2022 Infiniti QX80 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

A full-size SUV with seven or eight seats, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 maintains a solid reputation in the luxury segment. This Japanese-designed vehicle offers generous interior space and lots of convenient utilities for American families. A tri-zone automatic climate control system and a power moonroof are some of the notable amenities that ensure superb comfort in each row. Delivering great guidance and entertainment, the signature Infiniti InTouch multimedia center is the technological jewel inside the cavernous cockpit.

What's New for 2022?

Retaining a second-generation design, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 doesn't offer any new features compared to the previous year. From the mechanical department to the interior design, this three-row vehicle is loaded with lots of familiar features that have been acclaimed by American consumers over the years.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Infiniti QX80 – The Pros

1. Powerful Capabilities

Generating up to 400 total horsepower, a 5.6-L engine block drives the 2022 QX80. This eight-cylinder powerplant develops 413 pound-feet of peak torque. Dry film-coated pistons are smoothly integrated into every cylinder of this normally aspirated powertrain. Having 32 total valves with the signature VVEL and CVVTCS technologies for precise timing, the Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine supports a towing load of up to 8,500 pounds. Some essential trailering hardware on this luxury SUV include a Class IV hitch and seven-pin wiring harness with a cover.

2. Versatile Handling

Running on the All-Mode 4WD system, the 2022 QX80 gets good traction on a wide range of paved surfaces and rough trails. This luxurious SUV can easily navigate slippery roads that are coated in ice or snow. Controlled entirely by a computer, the transfer case offers the 4H, 4L and Auto modes for the ultimate versatility in dynamic driving conditions. Torque flows to the wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission system that has the Adaptive Shift Control. Hunting for gears won't be a hassle thanks to input from the Downshift Rev-Matching technology.

3. Premium Ride Quality

Configured into a double-wishbone configuration, a fully independent suspension system bolsters the front section of the 2022 QX80's chassis. This type of innovative design is incorporated into the rear suspension system for a premium ride on any surface. When equipped with the Hydraulic Body Motion Control, this three-row Infiniti SUV offers an even more pleasant drive. This proprietary technology precisely adjusts the stiffness of the front and rear suspension systems based on a multitude of factors. Reacting to the real-time tachometer levels, the power steering system gives the driver good leverage for commanding this large family car on the road.

4. Bright Exterior Lighting

Having an automatic on/off functionality, LED headlights with the High Beam Assist are installed on the 2022 Infiniti QX80. Similarly, LED bulbs reside inside the vehicle's fog lamps and turn signals. Capable of leveling itself for optimum illumination, the Adaptive Front lighting System is another unique lighting technology on this full-size SUV. Added for uniformity with the rest of the lighting fixtures, LED rear brake lights and clear center high-mounted stoplights are standard on this deluxe vehicle. Additionally, courtesy lights are integrated into the car's power-folding side mirrors that have heating and a reverse-tilt-down design for the ultimate utility.

5. Alluring Exterior Appearance

As an upscale SUV, the 2022 Infiniti QX80 offers a stunning palette for its exterior design. This three-row model enters the American market in Champagne Quartz, Coulis Red, Hermosa Blue, Liquid Platinum and several other dazzling paint finishes. Such colors are available for the exterior mirror caps for harmonious appeal. Some other design options for the mirror caps include black and shiny chrome. This lavish family car rolls on 22-inch alloy wheels with the Dark Chrome application.

6. Deluxe Interior Design

The 2022 QX80 offers leather-appointed seats in the Sahara Stone, Truffle Brown and Graphite colors. Any of the trimmings look great with the Graphite headliner, pillars and sun visors. An ambient lighting system with sequential programming creates a dramatic welcome into this three-row Infiniti SUV. Similarly, the Infiniti Radiant Ambient Lighting produces a warm glow in the cabin. Some other gorgeous accents that are available for this full-size vehicle include Matte Mocha Burl and Charcoal Burl.

7. Superb Comfort

Providing 10-way power adjustability, the 2022 QX80's standard driver's seat is protected by real leather. Semi-aniline leather is also available for this ergonomic seat, which comes with two-way adjustability for the lumbar section. Featuring a 60-40 split, the second-row bench seat accommodates up to three adults. Similarly, three people will find lots of room in the third row that has reclining and flat-folding seats. A heated steering wheel, tri-zone HVAC system, climate-controlled front seats and second-row heated outboard seats certainly ensure ideal comfort in any weather.

8. Excellent Utility

The 2022 QX80 includes four cup holders and eight bottle holders for extra convenience during commutes and long-distance trips for the entire family. A lockable glove compartment and dual-opening center console provide clever utility in the first row of this full-size Infiniti SUV. Rated at 12 volts, a power outlet is integrated into the rear cargo area for charging small electronics and tools. A wireless charging system could easily recharge the latest smartphones that are compatible with induction-type technologies. This three-row model also has roof rails and the Power Rear Liftgate for easy handling of cargo.

