10 Things You Need To Know About The 2015 Infiniti QX80

Despite the shrinking market share associated with full-size luxury SUVs, Infiniti has invested significant effort in bringing the 2015 Infiniti QX80 up to snuff.  This most recent version of Infiniti’s traditional sport-utility hauler offers a fresh face and an even more breathtaking cabin than it did the year before, and it maintains the same V-8 power and real world practicality that have long defined the model.  With the introduction of the new Limited Package, Infiniti has also elevated the QX80’s interior trappings to rival those of considerably more expensive competitors. 

Let’s take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2015 Infiniti QX80.

1. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Has Been Given A Face-Lift

The 2015 Infiniti QX80’s designers have made an effort to counter the controversy engendered by the SUV’s extroverted styling history, and the result is a sleeker version of the vehicle that doesn’t trade in too much of its brash character.  The most prominent changes can be found up front, where a new top and bottom grille tie the truck closer to recent Infiniti sedan efforts like the Q50 and the Q70, but at the rear of the QX80 you’ll also find a restyled bumper.  LED lighting assumes new prominence with the Infiniti, as headlights and taillights are now LED-only.

2. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Offers A Significantly Re-Modeled Cabin

The 2015 Infiniti QX80’s outside touch-ups are mild compared to the renovations that have been performed inside its spacious cabin.  A whole new world of leather and wood awaits those who ride within the Infiniti QX80, with a range of different burls and semi-aniline leather trim and upholstery available as standard equipment with the SUV.  Rather than overwhelm driver and passengers with opulence, Infiniti has managed to preserve a very classy template for the QX80, launching it into contention with the best full-size luxury rides in its segment in terms of interior quality, fit, and finish.

3. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Packs A V-8 Punch

Under the hood, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 maintains the same 5.6-liter V-8 engine that served it so well during the 2014 model year.  The Infiniti QX80’s only available mill generates 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, numbers that place it roughly mid-pack on paper when compared against rivals from Cadillac, Lincoln, and Land Rover. In actual performance, however, the QX80’s direct fuel injection and variable-valve timing elevate it to parity with standouts like the Escalade when it comes to towing and hauling.  In fact, the Infiniti is rated to pull up to 8,500 lbs of trailer weight.

4. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Features Optional All-Wheel Drive

The 2015 Infiniti QX80 can be ordered with an all-wheel drive system that is intended to enhance the SUV’s stability when dealing with slick roads or deep snow.  For those who intend to take advantage of the Infiniti QX80’s more-than-nine inches of ground clearance, the all-wheel drive system also features a ‘Low’ setting that amplifies torque in order to help the truck power through rougher terrain.  The default for the system is ‘Auto,’ which shuttles torque to the front wheels on an as-needed basis, but there’s also a ‘High’ setting that locks all-wheel drive on for more predictable handling in inclement weather.

5. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Isn’t All That Frugal At The Fuel Pump

Physics imposes an unavoidable efficiency penalty on all full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUVs, and the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is no exception to this rule.  The Infiniti QX80 sees its EPA fuel mileage rating listed at 14-mpg in stop and go driving and 20-mpg on the highway, numbers that are more in keeping with a large pickup than a comparable crossover.  Without cylinder deactivation technology or turbochargers the QX80 is in tough to lead its class at the fuel pump, but this won’t come as a surprise to anyone shopping in the large SUV segment – and at least all-wheel drive models don’t exact a further fuel surcharge as compared to rear-wheel drive editions of the vehicle.

6. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Is Remarkably Practical

A big part of the 2015 Infiniti QX80’s appeal is its exceptional utility on a day-to-day basis.  In addition to its generous tow rating, the Infiniti QX80 can be configured to haul as many as eight passengers at a time (when its standard second row set of captain’s chairs is swapped for a split bench).  If you don’t need all three rows of accommodations, simply fold down the rear seats electronically using the controls located at the back of the vehicle and tip the second row forward at the touch of a button to reveal an enormous 95 cubic feet of total cargo space.

7. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Provides Extensive Standard Equipment

One of the 2015 Infiniti QX80’s strong points is the length of its standard equipment list.  Every version of the Infiniti QX80 comes with the previously-mentioned LED headlights (which feature automatic high beams), a power liftgate, heated leather seats with power adjustment, 20-inch rims, heated retractable side mirrors, a Bose stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity for both hands-free phone use and music streaming, keyless entry and push-button start, three zones of automatic climate control, and satellite radio.  You also get a voice-controlled navigation system and a touchscreen infotainment interface free of charge with the Infiniti suv.

8. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Pours On The Active Safety Gear

The 2015 Infiniti QX80 provides a high quotient of active safety features, provided you are willing to spend extra cash to get them.  The comprehensive Driver Assistance package installs a blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning with automatic all-speed braking both front and rear, and a distance control feature that pushes back on the accelerator to keep you from getting too close to traffic ahead.  Order the Deluxe Technology package and you’ll also get a lane departure warning and intervention system, along with a blind spot intervention feature.

9. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Introduces The Limited Package

The 2015 Infiniti QX80’s attractive interior is available in an even more decadent edition that also happens to be all-new for the current model year.  The Infiniti QX80 Limited (essentially the all-wheel drive model paired with the $10,000 Limited package) includes every piece of optional equipment available with the SUV, and also adds a number of unique touches of its own: special ash wood trim, a ‘Truffle’ brown leather interior that includes uniquely stitched seats, semi-aniline trim as well as a suede-like headliner, and three unique exterior colors to go with the truck’s special 22-inch rims.

10. The 2015 Infiniti QX80 Accentuates Value

With a starting MSRP of $63,250, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 undercuts its main rival, the Cadillac Escalade on price.  The difference between the two vehicles becomes even more pronounced once you start taking into account similar levels of equipment, as the Cadillac asks buyers to shell out extra for features already included with the base Infiniti.  Even when found in Limited trim, the Infiniti QX80 starts to touch Land Rover Range Rover Sport levels of interior fit and finish without reaching the same pricing plateau, making it one of the few genuine bargains in the luxury SUV segment.