2014 INFINITI QX80 Review – Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors + 30 Real-Life Photos



When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class.

But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014.

QX80 RLP GIF1

A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package.

400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with this chain-driven marvel of a V8 — and the big QX80 is even offered as a simple rear-drive configuration for those in arid climates like Arizona. Or Abu Dhabi.

So, is the QX80 a cynical restyle of the Nissan Armada? It is easy to assume this is the case — but you would be dead wrong. The first QX56 was, indeed, a bit of a badge/stickers job on the outside even while the interior carries 400-pounds of extra comfort materials over the work-a-day Armada.

QX80 Int flyaround 1 QX80 Int flyaround 2 QX80 Int flyaround 3 QX80 Int flyaround 4

But while the original Armada soldiers forward — the QX80 actually was fully redesigned only a few years into its stint on the global Infiniti sales books. A blend of more-upright layouts for the seating and a thorough chassis overhaul means that the Armada and QX80 are distant cousins as best these days.

This comes into sharp relief when considering the QX80 comes from Japan, while the Armada from a US assembly plant. For car people: this means they are completely different machines. It also brings a standard of quality execution that is beyond volume-car-lines.

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The Infiniti (and Lexus) flagship factories are slow, detailed-obsessed and attentive to the low, low volumes of cars they produce. It is not that the Lexus LS460 has smarter robots to build it than the ES350 in Kentucky — but just much more freedom to stop the line, make changes, and ensure things are perfect.

Versus stopping the line: I think much more handcrafting means the cars may not be on a moving assembly floor at all. But this is speculation.

QX80 RLP GIF2

The QX80, if we’re not mistaken, is now assembled in the old Q45 shop — indicating a max output volume per head that might make Bentley blush. Fewer than 10,000 units, we estimate, from a staff of thousands. That is attention to detail — and that is also a major benefit of this luxury hauler versus the Armada, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Expedition… all of them.

But this car’s real laser-guided target is the new Range Rover. The Infiniti is larger in all dimensions, seats seven in proper padded seating, and may outlive even a Range Rover assembled in 2020. There simply is not the same quality of production-level engineering in any English car factory, we regret to report.

QX80 Exterior Digital 1GIF

So is the QX80 just as unburst-ably-tough as Land Cruiser or Lexus LX570? Yes, these are the QX80’s closest kindred spirit.

But while the Land Cruiser is still mighty wobnbly and insecure in corners, the QX80’s lower roof keeps things chill even in 100-mph-plus sweeping corners.

QX80 AFS GIF1

Will it love gravel roads like an Escalade? Oh yes. And this truck, unlike any previous Escalade at least — will keep the interior fittings tight over years of washboard surfaces. Many Yukon Denali XL owners will know what we refer to here — a cacophony of trim rattles is the Suburban’s classic first-birthday-gift for many owners who push the trucks beyond urban comfort zones.

The QX80 is actually a real hoot to drive — in the way that flogging any big, powerful truck is — but also a sweet companion when simply trying to nap quietly in the middle row of captains chairs.

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Is the QX80 without faults? No. The LED accents in the headlamps are a bit passe — while the lower foglamps are halogen and do not match the HID hue above. It is also, perhaps, a bit too subtle for many Q7 or Escalade aspirants. But, for many shoppers, the fewer rap-video appearances the better at maintaining the QX80’s quiet excellence.

Quiet.  And rattle-free — of course.

 

Exterior Flyaround Digital desert 1GIF

 2014 Infiniti QX80 Pricing

MODEL

SUGGESTED
LIST PRICE (1)

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

QX80

$62,550

5.6L V8

7-spd auto w/ manual shift mode

QX80 AWD

$65,650

5.6L V8

7-spd auto w/ manual shift mode

FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS

SUGGESTED
LIST PRICE (1)

QX80

QX80 AWD

Theater Package

$3,100

•

•

Tire & Wheel Package

$2,400

•

•

Deluxe Touring Package

$4,650

•

•

Technology Package

$3,250

•

•

Split Bench Seat Package

No Charge

•

•

REAL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

PORT INSTALLED ACCESSORIES

SUGGESTED
LIST PRICE (1)

QX80

QX80 AWD

Roof Rail Crossbars

$325

•

•

Rear Bumper Protector

$270

•

•

Moonroof Wind Deflector

$190

•

•

Cargo Mat, Cargo Net & First Aid Kit

$200

•

•

Illuminated Kick Plates

$405

•

•

(1) Manufacturer Suggested List Price. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.
Excludes tax, title, license and destination charges. Destination and handling $995.

