The Infiniti QX80 is getting a slight refresh for the 2018 model year. This comes after the SUV debuted in 2013 and is welcomed since the SUV segment is so hot these days. The grille, headlights, and hood receive the biggest updates, while new LED taillights, wheel designs, and color options round out the refresh. Even milder changes happen inside, though potential customers wanting the latest and greatest will find the larger rear-seat entertainment screens, revised leather-wrapped steering wheel, and larger storage compartments a welcomed addition.

The QX80 is somewhat of a niche vehicle. Infiniti says it sold 14,085 QX80s in the U.S. within the last calendar year, which is an 8.3-percent increase over the prior year. Compare that to the Chevrolet Tahoe’s 2016 sales of 103,306 in the U.S. Even the Cadillac Escalade outpaced the QX80 in 2016 with 23,604 examples sold in America. Still, Infiniti says its research shows the QX80 averages the youngest buyer in the full-size SUV segment, with a high percentage being females. The brand also labels the QX80 buyer as “affluent, high-achieving entrepreneurs and business leaders, often with families, who demand space and utility, hand-crafted quality and modern design, and effortless on-road performance” – whatever that means. Basically, the QX80 is a three-row, full-size SUV for those who want to stand out. The changes for 2018 won’t magically boost QX80 sales toward the Tahoe, but Infiniti can surely expect to see growth in the segment.

Let’s see exactly what’s changed for 2018.

2018 Infiniti QX80

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2018 Infiniti QX80
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 400 @ 5800
• Torque: 413 @ 4000
• Transmission: 7-Speed Auto
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

You’ll have to look closely to spot the differences between the 2017 and 2018 QX80s. Nevertheless, the changes do impart a bolder stance that wasn’t present before. The grille is more upright than before, and the hood is now longer. In fact, the grille moves 3.5 inches more forward, and the hood is raised by 0.79 inches. The new LED headlights are moved further up the front fascia. They also have a more aggressive, more modern canter. Infiniti calls them “human-eye” headlights. They’re said to have a triple light guide that passes through multiple lenses to better disperse the light across the road. Down low, the LED fog lights and the surrounding bodywork have been revised for a sharper look. The front fender vents even have a sharpened shape.

Overall, the new front is more aggressive and squarish, which matches the roofline and crisp lines of the D-pillar. The bodywork helps harden the QX80, giving it a more macho stance. That’s something the previous bubbly front design lacked.

Elsewhere on the outside, the QX80 retains most of its previous sheet metal. That’s fine, though, since the 2018 changes are only a mid-cycle refresh. The rounded wheel openings, the blacked-out roof pillars (minus the stylish D-pillar), and the integrated running boards all remain familiar elements. Infiniti did make those running boards 0.79 inches wider for easier footing. The taillights are new, though. As mentioned, they are now LED units and are far less bubbly. The chrome trim above the license plate now extends into the red lenses, while different section within the taillights have different shades of red. The lower bumper is crisper, as well. New horizontal reflectors help bring definition and better frame the trailer hitch cover.

The 2018 QX80 rides on 20- and 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The 20s have a six-spoke design, while the 22s have an 18-spoke design. Both wheels are wrapped in wide, 275-series all-season tires. Three new colors are added to the options list – Moonstone White, Mineral Black, and Champagne Quartz – making nine choices in all with solid, metallic and pearl finishes scattered among the hues.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Changes to the 2018 QX80’s interior are minimal yet important. A revised steering wheel and gear shifter not only look better but should feel better to the touch. New leather options are added, and the second-row entertainment system moves from 7.0- to 8.0-inch screens and better resolution at 900 x 540 pixels. The hard-key buttons controlling the infotainment system and radio have been reorganized for easier use.

As for the seating, three color choices and two leather grades are now offered. There are the standard leather and the optional semi-aniline leather with color-contrasting piping. Colors for both leather options include Saddle Brown, Wheat, and Graphite. Regardless of color, the leather comes with a handsome and plush quilted pattern that really looks high-class. Real wood trim lines the center console, dash, and other areas of the interior. Best of all, Infiniti now uses a new micro-coating on the leather that is resistant to stains and denim dye transfer.

The QX80 continues to offer seating for eight people with the second-row bench or seven people with the second-row captain’s chairs. With those captain’s chairs comes a large center console for storage and cup holders. USB and charge ports are placed on the console between the front seats. Second-row passengers can adjust HVAC settings for rear passengers from here, as well. The outboard seats in the second row are heated. The same is true for the front seats, which also have ventilation.

Drivers will appreciate Infiniti finally adding a smart key that automatically adjusts over 200 settings saved to that key fob. For example, dad’s key will have his seat setting, radio presets, and navigation preferences saved, while mom’s key will have all of her stuff. Depending on which key is used depends on what settings are activated upon start-up.

Smaller yet thoughtful updates include a larger cell phone storage bin that accommodates devices up to 2.9 inches wide. The USB port has been moved to a more accessible spot. The front cup holders now hold two 44-ounce cups for us thirsty Americans. The QX80 adopts Nissan’s Smart Rear View Mirror system for improved rearward visibility. Push a button, and the rear view mirror shows a camera view from the tailgate. This is extremely handy when carrying tall passengers or large cargo.

The QX80 remains massively spacious inside. The cargo area has 16.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row and 49.6 cubic feet with the third-row folded flat. With both rear rows folded, the QX80 swallows 95.1 cubic feet of cargo. Front occupants enjoy 39.6 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom. Second-row passengers get 41 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. Naturally, the third row is more cramped, yet it still offers 28.8 inches of legroom and 36.8 inches of headroom.

