2021 Infiniti QX80 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Infiniti QX80 is a large, luxury SUV with three rows of seats. It can seat up to seven or eight people depending on the options you choose. A Standard QX80 seats seven. This gets bumped up to eight with the Split-Bench Seat Package. If you need the extra interior space, this is the SUV for you. It offers a whopping 152.5 cubic feet of space for passengers.

The 2021 Infiniti QX80 has plenty of room for your cargo too. When all of the seats are occupied, you'll still get a respectable 16.6 cubic feet of storage space. When the last row of seats is folded down flat, the cargo room gets bumped up to 49.6 cubic feet. With the second and third seat rows both folded down, the cargo space is expanded up to an impressive 95.1 cubic feet.

The Infiniti QX80 comes in three different trim levels. Each trim level comes in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. A 4WD model always has the exact same features of the 2WD model within the same trim level. All three trim packages come equipped with the same 5.6-liter, 32-valve V8 engine. This engine features an aluminum block and heads with dry-film-coated pistons.

Infiniti's big V8 engine produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That's plenty enough power so that the QX80 never feels sluggish, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. All of that power and torque translates to impressive towing capabilities too. When properly equipped, a QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

Every trim gets the same 7-speed automatic transmission. This transmission system is electronically controlled and features Adaptive Shift Control. This technology senses and adapts to driver habits and adjusts shifting points accordingly. There are also Snow- and Tow-Modes that adjust shifting and throttle response to accommodate those specific driving situations.

While most of the performance and mechanical features are identical for the three trim levels, there are a few differences. Most of the differences between trim levels come in the form of luxury and convenience features. There are also some variations in the available safety features depending on which trim level you choose. We will take a closer look at each of the three trim packages and what they have to offer.

 

Compare the 2021 Infiniti QX80 Luxe vs Premium Select Trims. What is the difference?

These two trim levels are mechanically identical. The only differences will occur if one trim is a 2WD variation and the other is a 4WD. The 4WD models get the Infiniti All-Mode Drive with a computer-controlled transfer case. This drive-train offers settings for Auto, 4-High and 4-Low. All three trims get 2-Wheel or 4-Wheel Active Brake Limited Slip depending on the drive-train.

These two trims both come with Hill Start Assist. They both offer power steering that adjusts according to the engine speed. They also share the same suspension system. They get an independent, double-wishbone suspension for both the front and the rear. They also come equipped with 4-channel, 4-wheel ABS brakes. Specifically, these are ventilated disc brakes with plenty of stopping power for this large, heavy SUV.

On the outside of the QX80, the Luxe has a set of 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Premium Select gets a set of 22-inch forged, dark-chrome wheels. Both are outfitted with a set of all-season tires. Infiniti throws in a full-sized spare wheel and tire for good measure.

The Luxe and Premium Select trims both get LED headlights and rear brake lights. There is an LED, high-mounted, center stop light in the rear. These two trim levels also get LED turn signals and integrated, front fog lamps. The headlights have an automatic ON/OFF feature and High-Beam Assist. You also get rain-sensing, Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers.

The rear window gets its own Variable Intermittent Wiper with a defroster and a timer. The exterior mirrors have courtesy lights and integrated turn signals. They also offer auto-dimming, heating, power-folding and reverse tilt-down features. All of the windows use Solar Glass to reduce incoming UV rays. The rear windows utilize privacy glass. Both trims also get a power moonroof with tinted glass and a sliding sunshade.

Roof rails give you even more storage options for both trims. You also get a power rear liftgate on both models. All of the windows can be opened and close remotely using the Infiniti Intelligent Key. The Luxe and Premium Select both come equipped with a stainless-steel rear bumper protector. Body-colored running boards with splash guards making entering and exiting the vehicle a lot easier.

The Premium Select model gets a couple of cosmetic extras. These include a black mesh grille up front and glossy black mirror caps. Both trims come equipped with an Integrated Class IV Tow Hitch and 7-Pin Wiring Harness with a cover. All trims get Infiniti's Smart Rear-View Mirror for a better view of your surroundings.

On the inside, both trim levels come with leather-trimmed seats. The driver's seat features 10-way power adjustments with 2-way lumbar support. The front-passenger seat offers 8-way power adjustments with 2-way lumbar support. The seats come with a heating feature up front. There is also an Entry/Exist Assist for the driver's seat and steering wheel.

A memory feature allows the owner to create settings for two different drivers. These cover the seat positions, outside mirrors and steering wheel. These can then be linked to individual Intelligent Keys. Like the seats, the steering wheel comes wrapped in leather with a heating feature. Heating can be added to the rear seats as an option for both trims.

