Once known as the QX56, this full-size three-row SUV was introduced by Infiniti for 2004. A second generation arrived for 2011, the 2018 refresh of which felt old from the jump. Infiniti’s strategy of leaving its flagship model out to dry is reflected in our MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings: the 2024 QX80 lists last among luxury full-size three-row SUVs.

That could change with the arrival of the 2025 Infiniti QX80. Redesigned, the new QX80 is more than just a vehicle for Infiniti: the automaker says it represents a brand renaissance, showcasing new design language and premium features that’ll influence upcoming Infiniti models. That’s a worthy pursuit—but is this luxury three-row SUV enough for the here and now?

Now Actually New

Name changes and styling alterations could never hide how the outgoing Infiniti QX80 was built on an old truck platform. Like before, the new 2025 QX80 is built using body-on-frame construction. Here, though, it’s a new frame Infiniti says has 25 percent more torsional stiffness and 57 percent more lateral stiffness, providing a foundation for dynamic refinements.

The 2025 Infiniti QX80’s powertrain isn’t electrified in any way, yet it boasts significant power increases and slight efficiency gains compared to the outgoing 5.6-liter V-8. Thank the two turbochargers bolted to its 3.5-liter V-6, an evolution of prior Infiniti engine blueprints. It produces 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, increases of 50 hp and 103 lb-ft compared to the V-8. Meanwhile, fuel economy measures an estimated 16/20 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive, and 15/19 mpg with available four-wheel drive. Those are very slight gains in city driving compared to 2024; highway numbers are unchanged. Credit the new nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the outgoing seven-speed as a contributor.

Luxurious Looks and Modern Tech

The 2025 QX80 is the first vehicle shaped by Infiniti’s new Artistry in Motion design language. Previewed by the QX Monograph concept, the automaker describes its profile as anti-wedge. The imposing, blocky stance is intensified by slab-like bodywork; pop-out handles that go flush with the door panels enhance the monolithic presence. Subtle creases in the metal further distance this QX80 from its somewhat puffy predecessor. Aside from sheer size, the QX80 stands out with lighting elements segmented into what Infiniti calls a “digital piano key” arrangement—not to mention an illuminated logo within the latticed grille.

If the exterior takes a relatively minimalist aesthetic, the interior shows off as lavish. In the range-topping QX80 Autograph we assessed, red Nappa leather lined all three rows, further embellished by quilting and contrast stitching. Aluminum brightwork flashed from behind laser-cut open-pore-wood trim panels. Backlit Infiniti script on the dashboard complemented ambient lighting strips which can be configured in seasonal themes. Attention to detail is high; liners in the cupholders and storage bins have a linear texture inspired by Japanese Zen gardens.

On the dashboard, dual 14.3-inch digital displays are separated by a 5-millimeter gap. The graphics and fonts are too much like those you find in Nissan vehicles than is warranted for a luxurious Infiniti, and some QX80 rivals have higher-resolution displays. Such gripes aside, each screen is responsive and rather reconfigurable. Function tiles on the infotainment display can be arranged for individual preferences—for example, the massage settings can be brought out of a sub-menu and onto the main screen. Separately, a 9.0-inch touchscreen dedicated to climate controls and drive modes is positioned on the center console. It seems reasonably easy to use thanks to its large digital buttons and clear haptic feedback.

Infiniti pioneered the 360-degree camera common in cars today, and the automaker brings new camera views to the 2025 QX80. A transparent hood function simplifies inching up to a parking block, and an ultrawide-view mode uses a camera in the grille to broaden the driver’s vision from what’s possible inside the cabin.

As penance for its past infotainment misgivings, Infiniti equipped the 2025 QX80 with Google built-in, making familiar maps, robust voice recognition, and apps downloadable from the Play store part of the driving experience. Infiniti also added its latest Pro Pilot Assist 2.1 suite of driving and active safety features, which offers a hands-free driving function on pre-mapped stretches of highway. For hands-on assistance, a capacitive sensor detects when the driver is keeping hold of the steering wheel.