Exterior Flyaround COLORS desert 1GIF

 

Infiniti QX80 Technical Specifications, Features and Options

Source of Production:  Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Assembly Plant Location: Kyushu, Japan

ENGINE

Type

VK56VD

Orientation

Longitudinally-mounted

Cylinders / configuration

V8

Block / head composition

Aluminum / aluminum

Displacement

5.6 liters

Horsepower

400 @ 5,800 rpm

Torque

413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Bore x stroke (mm)

98 x 92

Compression ratio (:1)

10.8

Maximum engine speed

6,000 rpm

Induction system

Naturally aspirated

Valvetrain

DOHC 32-valve; silent chain, single stage

Fuel delivery system

Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG)

Mounts

2 solid (side), 1 solid (rear)

Recommended fuel

Premium unleaded

Emission certification level

Tier2-Bin 5 / LEV2-LEV

Exhaust

Single exit/main and secondary mufflers

ELECTRICAL

Electronic ignition system

S

Starter rating

12 volt

150 amp alternator

Battery

Amp-hour rating; 82Ah

Trailer towing – 7 pin trailer harness plug with connector

S

QX80 Exterior Digital 1GIF

TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SYSTEM

2WD

4WD

Drive configuration

2WD

4WD

Transmission type

Automatic; 7-speed with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control, Downshift Rev Matching (DRM)

Automatic transmission oil cooler

S

Gear ratios (:1)

 

 

1st

4.887

2nd

3.170

3rd

2.027

4th

1.412

5th

1.000

6th

0.864

7th

0.775

Transfer case / crawl ratios

 

Axle

TBD

4WD high

1.0

4WD low

2.7

Crawl ratio: 1st

38.5

Crawl ratio: 2nd

24.9

Crawl ratio: reverse

31.8

Final drive ratio (:1)

2.937

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

S

Traction Control System (TCS)

S

2- or 4-wheel active brake limited slip (ABLS)

S (2-wheel)

S (4-wheel)

Snow-mode function

S

Hill Start Assist

S

Tow Mode function

S

Final drive ratio (:1)

2.937

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

S

Traction Control System (TCS)

S

2- or 4-wheel active brake limited slip (ABLS)

S (2-wheel)

S (4-wheel)

Snow-mode function

S

Hill Start Assist

S

Tow Mode function

S

BODY/CHASSIS

Body type

Body-on-frame

Primary materials

Corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel

Class IV trailer hitch

S

Skid plate

Radiator

S

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BRAKES

Front:  Vented disc 13.78 x 1.18 in.

S

Rear:  Vented disc 13.78 x 0.79 in.

4-wheel disc brakes

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

4 channels/4 sensors

Brake Assist

Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

SUSPENSION AND STEERING

Front suspension

Double-wishbone

Front stabilizer bar (vehicles without Hydraulic Body Motion Control system)

S

Rear suspension

Double-wishbone

Rear stabilizer bar (vehicles without Hydraulic Body Motion Control system)

S

Auto leveling rear suspension

S

Hydraulic Body Motion Control system

O (deletes stabilizer bars)

Dual-Flow Path® twin-tube shock absorbers

S

Steering type

Rack-and-pinion

Power-assist

Engine speed-sensitive

Steering ratio (:1)

19.7

Turns (lock-to-lock)

3.5

Turning diameter (curb-to-curb)

41.6 ft

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WHEELS AND TIRES

Wheels

20 x 8.0-inch forked 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels

S

22 x 8.0-inch 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels

O

Tires

P275/60R20 all-season tires

S

P275/50R22 all-season tires

O

Full-Size spare tire and alloy wheel

S

Location

Behind rear axle

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (direct sensor type) with Tire Inflation Indicator