The second row of seats is made up of captain's chairs for a comfortable ride. These also make entry and exit easier for your third-row passengers. These can be swapped out for split-bench seats with 60/40 split folding as an option for both trim levels. The third row always comes with bench seats that offer 60/40 power-folding and power-reclining features.

Both trims come with a Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control system to keep everyone comfortable at all three rows. The Luxe and Premium Select both offer Push-Button Starters and Remote Engine Start. All of the windows and locks are power-operated, as one would expect. There are lights around most of these controls to make them easy to find while driving at night.

All trims offer ambient lighting on the inside and a ton of small-item storage spaces. The visors are illuminated. There are pockets, cup holders and bottle holders throughout the entire vehicle. The center console features a large storage area, as does the locking glove compartment. There are power outlets up front, for the rear passengers and in the cargo area.

The Luxe and Premium Select models both have the same audio system. You get premium audio by Bose. The system comes equipped with a CD Player, MP3 compatibility, AM/FM radio and a total of 13 speakers. This includes two woofers. The system also have speed-sensitive volume controls. USB ports allow you to connect phones and other devices for playing your music. They can also be used to charge your devices.

Bluetooth technology allows for wireless streaming of your favorite media through the sound system. The audio system can be fully controlled through buttons mounted right on the steering wheel. This allows you to keep your hands on the wheel for safety. The buttons are also illuminated so they'll be easier to find in the dark. The system is also compatible with SiriusXM Radio and Infiniti provides new buyers with a free 3-month trial.

The infotainment system also has voice-recognition technology for hands-free use. This can be used to access features or even to make phone calls through your connected smartphone. There are two HD, color touchscreen displays. The upper display is 8 inches diagonally and the lower one is 7 inches. Also included is a navigation system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both compatible with this setup.

A Lane-Guidance system with graphics helps to maneuver this large SUV. There is also an Emergency Call system for every trim level. Automatic Collision Notification can even notify emergency services in the unfortunate event of an accident. Distance Control Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control are standard on both trim levels as well. All three trim levels have a security system with an engine immobilizer.

All models of the 2021 Infiniti QX80 get the save Advances Airbag system. Every model us built with Zone-Body Construction, front and rear Crumple Zones and a reinforced passenger compartment. A Tire-Pressure Monitor helps you to make sure those tires are always safely inflated. There is also a Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention and Blind-Spot Monitor.

Compare the 2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select vs Sensory Trims. What is the difference?

The first two trim levels don't have too many notable differences. Moving up to the Sensory trim package gets you upgraded power steering and Infiniti's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. This greatly improves the ride quality for this SUV. The Sensory model also comes with 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels and a set of performance, all-season tires. On the outside, you now get Adaptive, Self-Leveling Headlights and Headlight Washers. The Sensory also gets some nice chrome trim.

On the inside, the seats are upgraded to quilted, semi-aniline leather. The second row of seats now come heated. There are a lot of cosmetic touches like graphite trim around the visors, shades and pillars. You also get an upgraded sound system by Bose with 17 speakers. Infiniti even throws in two sets of wireless headphones for your passengers. An HDMI port allows for even more media-playback options.

The gauge clusters and infotainment features remain mostly the same. The infotainment setup now comes with two 8-inch monitors instead of having one 7-inch model on the bottom. There is also now a wireless remote for the system, so that rear passengers can control it. There is even a TomTom Weather system to let you know about any weather conditions in your area.

The Sensory trim level gets the same body construction and airbag systems as before. You still get the alarm system with the engine immobilizer. The safety and security features don't change too much when you move up to this trim level. Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts are added on. You'll also get some extra driver-assist technology. There is Front Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and a Trailer Sway Control.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2021 Infiniti QX80 is a fantastic choice for those who need a lot of passenger and cargo space. This is a true luxury vehicle with a comfortable, upscale interior. The interior and exterior are both stylish and attractive. The QX80 also offers a smooth, quiet ride thanks to the great suspension system and excellent engineering. Very few buyers would be disappointed with any of the three trim levels that Infiniti offers.

The Infiniti QX80 isn't just about the luxury, it's also a practical vehicle to own. It can haul a load of goods and even tow a boat or trailer along for road trips. Each of the three trim levels only has a modest increase in cost over the previous trim. If you're looking to save money, a 2WD model will cut costs without cutting out any of the features. While 4WD does provide better handling, most drivers won't miss it unless they plan to go off-roading in their luxury SUV.

There are a ton of full-sized SUVs on the market. If you are going to choose a luxury brand like Infiniti, you might as well go all out and select the Sensory trim level. Whether you choose a 4WD or 2WD is a matter of personal preference. The top trim level comes with a lot of great extras. You get the best infotainment system, all available safety equipment, all of the driver-assist technology and an array of convenience features added on. Most drivers will find the extra cost to be well worth it.