Interior Dimension

Drivetrain

No changes happen under the 2018 QX80’s hood. The 5.6-liter V-8 remains and still produces a very respectable 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The seven-speed automatic returns, as does the standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive system.

Those getting the 4WD system will enjoy the Auto mode. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it system that only sends power to the front wheels when the rear wheels lose traction. The 4WD system is also a part-time system, allowing the driver to select 4WD High range and 4WD Low range. High range locks in the front axles and splits power delivery evenly between the front and rear. 4WD Low range does the same but uses shorter gearing to multiply torque for better low-end grunt, which is perfect for hill climbs, churning through deep mud or sand, or recovering a stuck vehicle. The 4WD system also boasts a Snow mode.

Though the QX80 does not have locking differentials, it uses its brakes to redirect power to the tires with traction. Infiniti calls it the four-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip system.

The four-wheel independent suspension uses new dampers with a 30-percent reduction in damping force for a smoother ride over rough pavement. Keeping the QX80 from feeling sloppy is the optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, or HBMC. It uses high-pressure hydraulics linked between the shock absorbers to limit the amount of body roll during turns. Coming standard is the automatic rear leveling system, which keeps the tail from sagging when loaded down. This also helps with the QX80’s 8,500-pound tow rating. And if you haven’t guessed by now, the QX80 rides on a ladder frame shared with the Nissan Armada and its global variant, the Patrol.

Fuel economy isn’t the best, though that’s not a surprise to someone dropping big money on a big SUV. It’s also not too far off what other full-size, three-row SUVs achieve during EPA testing. The QX80 in RWD form will get 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. 4WD models get 13mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. And yes, the direct-injected V-8 drinks premium fuel.

Drivetrain Specifications

Pricing

Infiniti is adding $900 to the QX80’s base price. That means the RWD model now starts at $65,745 and the 4WD model starts at $68,845. Three trim levels are offered: the standard QX80, the Signature Edition, and the Limited. The Limited starts around $90,000 and will come with just about every optional feature as standard equipment.

Competition

Cadillac Escalade

The venerable Cadillac Escalade has been the choice of automotive extravagance since 1999. Over the years, its luxury levels have risen, further separating it from its Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban cousins. The current ‘Slade debuted for 2015 and remains a fresh and solid choice in this category. It can be had in two wheelbase lengths, but both offer three rows with seating for seven.

Power comes from General Motors’ 6.2-liter, LT1-derived V-8. It has direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation and manages an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission does the shifting and the rear wheels receive power. A full-time 4WD system is optional. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined on 2WD models. Getting 4WD only alters the highway economy, dropping it to 20 mph.

Cadillac keeps the Escalade riding smoothly with GM’s Magnetic Ride Control. The system’s shock absorbers have magnetic particles suspended in the fluid that vary the ride depending on how much electricity they receive. GM says the shocks can adapt to changing road conditions several hundred times a second. The Escalade still uses a solid rear axle but has an independent front suspension.

Pricing for the 2017 Escalade starts at $72,090 for the short-wheelbase model. Checking all the option boxes puts the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV Platinum at $99,390. Adding other options adds even more to the price.

Read our full review on the 2017 Cadillac Escalade.

Lexus LX570

Like the Tahoe-based Escalade and Armada-based QX80, the Lexus LX570 is a dolled-up Toyota Land Cruiser. That’s a great thing for those fond of Toyota’s go-anywhere LC and the heritage that comes with it. Unlike Land Cruiser owners who love flying under the radar, the LX570 shouts its prestige from the rooftops. The large Spindle grille and fishhook headlights draw attention while its interior is more techie and plushy than what’s found inside the Yota.

Under the hood is the same thing, however. Toyota’s aging 5.7-liter V-8. Here it makes 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic, and full-time 4WD with low range is standard. The Lexus also boasts advanced electronics that aid in off-road driving. There’s the CRAWL Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems, three drive modes, a locking center differential, and even a turn assist feature that locks the inside rear wheel to shrink the LX’s turn radius while off-road. The adaptive suspension also offers various ride height settings, along with variable stiffness during on-road drives.

Pricing is steep with the LX570. The SUV starts at $89,980. There are no trim levels, so the price all depends on how many options and packages are added. Check all the boxes, and the 2018 LX570 will total $98,610.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lexus LX570

Conclusion

The changes Infiniti has given the 2018 QX80 help it look better, ride better, and offer more luxury to its seven or eight passengers. There’s no denying this mid-cycle refresh is a success. We’re always happy to see improvements. There’s also no doubt Infiniti is hoping the updated help QX80 sales, too. There is certainly room to improve on 15,000 examples sold annually. Then again, Infiniti can be thankful the QX80 far outsells the Lexus LX570’s abysmal figures; only 5,707 were sold in 2016 – and that’s an improvement of nearly 2,000 vehicles over 2015. Ouch. Still, it has a ways to go before catching up to the Escalade’s annual sales. Caddy moved 23,604 in the U.S. in 2016 – and that doesn’t even count the long-wheelbase Escalade ESV.

Sales figures aside, the updated 2018 Infiniti QX80 is a solid choice in the exclusive class of luxury body-on-frame three-row SUVs.

References

Infiniti QX80

Read our full review on the previous 2017 Infiniti QX80.

Read more Infiniti news.