2017 Infiniti QX80 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2017?
This year, all versions of the QX80 benefit from trailer sway control. You can also take advantage of the new Wi-Fi hot spot.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Infiniti QX80 – The Pros
1. Strapping V-8 Engine
While driving the 2017 Infinity QX80, you will never experience a lack of performance. Its beefy engine pushes out a potent 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Even when traveling in mountainous areas, the big SUV keeps pulling hard. A quick 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds means that the QX80 can easily keep up with a smaller SUV.
2. Surprisingly Poised Handling
Although the 2017 Infinity QX80 is obviously a large vehicle, it feels quite surefooted in most driving conditions. The majority of drivers will be thoroughly impressed by its stability. If you desire especially good handling, opt for the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. The advanced suspension does a great job of keeping the SUV’s body from leaning on curvy roads. It makes the QX80 feel a lot smaller than its actual size.
3. Great for Towing
In the event that you don’t own a pickup truck, the QX80 proves to be a great alternative. A sturdy frame helps it to easily lug around a heavy load. You can take full advantage of the SUV’s 8,500-pound towing capacity. When pulling a load, the seven-speed automatic transmission always remains in the optimum gear.
4. Can Be Used for Traveling Off-Road
Although the 2017 Infinity QX80 comes standard with regular street tires, they can be easily replaced with an aftermarket set of all-terrain tires. This will help transform the QX80 into a formidable off-road machine. The combination of a full-time 4WD system and good ground clearance enables the SUV to travel off the beaten path.
5. Unique Styling
Unique styling cues help set the new QX80 apart from its main rivals. Onlookers will notice the SUV’s distinctive grille and curvaceous hood. It also sits high above the road. Chrome fender vents give the QX80 an extra dose of style. When fitted with the optional 22-inch wheels, the QX80 makes a very bold statement.
6. Great for Family Road Trips
With the ability to seat up to eight passengers, the 2017 Infinity QX80 comes ready to be taken on an adventurous road trip. If you stick with the standard 20-inch alloy wheels, expect to experience a fairly smooth ride. Roof rails are featured on every trim, which allow you to easily transport extra gear.
7. Very Luxurious and Roomy Cabin
You can compare the QX80 to today’s most luxurious SUVs. The cabin’s overall build quality is exceptional. A heated driver’s seat and leather upholstery come standard. Meanwhile, exclusive wood trim and ventilated seats are optional. Most importantly, your family can look forward to experiencing a high level of comfort. While the third-row seat is great for children, all of the other seats offer a surplus of legroom.
8. Base Model Comes Loaded
If you don’t need any extra goodies, the base model should keep you content. When driving the big bruiser in cramped parking areas, the 360-degree camera will help keep you out of trouble. Music fans will like the powerful Bose sound system’s extra thump. Meanwhile, LED headlamps ensure great night-time visibility. An 8.0-inch touch screen and navigation also come standard.
9. Safety-Enhancing Driver Assistance Package
The optional Driver Assistance package is a worthy upgrade for the 2017 Infinity QX80. When tested in real-world driving situations, the forward collision warning system worked remarkably well. Blind-spot monitoring enables you to switch lanes with more assurance. Some of the other safety innovations include adaptive cruise control, lane departure intervention, and pedestrian detection.
10. Rear Entertainment System
For some parents, the available Theater package will prove to be a must-have feature. The rear-seat entertainment system will help children to remain calm throughout the day. It benefits from a dual-screen setup and a household-style outlet. Aside from watching movies, your kids can also use the system to play games.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Infiniti QX80 – The Cons
1. Thirsty for Fuel
Don’t expect the 2017 Infinity QX80 to be a fuel-saver. It only returns 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the freeway. Of course, the 4WD version consumes even more fuel. Furthermore, Infiniti recommends the use of premium unleaded fuel. If gas mileage is a key concern, consider shopping for a three-row crossover.
2. Costs More than the Typical SUV
In exchange for the QX80’s luxuriousness, you will be forced to pay extra. Prices for the 2017 model start at around $66,000. However, the top-of-the-line QX80 Limited can surpass $80,000. Some car shoppers may find the SUV’s price to be beyond their budget. Keep mind that the less costly Nissan Armada shares the QX80’s same platform. You get almost the same driving experience while saving $20,000.
3. Hard to Maneuver in Crowded Areas
Because of its large stature, the 2017 Infinity QX80 is hard to maneuver in urban areas. It takes up a great deal of space, which makes the task of parallel parking a bit more difficult. Crowded parking decks can also pose a problem for some drivers.
How it stacks up to the competition:
Both the 2017 Cadillac Escalade and the 2017 Lincoln Navigator face off against the new QX80. Although these luxury SUVs are tough rivals, Infiniti’s world-class safety innovations and surefooted handling help the Infinity QX80 to remain competitive.
Conclusion:
If you need a powerful SUV that can haul a lot of people and tow a big load, the 2017 Infinity QX80 deserves a serious look. Every trim provides a luxurious driving experience. The advanced 4WD system is a necessity for the drivers who live in a snow-prone area. Although the QX80 Limited is quite expensive, it does reward you with a lot of equipment.
