Luxury automaker Infiniti introduced the third generation of its largest (and growing) SUV before the New York auto show. The redesigned 2025 QX80, formerly the QX56, is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model and has a new design for both the front and rear end. Infiniti also added more luxury and features to compete in the full-size SUV category with the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS Class and others.
General Motors owns this segment selling four of the top five models in the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevy Suburban and Cadillac Escalade. The QX80 is further down the list but gaining with a massive (76 percent) sales increase in 2023.
"The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is a giant leap forward for the nameplate and illustrates Infiniti's ambitions to bring the brand further upmarket. The current Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada, which are mechanically similar, have very little product differentiation; it's clear that Infiniti went to great lengths to ensure that this next-gen QX80 is elevated far above its more mainstream sibling," Paul Waatti, Director of Industry Analysis at AutoPacific told Newsweek.
"The latest QX80 showcases a bold design with a level of refinement in material choices and interior execution that is on par with the best in the segment. It finally brings contemporary technologies and infotainment, including desirable features like air suspension that luxury buyers often expect at this price point."
Infiniti says the new QX80 blends technology with inspiration from the natural world. It wears the newest version of the company's double-arch grille, while the shape of the LED daytime running lights are supposed to evoke feelings of a bamboo forest. The full-width taillights use more than 300 LEDs to form their shape while flush door handles retract when driving and extend when the owner comes near.
A welcome lighting sequence also initializes when a driver approaches, starting at the Infiniti emblem, running to the edges and then to the ground using the under-mirror light projectors when the Infiniti Light Path option is chosen.
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 now offers only a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, rated for 450 horsepower (hp) and 516 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. The outgoing model delivered 400-hp from a 5.6-liter V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The new model has a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the less-expensive Pure and Luxe models, while all-wheel drive is optional. On the Sensory and Autograph trim all-wheel drive is standard. All models feature a drive modes for Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Tow and Personal.
The cabin, with 10 extra cubic feet of interior space, features soft layered materials with soft ambient lighting. Two 14.3-inch displays are integrated into the dashboard while a third climate screen splits the driver and passenger seat in front of the large armrest. The digital driver cluster is customizable with Classic, Elegant and Enhanced modes. It can be controlled through the jog wheel on the right of the steering wheel. That dial can also operate the central touchscreen when the driver wants to keep their hands on the wheel.
Google Built-in is standard with Assistant, Maps and the Play app store, as is voice control and ambient lighting. For devices, USB-c ports are available in all three rows. Infiniti now offers heated and cooled seats in the first two rows, and heated seats only in the third row. It's the only full-size SUV to offer the feature. Surprisingly there is no mention of Apple CarPlay in the new QX80.
With the larger from comes more cargo room, up 18 percent behind the second row and 30 percent behind the third row. It also has a flatter floor than the outgoing model when the seats are lowered, in addition to having the lowest liftover height in the segment (when the available air suspension is in its Access position).
Standard safety features on the 2025 Infiniti QX80 include Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Prevention. Trailer Blind Spot Warning now works when towing trailers up to 33 feet, according to Infiniti.
It has two levels of advanced driver assistance with ProPilot Assist 1.1 as standard. It combines Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assistance. It also adjusts vehicle speed for curves and interchanges proactively. ProPilot Assist 2.1 is optional on Luxe and Sensory (standard on Autograph) and allows attentive drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain freeway driving scenarios.
Read more: How to Refinance a Car Loan
The seven- or eight-passenger Infiniti QX80 starts at $82,450. All-wheel drive adds $3,100. The most expensive all-wheel drive Autograph trim is $110,595. The Lincoln Navigator is close to that, starting at $84,760 and going up to $115,790. The Escalade also compares, starting at $83,890 and going up to $154,290 depending on the trim and size.
And now the QX80 is sized to compete with those luxury competitors, as well as the non-luxury full-size options. It has a long way to climb to catch the leaders, but another few years like 2023 will help.
Read more: Compare Top Auto Loan Refinance Lenders
"The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is far more competitive in the full-size luxury SUV space than the current model. While the segment king, the Cadillac Escalade, isn't likely to be knocked off its perch, the QX80 could very well steal some market share from Jeep's Grand Wagoneer, Lincoln Navigator, and even higher-end GMC Yukon models," said Waatti.
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 goes on sale this summer.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is the Managing Editor for the Autos team at Newsweek. He has previously worked for Autoweek, The Detroit ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
