Just like most Japanese-built luxury->ke505 SUVs->ke145 for the U.S. market, the Infiniti QX->ke1261 series has a foggy past and needed more than 10 years to fully mature. Roquefort, anyone?. Initially named QX4, the first-generation QX was a midsize SUV developed to take on Acura->ke10's SLX->ke309 model and Lexus->ke47' larger LX->ke497.

The QX had grown into a full-size SUV about nine years later, when the Nissan Armada-based, second-generation iteration was unveiled as the QX56. Overhauled in 2010, the vehicle finally ditched its not-so-attractive design by borrowing styling cues from the smaller, sportier FX->ke1260, which is now retailed with a QX70 badge.

The third-generation QX also got a new platform underneath, moving away from the Nissan Armada->ke551 to become an ultra luxurious Patrol->ke2954. As with the entire Infiniti lineup, the full-size SUV was also renamed for the 2014 model year, changing its ID to QX80.

Already in its fifth production year, the QX80 is likely to hang around for another couple of years. And although Infiniti wasn't too keen on meddling with the SUV too much for 2014, the QX80 remains a force to be reckoned with in the full-size segment.

Click past the jump to read more about Infiniti 2014 QX80

2014 Infiniti QX80

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Infiniti QX80
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 400 @ 5800
  • Torque: 413 @ 4000
  • Transmission: 7-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Far from being a crowd-pleaser as far as styling goes, the 2014 QX80 is actually a breath of fresh air when compared to its boxy American competitors from Lincoln->ke48 and Cadillac->ke18. The curvy headlamps blend beautifully with the rounded front fenders, while unusual (for an SUV) vents add a bit of sportiness to this four-wheeled giant.

Don't worry, the QX80 is no less bulkier than its counterparts, and it's ready to go just about anywhere thanks to its higher ground clearance. You might as well bring the tar and feathers because the QX80 is flashier than the 2015 Escalade to our eyes.

2014 Infiniti QX80 - Exterior Specification

Type

Infiniti QX80

Infiniti QX80 AWD

Length (in)

208.3

208.3

Height with roofrails (in)

75.8

75.8

Width (in)

79.9

79.9

Track width (inches) Front/Rear

67.5/67.9

67.5/67.9

Wheelbase (in)

121.1

121.1

Coefficient of drag with roof rails

0.36

0.36

Step-in height (inches) Front

22.4

22.4

Curb weight (lbs)

5,633

5,878

Weight distribution (in %) F/R

51 / 49

52 / 48


Interior

High-quality materials and comfort. These are the best words to describe the QX80's interior. Nothing has changed for 2014, but we can't blame Infiniti for sticking with a recipe that works. There's plenty of space passengers can enjoy, even in the third-row seats, which come with lots of control functions. As a driver or front seat passenger, you'll find yourself sitting in the most comfortable armchair.

Add finely finished wood inserts on the center console, exquisitely details gauges, soft touch surfaces and high-grade leather and the 2014 QX80 won't leave you disappointed.

The enormous amount of technology and the friendly interface makes driving the big QX80 quite an enjoyable experience. The Around View Monitor will report for duty whenever its 360-degree view is needed. There's also a new Backup Collision Intervention system that can be had with the Technology Package.

Speaking of which, Infiniti offers three packages for the QX80, starting with the Theater Package that comes with a sweet second-row entertainment system. Moving over to the Deluxe Touring Package, it includes more leather, a 15-speaker Bose audio system and Advanced Climate Control. Lastly, the Technology Package boasts vehicle safety by including Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Distance Control Assist and Intelligent Brake Assist.

2014 Infiniti QX80 - Interior Specification

Type

Infiniti QX80

Infiniti QX80 AWD

Type

39.9/40.0/36.8

39.9/40.0/36.8

Headroom (inches) 1st row/2nd row/3rd row

39.6/41.0/28.8

39.6/41.0/28.8

Legroom (inches) 1st row/2nd row/3rd row

63.8/63.5/60.5

63.8/63.5/60.5

Shoulder room (inches) 1st row/2nd row/3rd row

59.2/58.4/48.8

59.2/58.4/48.8

Hip room (inches) 1st row/2nd row/3rd row

26.0

26.0

Fuel capacity (gallons)

152.5

152.5

Interior passenger volume (cu. ft.)

