2017 Infiniti QX80 Performance

The 2017 Infiniti QX80 has a powerful engine and composed handling. Its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system delivers a smooth and agile ride despite its heavy weight. The QX80's transmission shifts seamlessly with quick acceleration.

• "From behind the wheel of the 2017 Infiniti QX80, you soon begin to feel invincible. With each mile you feel coddled, cradled and comfortable, but most of all, you feel ... invincible." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "[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)

Acceleration and Power

The QX80 features a 5.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 400 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. Despite its size and weight, the QX80 has impressive acceleration. The transmission shifts smoothly with no lag when you press down on the throttle. This SUV may pack a punch on the road, but it also takes a bite out of your wallet at the pump.

The QX80 gets below-average fuel economy for its class: 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, according to the EPA. With four-wheel drive, those numbers drop slightly to 13 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway.

• "Although the QX80 weighs almost three tons, the 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 and its 7-speed automatic transmission move it with certainty but not without sacrifices in fuel economy." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Happily, the QX80 packs plenty of muscle behind its sinister mien. With a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 at your beck and call, authoritative acceleration and relaxed towing ability (up to 8,500 pounds worth) come easy." -- Edmunds (2016)
• "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)

Handling and Braking

The 2017 Infiniti QX80 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive is available. Thanks to the QX80's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, which limits body lean when cornering, it has a smoother ride at all speeds. The QX80 is more agile than one would expect from an SUV of this size, and you'll barely feel road imperfections. The steering is responsive and has good feel.

• "The big QX80 really thrives on the highway where the interior is extremely quiet and the ride defines 'smooth.' In tighter spaces, such as the grocery-store parking lot, that size is problematical, but the Around View camera and front and rear parking sensors help describe the boundaries." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "On the highway, the QX feels solid and stable, and road and wind noise are largely absent. With four-wheel drive, the QX can handle some limited off-road excursions thanks to its low-range gearing and tough suspension. Yet Infiniti's big SUV is also blessed with uncommon agility, particularly when it's fitted with the 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 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 mandatory with the upgrade. We advise taking a QX80 for a thorough test-drive over a variety of surfaces before opting for these wheels." -- Edmunds (2016)
• "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)