The full-size luxury SUV category has never been more competitive. Yet for 2026, Infiniti’s fully transformed QX80 demonstrates a level of maturity, technical depth, and passenger-centric engineering that finally positions it among the segment’s genuine heavyweights. What was once a model known primarily for durability now becomes a luxury flagship designed to meet—and in specific areas exceed—the expectations of buyers cross-shopping the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and the latest Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 blends authentic presence, meticulous craftsmanship, and unexpected efficiency in a package that feels every bit the modern luxury statement. This is no mid-cycle enhancement; it is a top-to-bottom transformation that redefines the QX80’s identity.
2026 Infiniti QX80 – Key Highlights
- Full redesign with elevated proportions and premium materials
- 450 hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
- Available air-spring suspension and advanced dampers
- 23 mpg real-world highway fuel economy (AWD Lux trim)
- Best-in-class 8,500-lb towing rating
- Hands-free driving with ProPILOT Assist 2.1
- Twin 14.3-inch digital displays with Google Built-In
- New “Sport” trim with blackout exterior package and 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio
Design and Presence: A More Commanding QX80
Infiniti’s exterior redesign successfully gives the 2026 QX80 the visual authority it previously lacked. Its upright stance, deep shoulder lines, and expansive grille communicate a sense of permanence and refined strength. The Sport trim, positioned just beneath the flagship Autograph, adopts a blackout design theme with:
- Cross-hatched grille
- More aggressive front fascia with integrated splitter
- Darkened chrome
- 22-inch six-spoke wheels
The result is a QX80 that can be configured either as a sophisticated, understated luxury cruiser or a more muscular, assertive presence—depending on trim selection.
Interior: A True Three-Row Luxury Experience
The cabin is the area where the QX80’s transformation feels most significant. Infiniti prioritized tactile quality, acoustic refinement, and functional luxury in ways that now rival the segment’s most respected contenders.
Cabin Materials and Craftsmanship
- Semi-aniline leather with soft-touch surfaces
- Genuine open-pore wood
- Textured aluminum inlays
- Graphite and Dust Blue interior accents (Sport trim)
Noise isolation is exceptional. High-speed cruising feels serene even in harsh crosswinds.
Seating and Comfort
- Standard massaging and ventilated front seats
- Ventilated second-row seats (rare in this class)
- Optional second-row bench increases seating capacity to eight
- Adult-usable third row with improved ingress
The third row deserves praise: it is not relegated to short-trip duty. In the Autograph trim, even the rear bench is heated.
Infotainment and Technology
Infiniti’s new dual-screen layout—two 14.3-inch displays—is cleanly integrated and highly responsive.
Core Technologies
- Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant, Play Store)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- 8 USB-C ports throughout the cabin
- Digital gauge cluster with extensive configuration options
Audio Systems
- Standard: 14-speaker Klipsch
- Optional: 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere (Sport & Autograph)
- Truly audiophile-grade clarity
- Deep, controlled low-frequency reproduction
- Concert-hall spatial rendering
Performance and Ride Quality
Under the hood is a 450-hp twin-turbo V6 mated to a refined 9-speed automatic. The output is strong, consistent, and quieter than the outgoing V8. In Autograph trim, the QX80 reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, respectable for a vehicle of its mass.
Driving Dynamics
- Air-spring suspension (from Lux trim upward) noticeably improves body control
- Predictable, deliberate steering that communicates vehicle weight
- Stable and quiet highway manners
The primary compromise remains the underlying body-on-frame structure. On uneven pavement, some firmness and vertical motion are unavoidable. However, on smooth surfaces, the QX80 delivers a composed, confident ride befitting a flagship luxury SUV.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The QX80 includes Infiniti Safety Shield 360+ as standard:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Detection
- Blind-Spot Intervention
- Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Intelligent Cruise Control
Higher trims introduce ProPILOT Assist 2.1, enabling hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways with a driver-monitoring camera for safety compliance.
Efficiency, Towing, and Capability
The QX80 retains its practical roots with best-in-class towing and strong payload ratings.
Key Capability Metrics
- Maximum towing: 8,500 lbs
- Payload: Over 1,500 lbs in most trims
- Real-world highway fuel economy: 23 mpg (AWD Lux at 75 mph test)
EPA figures for the 2026 model year are pending, but the vehicle has demonstrated meaningful efficiency gains over its predecessor.
2026 Infiniti QX80 Price Structure (U.S.)
| Trim | Drivetrain | Starting Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure | RWD / AWD | $85,940 | Bench-seat option, LED lighting, 14-speaker audio |
| Lux | RWD / AWD | ~ $92,000 | Air suspension, HUD, ventilated 2nd row, 22-in alloy wheels |
| Sport | AWD | ~$105,000+ | Blackout package, Klipsch 24-speaker audio, unique interior |
| Autograph | AWD | $113,690 | Full luxury suite, heated 3rd row, max tech configuration |
2026 Infiniti QX80 Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-Turbo 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 450 hp |
| Torque | Estimated 500+ lb-ft (official data pending) |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| 0–60 mph | 6.1 seconds (Autograph AWD) |
| Drivetrain | RWD / AWD |
| Suspension | Air-spring (Lux & above), double-wishbone |
| Towing Capacity | 8,500 lbs |
| Seating | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Display Interfaces | Dual 14.3-inch screens |
| Audio | Up to 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere |
Real-World Assessment: Where the QX80 Stands in 2026
The redesigned QX80 aims for a specific kind of luxury buyer—someone who wants:
- A full-size SUV with true road presence
- A cabin crafted for long-distance comfort
- Strong towing capability
- Cutting-edge digital interfaces
- A serene, high-quality driving experience
Its few compromises—primarily ride stiffness on broken pavement and weight-related acceleration discounts—are overshadowed by significant advances in refinement, efficiency, and user experience.
Who Should Buy the QX80?
- Families needing authentic three-row space
- Buyers prioritizing towing without sacrificing luxury
- Drivers wanting hands-free highway capability
- Owners cross-shopping large American SUVs but preferring Japanese reliability and materials discipline
Verdict: Infiniti Finally Has a Flagship Worthy of the Segment
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is the brand’s most complete full-size luxury SUV to date. It feels cohesive, confident, and genuinely premium, no longer leaning solely on durability or value. The Lux trim stands out as the sweet spot for most buyers, while the Sport trim injects desirable visual and audio upgrades without forcing the jump to the range-topping Autograph.
In short, the QX80 delivers presence, capability, and modern luxury in a way Infiniti has not achieved before—a compelling alternative in a segment dominated by tradition.
If Infiniti intended to make a statement, the 2026 QX80 delivers it with clarity.
