2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory Review

This week we take a look at the refreshed and updated 2022 Infiniti QX80, the flagship 3-row SUV of the Infiniti lineup. 

My tester is the Sensory version, the top-of-the-line model.  There are two lessor-equipped models below this one.

Exterior

The QX80 sports a huge grill, a very high belt line with contoured sides, huge 22” wheels, and a distinctive rear end with a spoiler.  It is an attractive SUV but its size alone is a bit intimidating.

Behind that big grille sits a huge 5.6-liter V8 that is putting out 400-horses and 413-pound feet of torque.  It is mated to a 7-speed automatic.  My tester is 4-wheel drive, but you can get it in 2-wheel also.

Interior

What gets everyone’s attention is the beautiful interior.  The quilted seats and huge center console jump out at you when you open the door.  Everything you can touch is very soft with no plastic and blends together beautifully.  High gloss wood runs from the door panels across the dash giving it a really rich look.

Behind the leather power tilt steering wheel are easy-to-read analog gauges and a configurable driver info center in the middle that gives you a ton of information.

The big change for 2022 sits on top of the center stack.  Gone is the antiquated two screen system used for years.  Now we have a single 12.3-inch color touchscreen to operate the navigation system, activate the apps, the rear camera, the Bluetooth, voice activation, and the entertainment system that has a terrific 17-speaker Bose sound system.

Operating everything is simple and intuitive. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi Hotspot.  There are also real-time data like weather, sports scores, fuel prices, even movie listings.

Under the screen are the rest of the controls, a couple of USB ports, and this is where you operate the four-wheel drive system.

Moving to the 2^nd row you find captain chairs, which are heated, you have climate controls for the rear, and another huge center console.  You’ll also see two video screens in the front headrests, and you get wireless headphones.  There is a 120-volt power outlet to charge computers or to run games.

Utility

Second row seating has plenty of legroom, and the third-row seat is not bad either, actually. It is also easy to access the third row, the seats flip over easily leaving a wide entry.

Storage room behind the 3^rd row seat is pretty large, and power buttons quickly put the 3-row seats flat into the floor.

All in all, the big QX has a lot of interior room and very comfortable seating for all occupants.

Standard Equipment and Options

The QX80 Sensory has few options, almost everything you see is standard equipment, including a power moon roof, remote start, power lift gate, and a Smart rearview mirror that turns into a wide angle digital rear camera.  This is very handy when people are in the far back seat obstructing your view.

QX80 comes with very advanced safety features including forward emergency braking with collision warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, LED lights all around, and a lot more.

Ride and Drive

The QX80 drives and rides very well, is whisper quiet inside, and thanks to the air suspension system, it just sort of floats down the road. 

The big V8 has great acceleration, and the exhaust sounds surprisingly good.  It will also tow 8500- pounds.  Fuel economy for this 6000-pound SUV is expectedly poor at 13 city/19 highway.

What You'll Pay

I am impressed with the pricing.  MSRP on this loaded SUV is $87,985 about $7,000 less than the 2020 I reviewed, without the upgrades.  This is a great value by today’s standards of large, luxury SUVs.

1. What I Liked Most: The interior and the new electronics.
2. What I would change: Make a panoramic moonroof available.
3. Fuel Economy: 13 city/19 Highway/15 overall.
4. Odometer reading when tested: 2,400 miles.
5. Weight:  5,813 pounds.
6. Spare Tire:  Full-sized.
7. Length-Width-Height: 210.2” long/79.9” wide/75.8” high.
8. Fuel Tank Capacity:  26 gallons with the fuel filler on the driver’s side.
9. Official Color: Anthracite Gray.
10. Towing Capacity:  8,500 pounds.
11. 2022 INFINITI QX80 Sensory in a few words: An outstanding value in a full-sized luxury SUV.
12. Warranty:  4-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile power train warranty, and complimentary loan car.
13. Final Assembly Location: Los Angeles, CA.
14. Manufacturer's website:  INFINITI