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The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD.
There's plenty of room for the family in the three-row Infiniti QX80 full-size sport-utility vehicle for 2022.
The Infiniti QX80 Sensory four-wheel-drive model is the top of the line for 2022, with a price of $85,335 (plus freight and options).
The full-size Infiniti QX80 – one of just a few traditional truck-based sport utility vehicles remaining on the market – returned for 2022 with a starting price of $70,600 (plus $1,395 freight) for the base Luxe model with rear-wheel drive. At the top of Infiniti’s lineup of four different SUVs, the QX80 is the only one with a body-on-frame design. The other three – the QX50, QX55 and QX60 – have unibody designs, in which the frame and body are all in one piece. For 2022, QX80 prices range as high as $85,335 for the top-of-the-line Sensory model with four-wheel drive, or $82,235 with rear-wheel drive.
Added this year is an upgraded infotainment touch screen. In between the Luxe 2WD and the Sensory models are the Luxe 4WD ($73,700), the Premium Select ($75,385, 2WD; $78,485, 4WD). Premium Select models come with the basic features of the Luxe model, along with 22-inch dark-chrome alloy wheels, unique Matte Mocha Burl interior trim and more.
The Sensory model was added just last year, replacing the previous Limited version. Standard is the advanced 5.6-liter V-8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 foot-pounds of torque, connected to a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching. Rear-wheel-drive models have EPA fuel-economy ratings of 14 mpg city/20 highway/16 combined; with four-wheel drive, the ratings are 13/19/15, including the Limited. There is a 26-gallon fuel tank, and while unleaded premium fuel is recommended, regular is acceptable. All trim levels come with the new wide-screen, high-definition 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility.
The new display and infotainment system include navigation with lane guidance. A new wireless smartphone charger is included, along with a Bose Premium Sound system, and Intelligent Cruise Control. While our Sensory 4WD test vehicle came with the Anthracite Gray exterior at no extra charge, there are premium exterior colors available – such as the Coulis Red premium color ($695). Our QX80 had the Saddle Brown upholstery. The Smart Rearview Mirror system is included on all models. It brings improved high-definition clarity and a wider screen size – 9.6 inches -- for enhanced rearward visibility. The driver can switch between a regular mirror and the LCD monitor to display a high-definition image from a camera mounted outside the rear of the vehicle.
Sensory models also include Charcoal Burl interior trim and a new graphite tricot headliner for a handcrafted, tailored feel. Outside, there are new 22-inch forged-alloy wheels and chrome mirror caps. Also standard is the Infiniti Hydraulic Body Motion Control System, designed to improve cornering stability and provide a smoother ride at all speeds. Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, created the QX80 from the Nissan Armada SUV. The Premium Select model has its own set of unique features besides the wheels and interior trim. They include dark chrome and black highlights on the grille, fender vents, door mirror caps and rear tailgate strip.
All models, starting with the Luxe, include standard driver-assist technologies such as Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Rear Seat Belt Reminder and updated Intelligent Cruise Control. This is the ultimate Infiniti family hauler, with comfortable seating for up to eight (seven with the standard second-row dual captain’s chairs on the Sensory). Heated front seats are standard on Luxe and Premium Select models, but the Sensory comes with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. All rows of seats are leather in the QX80, but the Sensory has the upgraded quilted semi-aniline leather with Alcantara accents and embossed graphics on the first and second rows.
All models have 10-way power-adjustable driver and eight-way power front passenger seats with two-way lumbar adjust. Infiniti says the exteriors are hand-polished and inspected by Infiniti's Takumi master craftsmen for maximum depth, shine and luster. With the most-recent redesign, the QX80 was given the brand’s "Powerful Elegance" design language, along with a greatly improved interior that features refined components, high-quality materials, a hand-crafted finish and lots of new technology. The grille is more vertical than before, and the front edge of the hood extends 3.5 inches farther forward and is 0.79 inches higher, creating a more squared-off, vertical front section and a visibly longer, flatter hood. Headlights wrap around the front corners of the hood and mesh into the fenders. Infiniti says the headlights are the latest take on the brand’s “human-eye” design, with “triple light guide” technology for maximum lighting and visibility from any angle. There are slim combination LED taillights.
