2018 Infiniti QX80

Pros: Brisk acceleration for the size; composed, absorbent ride; classy interior materials and fine assembly quality

Cons: Fuel economy; some desirable features are restricted to expensive option packages; mediocre visibility; maneuverability

CG Says: The 2018 Infiniti QX80 has revised styling inside and out. A rearview mirror that displays a camera image is newly available. Also, the shock absorbers have been retuned. QX80 is a premium large SUV with traditional body-on-frame construction that seats seven or eight passengers depending on which seating option is chosen. The QX80 is related to the Nissan Armada. The sole powertrain is a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. Available safety features include forward-collision warning, emergency automatic braking, lane-departure warning and mitigation, blind-spot alert and intervention, and steering-linked headlights. Available luxury features include adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, climate-controlled front seats, and heated rear seats. This high-content heavyweight impresses for its surprisingly brisk acceleration, high mechanical refinement, adept ride, and spacious, tasteful, high-quality interior. The main downsides are the trade-offs in fuel economy and maneuverability that go with big SUVs, plus blatant Ponzi-scheme options-package availability that undercuts attractive starting prices (though rival premium brands are guilty of this too). Still, the QX80 is a very likable and capable premium-large SUV that deserves consideration, especially by those who might occasionally dare venture off-road. Just think twice about the overpriced Deluxe Technology Package with its overabundance of wearisome warning noises and winking lights.