16.6/ 49.6

16.6/ 49.6

Interior cargo volume (cu. ft) with 3rd row seats up/down

95.1

95.1


Drivetrain

Power is not an issue for the QX80, with the 5.6-liter, V-8 mill generating 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Sent to the wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission, the horses push the 2.7-ton SUV from naught to 60 miles per hours in about seven seconds. However, the vehicle's performance is less enthralling when it comes to fuel economy and a gas-guzzler label is mandatory with EPA estimates standing at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

On the other hand, the QX80 inherits that Nissan Patrol's off-roading capabilities and enhances them with help from the full-time four-wheel drive system, standard Hill-Start Assist and Hydraulic Body Motion Control. More importantly, this luxurious barge can tow up to 8,500 pounds without losing too much of its comfortable ride.

2014 Infiniti QX80 - Drivetrain Specification

Type

Infiniti QX80

Infiniti QX80 AWD

Type

32-valve V8 engine, aluminum-alloy block and heads

32-valve V8 engine, aluminum-alloy block and heads

Engine

5.6

5.6

Displacement (L)

400 @ 5,800

400 @ 5,800

Output (HP @ RPM)

413 @ 4,000

413 @ 4,000

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

8,500

8,500

Towing Capacity (lbs)

Rear-wheel drive

Infiniti All-Mode AWD® with computer-controlled transfer case, offers settings in Auto, 4H and 4L

Drive Type

Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)

Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)

Transmission

2-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)

4-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)


Prices

Pricing remained the same for the 2014 model year, which means that the two-wheel drive QX80 starts from $62,550, while the optional AWD will add an extra $3,100 for a sticker of $65,650. The standard equipment list is pretty extensive and includes keyless start, push-button start, three-zone climate control, 8-inch touch screen navigation, Bluetooth audio and 20-inch wheels.

Type

Infiniti QX80

Infiniti QX80 AWD

Type

$62,550

$ 65,650


Competitors

2015 Cadillac Escalade

The all-new 2015 Escalade is probably the QX80's most feared rival. Cadillac's flagship SUV stepped into a new era, surfacing with a brand new design inside and out. The huge, chrome front grille is flanked by Caddy's new LED lights that extend both into the fenders and the lower apron (as seen on the 2014 CTS).

The interior no longer feels like a slightly improved version of the Chevy Tahoe or the GMC Yukon, now featuring high-grade leather, better seats, extra head and legroom and all the tech you can get. The cabin's quietness, the smooth ride and the new infotainment system are more proof that the 2015 Escalade was created to become the ultimate luxury SUV.

The updated 6.2-liter V-8 powerplant is good for 420 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque and is quieter than ever before. Not only if fares slightly better than the QX80 in terms of oomph, but it also deliver better fuel economy, being rated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

The 2015 Escalade is priced from $72,590, but it can fetch more than $81,190 in Premium trim. Selecting four-wheel drive and the slightly-longer ESV body will add an extra $2,600 and $3,000 respectively to each trim level.

2015 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln's updated for the 2015 Navigator are somewhat disappointed as a whole, especially with a brand new Escalade on the other side of Detroit. On the outside, the facelifted Navigator gained the company's trademark split-wing grille and adaptive HID headlamps. Inside, an MKC-sourced steering wheel wrapped in Wollsdorf leather, optional Ziricote wood trim and a leather-wrapped instrument panel are meant to distract from the cabin's bland revamp.

Under the hood, Lincoln went for complete downsizing by replacing the 5.4-liter V-8 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 unit. The mill outputs 370 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, placing it below its Cadillac and Infiniti competitors, but promises to top the luxury SUV class in terms of fuel efficiency. EPA estimated have yet to be released, but expect the Lincoln Navigator to win this mpg battle.

The EcoBoost sipper will send its power to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and customers will be able to have it connected to an optional Control Trac four-wheel drive system. No word on pricing yet, but there's a chance the 2015 Navigator starts just below the $60,000 mark.

Conclusion

Just like the Acura MDX, the Infiniti QX80 has yet to reach its full potential because of its less inspiring badge, so to speak. However, Infiniti's large SUV has pricing on its side when compared to the 2015 Escalade, offering plenty of standard and optional features for the buck. Fuel economy is an issue with the QX80, but its Nissan Patrol-like off-road skills and towing capability can push it ahead of its American competitors.