2026 Infiniti QX80 Road Test and Review

2025 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infiniti

The 2026 Infiniti QX80 was all-new last year, and this year gets a new Sport trim. This SUV has a bold look, modern technology, and a high level of comfort. It seats up to eight with a warm, upscale space from the moment you settle into the driver’s seat. I spent my time with the Sport trim which feels every bit the luxury SUV.

This is built for families who need real room, effortless power, and an interior that turns every drive into something to enjoy. The cabin mixes beauty with function, and the driving experience leans toward smooth confidence. It creates an inviting environment that feels ready for everything, from school runs to long road trips.

Strong Visual Identity

The QX80 Sport has a striking exterior that fits its size and personality with a Sport-specific grille and front bumper as well as black roof rails that give it a confident attitude. The tall stance offers great forward visibility, and the 22-inch Sport wheels add presence and balance. It’s a design that announces itself without feeling overdone.

That height can be a drawback because it stands tall enough that parking garages or low garage ceilings may be too low. Once outside tighter spaces, the proportions feel fine. It's a full-size luxury SUV that wears its scale proudly and never blends into the background. People will notice what you’re driving.

2025 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infiniti

Cavernous family comfort

The interior is the highlight of the QX80. Our test vehicle had a Dusk Blue interior paired with open pore ash wood trim for a stunning and upscale look. Semi-aniline leather seats in the first and second rows added plush comfort, and the massaging front seats made endless LA traffic easy to bear.

The cabin is cavernous which makes family life easier. Everyone has room to settle in and relax, which helps keep the peace on longer drives. The center console storage is a bit small but everything else is beautifully arranged. The quiet ride, rich textures, and thoughtful design create a space that feels luxurious and inviting.

2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport ・ Photo by Infiniti

Strong Smooth Performance

The QX80 Sport uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Power delivery is smooth and confident, making it easy to bring this large SUV up to highway speed. Passing cars feels effortless, and the engine has a composed strength that suits a vehicle of this size.

The 9-speed automatic transmission keeps power accessible. It shifts smoothly and helps maintain steady momentum whether you're merging into traffic or climbing a grade. All-wheel drive adds traction and readiness in varying conditions. It feels polished and appropriately powerful for a full-size luxury SUV.

2025 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infiniti

Focused on Comfort

The ride quality in the QX80 benefits from its electronic air suspension and dynamic digital suspension. These systems work together to smooth out rough pavement and keep the cabin stable. It's a relaxing SUV to travel in, and passengers will appreciate how settled it feels on long stretches of highway. Comfort clearly takes priority here.

You will, however, feel its size when the road narrows. This is a tall and heavy SUV which is not something it tries to disguise. On curvier roads, you feel its weight, especially at higher speeds. But as a highway cruiser, it excels.

2025 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infiniti

Practical and Useful Room

Cargo space supports busy family life with ease. The wide rear opening and low liftover make stowing groceries, gear, and luggage easier. There are also power folding and reclining third-row seats for quick adjustments when you need to shift between passengers and cargo. It's the kind of practicality that matters to families.

Throughout the cabin, smaller item storage works well even though the center console would benefit from extra space. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and easy to move for accessing the third row. The mix of generous dimensions and thoughtful details makes the QX80 ideal for the ever-changing needs of a busy family.

2026 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infiniti

Clean Intuitive Systems

Technology takes a major leap forward in this generation. The QX80 features dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment with a 9-inch lower touchscreen for climate and convenience controls. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all in a system that is crisp and responsive.

The Klipsch Reference 24-speaker audio system added another layer of luxury. Wireless charging, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and individual audio through the headrest speakers make the cabin feel even more premium. This is tech done right because it stays helpful without ever becoming distracting.

2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport ・ Photo by Infiniti

Helpful Safety Systems

The QX80 features a wide range of driver assistance systems that help manage its size and keep you safe. Forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention alert are all standard.

There’s also a standard 3D Around View Monitor, which is incredibly helpful in tight spots. Whether it’s a narrow city street or a tight parking space, this lets you see exactly how close you are to objects and reduces the chances of accidentally scraping or denting your car.

2025 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infinti

The New Sport trim

The QX80 lineup includes several trims, but the new Sport trim we drove adds unique styling, upgraded materials, and advanced technology. Priced at $101,950, it’s a premium vehicle with a matching price that looked fantastic with a gorgeous interior.

Considering the premium features, advanced suspension, rich interior materials, and robust technology suite, the price aligns well with what this trim delivers. The Sport trim is a sweet spot for drivers who want standout styling and luxury without climbing to the Autograph level. You can also step down to the Pure at $86,850 if your budget doesn’t allow for a six-figure vehicle.

2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport ・ Photo by Infiniti

A Standout Flaghsip

The 2026 Infiniti QX80 combines a stunning interior, smooth acceleration, and genuine family comfort. It excels at long drives and brings a warm, premium personality to everyday travel. The quiet cabin and powerful engine make it feel effortless whether you are cruising on the highway or handling daily errands.

However, its size is noticeable in tight areas and winding roads, and the height may require attention in parking garages. That said, the strengths easily outweigh those small considerations. If you want real luxury, real space, and true comfort, the QX80 Sport is a strong contender.

2025 Infiniti QX80 ・ Photo by Infiniti