2016 Infiniti QX80 Performance

The Infiniti QX80 impresses test drivers with its powerful engine and strong acceleration. The automatic transmission is smooth and the steering is responsive. The 2016 Infiniti QX80 provides a supple ride and is fairly nimble for a vehicle of its size.

• "[T]he QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV that features a traditional body-on-frame layout. This design lets the utility back up its rugged looks with excellent towing and off-roading capabilities, although it also features surprisingly competent handling on the pavement as well." -- Left Lane News (2015)
• "Finally, this big SUV lives up to Infiniti's sporty heritage by offering reasonably athletic moves around turns." -- Edmunds (2014)
• "The smooth, responsive V8 packs ample power for brisk getaways and worry-free expressway merging. The 7-speed automatic transmission is equally alert and silky." -- Consumer Guide (2013)

Acceleration and Power

The QX80 features a 5.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 400 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. The QX80 gets an EPA-estimated 14/20 mpg city/highway, which is below average for the class.

The powerful engine has no trouble moving this big SUV. The smooth power delivery enables the QX80 to accelerate with ease, and the seven-speed transmission keeps everything in rhythm with quick, silky shifts.

• "The standard 400-horsepower V8 has enough gusto to move this rig, just know that it's very thirsty. At highway speeds the Infiniti is hushed, and its 7-speed automatic transmission is refined." -- Kelley Blue Book (2015)
• "As for acceleration, the 5.6-liter V8 offers stellar performance, responding instantly to throttle input and delivering a sweet, low rumble that is music to a V8-lover's ears." -- AutoTrader (2015)
• "If there's one thing that quickly becomes apparent when you slide behind the 2014 Infiniti QX80's steering wheel, it's the strong acceleration the 400-hp V8 puts at your disposal. Shifts from the seven-speed automatic are likewise smooth and swift." -- Edmunds (2014)
• "This vehicle's enormous 5.6-liter V8 generates 400 horsepower and 413-pound feet of torque, providing plenty of muscle to move this 5,850-pound behemoth. Power deliver is not only strong but smooth." -- Consumer Guide (2013)

Handling and Braking

Rear-wheel drive is standard on the 2016 QX80, and four-wheel drive is available. The QX80 delivers a smooth ride, even over rough surfaces, and it handles well for a large SUV. The handling is further improved with the available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, which limits body roll when cornering. The steering has good feel and is responsive.

• "This is one of the better-handling large SUVs. Unlike the Lexus LX570, the QX80 doesn't feel large. Instead, its steering effort is light and direct, with good feedback in fast curves. The optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helps the QX80 avoid the tippy feeling commonly found in large vehicles with a high center of gravity." -- AutoTrader (2015)
• "The 2015 QX80 rides on a body-on-frame truck chassis, yet this big Infiniti does an admirable job of quelling the harshness that can come with such rugged foundations. This is especially true if you spring for the optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control. This feature minimizes body lean in corners and offers a more pleasant ride in general." -- Kelley Blue Book (2015)
• "Infiniti's big SUV is also blessed with uncommon agility, particularly when it's fitted with the Deluxe Touring package and the automaker's advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, which reduces body roll around tight turns to the point that the QX almost feels light on its feet. The downside to the handling improvement is that ride quality suffers somewhat, though the decline in comfort has less to do with the optional suspension itself than the large 22-inch wheels that are included in the same option package." -- Edmunds (2014)
• "Closer confines demand a bit more driver attention, due to the exterior bulk. Straight line stability is good, and steering feel is reasonable for such a large SUV. Stopping power and control are fine." -- Consumer Guide (2013)