2025 Infiniti QX80 – Modern Majesty

SUVs
April 10, 2025
Dan Gunay

The all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 marks a bold leap forward for the brand’s flagship SUV, combining cutting-edge technology, opulent materials, and a striking new design language that redefines luxury in the full-size segment. Built on a fresh platform and equipped with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, the redesigned QX80 aims to compete head-on with established rivals like the Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 debuts an entirely new exterior design that signals a dramatic shift in the brand’s styling direction. Up front, the QX80 features a bold and upright front fascia dominated by a massive, illuminated “digital piano key” grille that is flanked by ultra-slim LED headlights. This new lighting signature extends horizontally, emphasizing the vehicle’s width and giving it a modern, almost futuristic appearance. The front bumper is sculpted with sharp angles and subtle chrome accents that elevate the SUV’s upscale presence, while the hood is longer and flatter, giving the QX80 a commanding, truck-like stance.

From the side, the QX80 maintains its full-size proportions but with a cleaner, more minimalist bodywork than its predecessor. The character lines are subtle and refined, running smoothly from the front fenders to the rear, giving the profile a sense of flow and cohesion. Flush door handles now add a touch of modernity and aerodynamic efficiency, while bold 22-inch wheels fill the arches and provide a planted, muscular look. The new floating roof design, creeated by a darkened D-pillar treatment that visually separates from the body – a nod to contemporary luxury SUVs.

Around back, the redesign is equally dramatic. A full-width LED taillight bar stretches across the rear hatch, echoing the theme from the front lighting signature, and giving the QX80 a high-tech look at night. The rear glass is more steeply raked than before, giving it a sleeker silhouette. The tailgate itself is cleaner and flatter, with the Infiniti script boldly displayed in the center-no longer relying solely on a logo. Dual rectangular exhaust outlets integrated into the lower bumper hint at the QX80’s performance capabilities while adding a layer of sportiness to the otherwise luxurious rear design.

Step inside the 2025 QX80 and you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that feels like a complete reinvention rather than a just refresh. The interior design takes on a minimalist, yet high-tech approach, highlighted by a horizontal dash layout that emphasizes width and space. Rich materials like wood, quilted leather, and polished metal accents are used generously across the cabin, creating a lounge-like athmosphere. Ambient lighting runs along the door panels and dashboard in customizable colours, adding a refined, upscale mood at night. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the stitching on the seats, to the finely knurled knobs and buttons that feel satisfying to touch.

Dominating the dashboard are the two massive 14.3-inch screens, one for the digital gauge cluster, and the other for infotainment. Both displays are shar, vibrant and highly responsive, running Infiniti’s latest software with improved usability and faster processing. A third 9-inch screen is dedicated to climate and seat controls, positioned lower on the center stack. Wireless smartphone integration comes standard, along with a 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premium audio system that delivers audiphile-grade sound quality, as well as a built-in dashcam system that records all events .

Just as expected from a full-size body-on-frame SUV, the QX80 offers plenty of space. Front passengers are treated to plush, supportive seats with available massage, heating and cooling functions. The second row offers captain’s bench with generous legroom and with heating, cooling functions as well as powered seats. Third-row space has also improved slightly thanks to the new platform, making it more “adult-friendly” than before. It also offers heating and cooling features for the third row passengers. As expected from a large SUV, it offers generous amount of cargo space, approximately 470 litres behind the third row, that goes up to 1400 liters when they are folded. The QX80 can offer up to 2493 litres of cargo capacity when you fold down both third and second row seats.

Under the hood, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 marks a major departure from its predecessors by retiring the long-serving 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 in favour of a more modern and efficient 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6. Despite the drop in cylinder count, performance has taken a healthy step forward. This new VR35DDTT engine produces 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, a significant upgrade over the outgoing V8’s 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft torque figures. The new engine not only delivers quicker acceleration, but also improves fuel efficiency, thanks to punchier mid-range and better thermal management.

Power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 7-speed unit. The extra gear contribute to wider gear ratios and improved fuel economy, while also enhancing towing and off-road capability. Speaking of which, the QX80 continues to offer a rear-wheel-biased all-wheel-drive system standard in Canada, with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system. The AWD system can automatically redistribute torque between the front and rear axles depending on road conditions, and it includes selectable drive modes such as Snow, Tow, Sport and Off-Road for added versatility.

When it comes to off-road capabilities, the QX80 is still more luxury cruiser than trail conqueror, but it is not entirely out of its element. Ground clearance comes in at around 9.2-inches, and it features a robust, body-on-frame construction that helps with durability over rough terrain. An available hydraulic body motion control suspension (HBMC) enhances both ride comfort, and off-road articulation by actively managing body roll and damping. Additionally, air suspension is available on higher trims, allowing for automatic load leveling, and adjustable ride height depending on the driving situation-lowering for easier access, or raising for trail clearance.

Altogether, the new drivetrain makes the 2025 QX80 feel more refined and responsive. The twin-turbo V6 deliver strong, effortless power for highway passing and towing with a max capacity of 8,500 lbs, while the updated transmission and adaptive suspension sytstems smooth out the ride whether you are cruising on pavement, or navigating a gravel trail. It is important to remember the fact that QX80 is still a luxury SUV, so for technical trails, the updated Nissan Armada would be a better choice. Overall, it’s a major leap in sophistication and performance compared to the older, thirstier V8-powered models.

Behind the wheel, the 2025 Infiniti QX80 delivers a driving experience that feels more refined and composed than ever before. The switch to a twin-turbo V6 not only brings more torque lower in the rev range, but it also makes the QX80 feel lighter on tis feet, despite its large footprint. Acceleration is smooth and immediate, especially during highway merges and quick passing maneuvers. The 9-speed automatic transmission complements the engine quite well, delivering clean, well-timed shifts without hesitation. Engine noise is kept to a minimum under normal driving, though the V6 emits a subtle growl under hard throttle, replacing the V8’s unique rumble with a more modern and polished tone.

Despite its luxury focus, the QX80 also holds its own when the pavement ends. The all-wheel-drive system provides steady traction on looser surfaces, and the selectable drive modes fine-tune the vehicle’s behaviour to suit different terrains. The adjustable air suspension adds real-world versatility, raising the ride height when needed, and lowering it for easier loading, underground parking, or better aerodynamics on the highway. It’s clear Infiniti aimed to strike a balance between rugged utility and upscale comfort-and for the most part, it works.

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is a bold and much-needed reinvention of the brand’s flagship SUV, bringing modern powertrain technology, cutting-edge infotainment, and true luxury refinement to a segment that demands nothing less. With its dramatic new design, tech-packed interior, and smooth yet capable driving dynamics, the QX80 finally feels competitive with the best in the full-size luxury SUV class. It strikes a compelling balance between presence, comfort, and performance, making it a strong option for families and luxury buyers alike. Whether you are commuting through the city, cruising on the highway, or navigating a dirt trail to a weekend cabin, the QX80 feels capable, confident, and unmistakably premium.

Engine	3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission & Drivetrain	9-speed automatic & all-wheel-drive
Max power	450 hp @ 5600 rpm
Max torque	516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
0-100 km/h	5.5 sec
Curb Weight (estimated)	5800 lbs – 2630 kg
Fuel Economy (observed)	19 MPG – 13.8 L/100 km
Price (starting at)	$110,256 CAD
Website:	www.infiniti.ca