quiet engine. While it’s not built for sporty driving, the QX80 provides ample power for quick acceleration when needed. Its substantial curb weight of 6,127 pounds doesn’t hinder its performance, making it suitable for various driving scenarios, including towing a boat to the marina.
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Interior: Luxurious Yet Subtle
The QX80’s interior is expectedly luxurious, featuring self-heating, ventilating, and massaging seats, real ash wood paneling, and abundant leather. However, it doesn’t attempt to make a bold statement like some of its competitors. Instead, it offers a refined and comfortable space, akin to sitting in a well-appointed boat rather than a high-tech office.
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Infiniti has opted to replace the Armada’s physical buttons with a large touchscreen for controlling interior amenities, which may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer tactile feedback.
Price and Value: A Considerable Investment
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is the priciest offering from Nissan’s luxury division in North America, with a base price of $86,850. The model reviewed here was the Sport trim, featuring additional luxury features and a starting price of $102,645. Optional extras and destination charges can push the total cost to a staggering $108,160.
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While over $100,000 is a hefty sum, the QX80 offers competitive towing capability, surpassing the Cadillac Escalade and nearly matching the Lincoln Navigator. However, its interior space lags slightly behind some competitors, raising questions about its overall value.
Conclusion: A Middle-of-the-Road Giant
In the context of today’s market, the 2026 Infiniti QX80 is an objectively extravagant vehicle. It offers a unique blend of power, luxury, and capability. Yet, it finds itself in the middle of the pack among other high-end SUVs, providing a compelling choice for those who prioritize towing and understated luxury.
Alex Hevesy/SlashGear
For more details, visit the full review here.
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