S

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EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)

Wheelbase

121.1

Overall length

208.3

Overall width

79.9

Overall height w/ roof rack

75.8

Front track width

67.5

Rear track width

67.9

Angle of approach (degrees)

20.9

Angle of departure (degrees)

22.3

Ramp angle (degrees)

20.7

Ground clearance  (inches)

9.2

Step in height – 1st row

22.4

Step in height – 2nd row

22.8

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EXTERIOR FEATURES AND OPTIONS

Body color front and rear bumpers, center section

S

Chrome grille, door handles and window moldings

S

Headlights

 Automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon

S

Fog lights (front fascia mounted)

S

Windshield Wiper Interlock

S

Adaptive Front lighting System

O

(AFS) w/auto-leveling headlights

O

Headlight washers

O

Glass

Windshield

UV-reducing, noise-insulated

Driver and front passenger windows

UV-reducing, noise-insulated

Rear door glass

Dark privacy glass

Rear quarter windows

Dark privacy glass

Rear liftgate

Dark privacy glass

Wipers

Front windshield

Rain-sensing, variable intermittent

Rear liftgate

Intermittent with washer

Outside mirrors

Power folding

S

Heated

S

Power adjust

S

Reverse tilt-down feature

S

Integrated turn signals

S

 Courtesy lamps

S

Auto dimming

S

Body-color running boards with integrated front and rear body-color splash guards

S

Roof rack

Side rails

S

Cross bars

Accessory

Power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close

S

Power rear liftgate

S

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)

First row

     Head room with sunroof

39.9

     Shoulder room

63.8

     Hip room

59.2

     Leg room

39.6

Second row

     Head room

40.0

     Shoulder room

63.5

     Hip room

58.4

     Leg room

41.0

Third row

     Head room

36.8

     Shoulder room

60.5

     Hip room

48.8

     Leg room

28.8

INTERIOR FEATURES AND OPTIONS

10-way power driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support

S

8-way power passenger’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support

S

Leather-appointed seats

S

Semi-aniline leather-appointed seats

O

Driver and front passenger Active Head Restraints

S

Dual occupant memory for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, linked to individual Intelligent Keys

S

Entry/exit assist for driver’s seat and steering wheel

S

Heated front row seats

S

2nd row captain’s chairs with tip-up easy entry for 3rd row

S

Remote tip-up 2nd row seats for easy 3rd row entry/exit

O

Heated 2nd row seats (outboard)

O

Fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats

S

Driver and front passenger seat back pockets

S

Power 60/40-split fold-flat and reclining 3rd row bench seat

S

9 cupholders and 4 bottle holders

S

12V power points: 2 I/P mounted, 1 in rear of front center console, 1 in cargo-area luggage trim panel

S

120V outlet in rear of front center console

O

Steering wheel: 4-spoke leather-wrapped w/ illuminated cruise control and audio switches, power tilt and telescopic adjustment; heated

S

Heated 2nd row seats (outboard)

O

Fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats

S

Driver and front passenger seat back pockets

S

Power 60/40-split fold-flat and reclining 3rd row bench seat

S

9 cupholders and 4 bottle holders

S

12V power points: 2 I/P mounted, 1 in rear of front center console, 1 in cargo-area luggage trim panel

S

120V outlet in rear of front center console

O

Steering wheel: 4-spoke leather-wrapped w/ illuminated cruise control and audio switches, power tilt and telescopic adjustment; heated

S

Heated 2nd row seats (outboard)

O

Fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats

S

Driver and front passenger seat back pockets

S

Power 60/40-split fold-flat and reclining 3rd row bench seat

S

9 cupholders and 4 bottle holders

S

12V power points: 2 I/P mounted, 1 in rear of front center console, 1 in cargo-area luggage trim panel

S

120V outlet in rear of front center console

O

Steering wheel: 4-spoke leather-wrapped w/ illuminated cruise control and audio switches, power tilt and telescopic adjustment; heated

