2026 Infiniti QX80 Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Infiniti’s biggest family hauler is the full-size three-row 2026 QX80. The luxury SUV shares bones with the Nissan Armada, and the previous generation of the Infiniti lasted a remarkable 14 model years.
Luxury full-size SUV competitors include the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
What’s New
The third-generation QX80 arrived last year with a stronger engine, more space, and several updated technologies. The luxury SUV receives a new Sport model for 2026, which replaces the Sensory trim in the lineup. Features include standard ProPilot Assist 2.1, as well as:
Exterior
- A new front grille
- Restyled front bumper
- Model-specific 22-inch wheels
- Darkened mirror caps, lower bumper finishers, roof rails, badges, and accents
- Available Mineral Black, Radiant White, Grand Blue, or Dynamic Metal exterior colors; the latter three hues can be paired with a Black Obsidian roof
Interior
- A Dusk Blue interior with dark matte chrome accents, graphite colored headliner and pillars, and open-pore wood trim for the dash and doors
- Black and blue seat inserts with diamond pattern perforations
- Second-row massaging seats
- Semi-aniline leather-upholstered heated third-row seats
- Front console cool box
- In-car camera
What We Think
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is the best version of the luxury full-size three-row SUV so far, but rivals like the Escalade and Navigator have been setting standards in the class for decades.
With its redesign last year, the QX80 finally moved away from simply being an upscale Nissan Armada and carved out its own distinct identity. Exterior features like the Infiniti’s new characteristic face and available retractable running boards set the luxury SUV apart, as do its rich interior and trim materials that include open-pore wood and etched metal.
Even the second row is well-equipped, and the ute’s large windows facilitate excellent outward visibility. The upgrade audio hits hard, too. Ergonomics in the first row could be a little better, though. The center console cool box was hard to reach, and the button for the phone charger cover is in an inconvenient spot. The SUV’s seat massagers were also somewhat weak.
Driving dynamics are about what you’d hope for from a large luxury SUV. Ride and handling balance is great, with the suspension more on the compliant side. Though not as quick as the previous QX80, ProPilot Assist self-driving was useful to have and reliable.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
Once powered by a non-turbo V-8 engine, the QX80 now comes equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the large SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a MotorTrend-tested 6.8 seconds. That’s not too shabby for a vehicle that weighs roughly three tons.
In GLS450 AWD guise, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a smaller 3.0-liter twin-charged (meaning it uses both turbo and superchargers) I-6 engine that generates a significantly lower output of 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. However, that luxury SUV can reach 60 mph in a much quicker 5.5 seconds.
MPGs and Range
The QX80’s bulk exacts a toll. Fuel economy is understandably disappointing, with last year’s RWD model returning 16/20 mpg city/highway and the AWD getting a similar 16/19 mpg. Total range for the RWD is 425 miles, while the AWD can only go as far as 401 miles.
Like acceleration, fuel economy for the 2025 GLS450 is also better, rated at 19/24 mpg city/highway. With that, the Mercedes SUV can travel some 500 miles with a full tank.
Safety Ratings and Features
The QX80 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the institute’s highest distinction. The SUV receives good ratings in every test category. Standard driver-assist features include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane keeping
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- 360 camera
- Driver focus monitor
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Standard cargo room in the QX80 compares favorably to the Navigator and GLS-Class. With both rows of seats folded, the Lincoln has a slight capacity advantage.
Technology
Infotainment
The 2026 QX80 continues to feature a 14.3-inch configurable driver display and 14.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a second 9.0-inch touchscreen in the center stack, dedicated to climate controls. The infotainment system runs on Google’s platform, but Apple CarPlay is also compatible. A wireless phone charger and eight USB ports are also standard.
Sound System
This SUV offers a choice between a 12-speaker Klipsch system or an upgraded 24-speaker system with front headrest speakers.
Available Upgrades
Two versions of ProPilot Assist are available: Version 1.1, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and Version 2.1, which adds hands-free driving capability under certain freeway driving conditions.
With the Autograph trim, a rear touchscreen for controlling second- and third-row climate settings is integrated into the center console. Additional available features include a color head-up display, 64-color ambient lighting, a refrigerated center console box, heated third-row seats, and massaging second-row seats.
Value
Standard Features
Decent quickness and an abundance of driver assists are supplemented by standard big screens, lots of USB ports, and generous space. Plenty of niceties are included, too, like puddle lamps, panoramic moonroof, remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power folding side mirrors and third-row seating.
Recommended Trim
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is available with four trims this year: Pure, Luxe, new Sport, Autograph. The premium feature content that comes with the top model makes it hard to resist, considering the top three grades all come with the air suspension.
New 2026 QX80 Sport
Infiniti diversifies the QX80 lineup for 2026 by introducing the new Sport trim (badged S). Although not any more powerful or otherwise performance-tuned than the standard QX80, the new S model dons darkened exterior trim accents and exclusive Grand Blue paint. Inside, striking Dusk Blue leather upholstery is reserved for the QX80 S. It borrows generously from the Autograph trim, including a 24-speaker Klipsch audio system, massaging seats, and biometric cabin cooling. At $104,140, it still leaves out some key features like hands-free ProPilot Assist 2.1.