On all models, the QX80’s interior features high-quality materials, and looks and feels luxurious. It is hand-tailored and –crafted, Infiniti says. Seats, door panels and armrests are covered with perforated and quilted leather with contrast double-stitching and leather piping. The premium Saddle Brown leather interior on our tester had black contrast stitching and piping. Besides the Saddle Brown and Graphite colors, also available is Wheat color upholstery, in standard leather or premium semi-aniline leather. The Wheat semi-aniline leather comes with dark gray stitching and piping; the Graphite leather gets medium gray stitching and piping. The leather-wrapped shifter also has contrast-stitching, and the steering wheel has the same color-contrast leather as the rest of the interior. Higher-density padding makes leather surfaces firmer to the touch. Our 2022 Sensory model came with a 17-speaker Bose Performance Audio System with satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are included across the QX80 range.
The Infiniti InTouch infotainment system has dual high-definition displays, with navigation. The standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System includes a backup-camera along with Nissan’s Around View Monitor system. The Sensory model also has a rear entertainment system with high-resolution eight-inch screens in the backs of the two front seats. Included are Remote Engine Start and Remote Horn and Lights. There are multiple interior storage trays and cubbies. The center console has a larger smartphone storage area, and the twin front cupholders can accommodate two 44-ounce cups with handles. The twin USB ports are at the front of the center console just under the dash, open and easy to reach.
Storage under the front passenger armrest has been expanded, with the underside of the lid reshaped to create a 5.4-liter compartment. It’s 9.4 inches high and can hold three upright one-liter bottles. The space is shaped to accommodate tablet devices, standing vertically. There are storage areas for bottles and other items in all four side doors, and a second-row center console on some models to hold mobile devices and other valuables. Plenty of cargo space is provided, with 49.6 cubic feet when the third-row seatback is folded. With the third seat in place, there is still 16.6 cubic feet of storage space – about the same as a big sedan. With rear and middle-row seats folded, there is 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear hatch is power-operated. The QX80 has a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride, even on pavement we encountered on some dirt mountain roads in our area. There was never a lack of power, even on mountain grades, even though this is a heavy vehicle. It can tow trailers weighing up to 8,500 pounds. QX80’s Rear Auto-Leveling Suspension automatically adjusts to maintain optimum ride height with cargo in the trunk or a trailer on tow. All-Mode 4WD is a full-feature system with low-range gearing for rugged trail driving. The low-range gearing is perfect for steep hills, sand and mud. In automatic mode (high range only), the system can send up to half of the power to the front wheels; in normal mode, the rear wheels get the power. All models come with Hill Start Assist, which prevents rollback when the vehicle is stopped on a hill and the driver releases the foot brake.
Among standard safety features are four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability control; roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all three rows; seat-mounted front side air bags; and tire-pressure monitoring. Also included are self-dimming outside mirrors. Other standard features include heated/power-folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature; body-color running boards and integrated front and rear splash guards in the wheel arches; roof rails; a power/sliding/tinted glass moon roof; and a power rear liftgate. Extras on our test vehicle included Radiant Illuminated Kick Plates ($485); Radiant Exterior Welcome Lighting ($455); roof cross-rail bars ($410); and Illuminated Cargo Scuff Plate ($390). Total sticker price for our 2022 QX80 Sensory 4WD was $88,470, including freight and options. The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner, Emma Jayne Williams, contributed to this report.
The package: Full-size, seven- or eight-passenger, five-door, rear- or four-wheel-drive, V-8 powered, premium sport utility vehicle. Highlights: The QX80 is a premium family hauler with lots of power, a smooth ride, and a long list of available high-tech features. There is a three-model lineup for 2022, and four-wheel drive is available across the lineup. Negatives: Can get pricey with all the extras. Engine: 5.6-liter V-8. Transmission: Seven-speed automatic. Power/torque: 400 HP./413 foot-pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock. Length: 210.2 inches. Curb weight: 5,678-5,813 pounds. Cargo capacity: 16.6 cubic feet (behind third row); 49.6 cubic feet (behind second row); 95.1 cubic feet (second and third rows folded). Electronic stability control: Standard. Side air bags: Front seat-mounted, three-row side curtain. Towing capacity: 8,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy: 14 mpg city/20 highway/16 combined (2WD); 13/19/15 (4WD). Fuel capacity/type: 26 gallons/premium recommended, but not required. Base price range: $70,600-$85,355, plus $1,395 freight. Price as tested: $88,470, including freight and options (2022 Sensory 4WD). Major competitors: Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, Audi Q7, Toyota Sequoia, Lexus GX 460, Nissan Armada Platinum. On the Road rating: 8.6 (of a possible 10). Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.