S

INSTRUMENTATION

Fine Vision electroluminescent meter gauges

S

Speedometer

Tachometer

Engine temperature

Oil pressure

Voltage

Tire pressure warning

Shift position indicator

Tire pressure display in vehicle info screen

4WD indicator/warning

S on 4WD

AUDIO SYSTEM

Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, including two subwoofers, AM/FM radio, single in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and speed-sensitive volume control

S

Bose® Cabin Surround® Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers

O

Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® wireless technology

S

USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices

S

SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)

S

Auxiliary audio/video input jacks in front console

S

Illuminated steering wheel controls:

 Audio

S

 Cruise control

Antennas

In-glass audio and diversity

S

Body-color satellite radio

Theater Package with dual 7.0-inch color monitors, 2 sets of wireless headphones, remote control, auxiliary audio/video input jacks, 120V power outlet

O

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

FEATURES

Power windows with one-touch auto/up down with auto-reverse feature

S

Power door locks with illuminated switches, with anti-lockout feature and automatic locking

Remote keyless entry – operates locks, windows, rear liftgate

Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system with microfilter

Mild-flow vent located on upper instrument panel, rear seat heater ducts under front seats

Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System

Power tilt and telescopic steering column

Front center console with adjustable armrest, storage compartment and 12-volt outlet

2nd row center console armrest with two storage compartments

Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver

Sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and ambient light

Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges

Infiniti Controller, 8-inch color touch-screen display

Infiniti analog clock

Infiniti Intelligent Key with illuminated Push Button Ignition

Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted switches

Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with Lane Guidance and 3D building graphics

Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio, navigation and vehicle information systems

NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)

NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)

Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide

Around View® Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System and Moving Object Detection (MOD)

Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto recirculation, Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter

O

Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range)

O

Distance Control Assist (DCA)

O

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CAPACITIES

Seating capacity

7 – with 2nd row captain chairs

8 – with optional 2nd row bench seat

Total interior volume – pass. plus cargo (cu. ft.)

167.9

Cargo volume – behind 3rd row (cu. ft.)

16.6

Fuel tank (gals.)

26.0

Engine oil (qts.)

8.0

Engine coolant (qts.)

15.6

Maximum towing capacity (lbs.)

8,500

Maximum tongue weight (lbs.)

850

CURB WEIGHTS

2WD

4WD

Curb weight (lbs.)

Front

2,851

3,040

Rear

2,782

2,837

Total

5,633

5,878

Weight distribution

51/49

52/48

GVWR (lbs.)

7,300

7,500

EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES (actual mileage may vary)

2WD

4WD

City

14

14

Highway

20

20

Combined

16

16

EPA Size Class

SUV

SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES

Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors

S

Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags (SRS)

Roof-mounted side-impact supplemental curtain air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows

Front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)

Front seat Active Head Restraints

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator

LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) (outboard positions only for vehicles with Optional 2nd Row Bench Seat)

Power door locks with automatic locking system and child safety rear door locks

Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System

Vehicle Security System

Auto Hazard Warning Signal

Energy-absorbing steering column

S

Zone Body construction w/ front and rear crumple zones

Hood-buckling creases

Knee bolsters

Shift interlock system

Body side reinforcements

Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

O

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

O

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)

O

Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts

O

QX80 RLP GIF2

 

PACKAGES AND OPTIONS

Theater Package: Dual 7-inch color monitors, two wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary audio/video input jacks, 120V power outlet, heated 2nd row seats (outboard only), remote tip-up 2nd row seats for easy 3rd row entry/exit 

O

22-inch Wheel Package: 22×8.0-inch 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels, 275/50R22 all-season tires

O (requires Theater Package)

Split Bench Seat Package: 2nd row split bench seat with 60/40-split folding (deletes 2nd row Captain’s Chairs and 2nd row center console)

O (requires Theater Package)

Deluxe Touring Package: Bose® Cabin Surround® Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, Climate-controlled front seats, semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, Mocha Burl trim, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto circulation, Plasmacluster® air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter, 2nd row footwell courtesy lights, and headlight washers  

O (requires 22-inch Wheel Package)

Technology Package: Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention®, Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights, Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) 

O (requires Deluxe Touring Package)

S – Standard   O – Optional

QX80 RLP GIF1