Infiniti makes some gorgeous looking vehicles. The biggest and grandest of them all would have to be the QX80. For 2021, the Infiniti QX80 returns with much-needed changes, and of course, they require a higher price tag. While the QX80 is attractive in many ways, you may find that the vehicle is still questionable. 

2021 Infiniti QX80 performance 

The QX80 has proved to be a pretty reliable vehicle that’s luxurious and ideal for larger families. This Infiniti also gets points for being one of the quicker options in its class. As with the outgoing model, the 2021 QX80 features a 5.6-liter V8 linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

Even though it’s big and bulky, the QX80 gets credit for its lively handling. Nevertheless, massive brutes like this Infiniti can be hard to park. And with an EPA rating of up to 16 mpg overall, the QX80 is below average for fuel economy. 

In its 2020 road test, Consumer Reports gave the QX80 a decent overall performance rating. The biggest disadvantage that CR found was that its emergency handling doesn’t do much to instill a driver’s confidence. On the other hand, CR recognizes this SUV for its quietness and ride comfort.

“The QX rides fairly well, shrugging off most bumps. Still, it tends to rock on all but the smoothest roads, making the ride unsettled. On the highway, the suspension provides excellent isolation, but some body motions persist. The cabin stays pleasingly quiet, with muted background hum from the V8 engine, little noise from the 20-inch tires, and just a hint of wind rush.”

Car and Driver

Cabin comforts

The QX80 presents an elegant, leather interior that comes with heated front seats. Depending on the configuration, the QX80 can seat up to seven or eight people. The QX80’s third-row is accommodating, but it’s not the most spacious in its class. Regarding in-car tech, the QX80 is more impressive for 2021.

Infiniti made advanced safety a more critical aspect of the 2021 QX80. The SUV now comes with adaptive cruise control. Other driver-assist functions include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. The QX80 also helps you stay connected with infotainment features, including a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Why the QX80 deserves a question mark

The QX80 is the kind of model that dazzles with its looks and cradles its passengers. Even so, this SUV is questionable. As Car and Driver highlights, Infiniti has made significant improvements to its flagship SUV over the years. But the QX80 still doesn’t offer the luxurious amenities we’ve come to expect, such as massaging seats or a panoramic roof. 

As Car and Driver also points out, the QX80 is less compelling when you think of its nonluxury counterpart, the Nissan Armada. The QX80 and the Armada share the same underpinnings. A new QX80 begins at $69,050, and a new Armada starts around $47,500. You could get a fully loaded Armada for less than the base price of the QX80. That said, the QX80’s rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class or the Cadillac Escalade are more alluring.