The good news for those considering the Infiniti QX80 is that their choice of a luxury SUV is getting much-needed changes to the 2021 model. Car critics identified some standard safety features absent on the 2020 QX80, which kept it from topping the list of 3-row luxury SUVs. It appears that Infiniti listened to the critics’ input and made the recommended upgrades, but those changes are not coming cheap.

What standard safety features come with the 2021 QX80?

The current generation QX80 began in 2010, but despite going an entire decade without a major upgrade, Infiniti’s largest SUV has seen a steady increase in annual sales. Car and Driver reports that no significant design changes are slated for a fall rollout of the 2021 QX80, but some much needed standard safety features are among the scheduled upgrades.

Coming in with a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, the 2021 QX80 put most of its effort into adding several driver-assist safety features as a part of their standard safety package at all trim levels. 

Among the notable driver-assist upgrades are forward collision warning and automated emergency braking, which includes pedestrian detection. Other standard driver-assist safety features added by Infiniti on their 2021 models include adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings with lane-keeping assist.

The Infiniti QX80 safety upgrades add to its price on all trim levels

To keep up with the fierce competition in the QX80’s market sector, which includes the Lincoln Navigator, the BMW X7, and the Mercedes-Benz G and GLS-Class SUVs, the 2021 upgrades will bring it up to demanding standards. However, Infiniti’s upgrades to their 3-row SUV also add to its price at all trim levels.

The base model QX80 Luxe will see a sticker price increase of $2,300 in 2021, bringing it to just over $70k. Even with this price increase, Infiniti’s offering continues to hover $5k below that of many class leaders. Instead of a single higher trim level in 2020, Infiniti provides two. 

The 2021 Premium Select QX80 trim level comes in at a price just under $75k, and the QX80’s highest level trim package, Sensory, is priced mid-way between $84k and $85k, which is a decrease of more than $10k compared to the highest trim-level option available in 2020.

The 2021 Infiniti QX80 offers other attractive features

Recognition among some of the most renowned automakers worldwide is no easy task, especially in the 3-row, luxury SUV class. In this sector, the sticker price is not a big deal as the model’s standard features are concerned. Along with the QX80’s safety upgrades in 2021, Infiniti has built in some other attractive features to capture car buyers’ attention.

A burly, 400 hp, 5.6-liter V-8 powering the 2021 QX80 is among its most impressive features, allowing it to compete well in the areas of towing and payload. Along with performance, Infiniti has equipped their SUV with surefooted handling that exceeds many class competitors. Finally, the QX80 provides a larger area for hauling cargo.

Expect to pay extra for upgrades to the 2021 Infiniti QX80

Keeping pace in the 3-row luxury SUV class is no easy task when competing with some of the biggest names in auto-making history. However, the 2021 Infiniti QX80 is taking some major positive steps in the right direction. 

The standard safety upgrades added in 2020 represent Infiniti’s commitment to recognize and execute the changes necessary to keep up. You can still expect to pay extra for those upgrades when you decide to purchase the 2021 QX80.