9. Premium Electronics

Measuring 12.3 inches wide, the Infiniti InTouch infotainment system stands prominently on the 2022 QX80's dashboard. Colored maps and 3-D graphics appear on the sophisticated TomTom navigation system inside this high-end SUV. Utilizing the Infiniti Controller, the driver will intuitively engage this next-generation infotainment suite. Made by the renowned Bose company, 13 or 17 speakers are available for this three-row family car. In addition to supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections, this luxurious Infiniti model has a 4G LTE Wi-Fi modem inside the cockpit.

10. Smart Safety Systems

Wrapped in an ultra-thin frame, the 2022 QX80's Smart Rear View Mirror gives the driver a great view of whatever is behind the vehicle in real time. Additional visual cues are delivered by the Around View Monitor, including a virtual bird's eye view that's stitched from four different cameras. Some innovative technologies that could help the driver avoid frontal crashes on the road include the Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking. Similarly, the Blind Spot Intervention and Lane Departure Prevention significantly sharpen the driver's real-time awareness of any moving cars in neighboring lanes.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Infiniti QX80 – The Cons

1. High Fuel Consumption

When equipped with a 4WD system, the 2022 QX80 has a fuel economy of only 13 mpg in the city. Such a drivetrain configuration yields a fuel economy of just 19 mpg on the highway. Even worse, drivers will have to pay hefty prices at the pump for premium unleaded gasoline. This full-size, gas-guzzling Infiniti SUV gains only 1 mpg in the city and on the highway when equipped with a 2WD system. A boxy profile and wide stance surely create significant aerodynamic drag forces at moderate and high speeds.

2. Mediocre Safety Score

When tested by the NHTSA, the 2022 QX80 performed horribly in the frontal crash test. Based on the government's results, this large SUV earned only two out of five possible stars in the front driver side category. The front passenger side received just three out of five stars in that trial. Just like most full-size SUVs, this Infiniti model is vulnerable to rollovers on hills and inclined roads. This three-row model earned just three out of five stars in the Rollover Resistance Rating.

3. Outdated Styling

For its steep price tag, the 2022 QX80 doesn't bring much excitement in the styling departments. This luxury SUV has a rather lackluster interior design with outdated materials and accents. The quilted inserts and dark headliners have been around for quite some time on the market. Infiniti needs to urgently add some more dynamic and exciting styling elements to the spacious cabin of this three-row model. Additionally, this expensive SUV offers a limited selection of wheels.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Infiniti QX80 vs. 2022 BMW X7

Imported from Germany, the 2022 BMW X7 lacks the muscular appearance of the much more imposing 2022 QX80. Known as a sports activity vehicle, the luxurious X7 model is certainly sleeker and slimmer than conventional full-size SUVs on the American marketplace. Under the hood, this athletic BMW SAV has the 3.0-L BMW TwinPower engine block that whips out just 335 net horsepower. This inline-six, turbocharged powertrain also delivers much less peak torque than the Infiniti model's eight-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. Of course, the sporty X7 model also can't beat the QX80's impressive 8,500-lb towing capacity.

2022 Infiniti QX80 vs. 2022 Cadillac Escalade

A full-size SUV with luxurious amenities, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade seriously challenges the 2022 QX80 in lots of categories. For example, the American-made model boasts the Adaptive Air Ride Suspension and AutoTrac two-speed transfer case for superb handling. However, this General Motors-designed model gets a maximum of only 277 net horsepower from the optional 3.0-L Duramax engine. Running on diesel fuel, this turbo powertrain is a long way from matching the 400-hp rating of the QX80's standard V-8 gas engine.

2022 Infiniti QX80 vs 2022 Lexus GX

As a full-size SUV with a luxurious design and Japanese branding, the 2022 Lexus GX is one of the main rivals of the 2022 QX80. Standard under the hood of the Lexus model, the 4.6-L, V-8 engine has peak ratings of just 301 hp and 329 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission system is another mechanical installation that doesn't closely match the Infiniti model's seven-speed gearbox. However, the GX edition offers a full-time 4WD system with the Torsen differential for terrific all-terrain handling. Nevertheless, the Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension isn't quite as dynamic and innovative as the QX80's Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension technology.

Conclusion

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 is a full-size SUV that mainly performs well on urban roads. Most of the vehicle's top safety technologies are designed for the city, such as the Forward Emergency Braking and Distance Control Assist. Heated front seats and a three-zone climate control system certainly ensure a high level of comfort for families. Additionally, this luxurious Infiniti car offers enhanced connectivity through the InTouch multimedia center.