Used 2014 INFINITI QX80

Clearly, the 2014 Infiniti QX80 lines up against the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but other high-priced competitors include the Lexus LX and Land Rover’s Range Rover. Gasoline may be over four bucks a gallon and parking lots are getting tighter, but there remains a healthy market for the big, powerful, luxury SUV, and the QX80, with its 8-passenger seating and 8,500-pound towing capacity, is as big and powerful as they get. However, having impressive capabilities does not make the QX80 particularly unique What does set it apart is its sumptuous interior and the sheer scope of its technology features.

What sorts of driving manners would you expect of a full-size luxury SUV in this price range? The 2014 QX80 delivers on whatever those expectations might be. With its fully-independent suspension (not found on all full-size SUVs, by the way), it’s luxuriously smooth and road imperfections are barely noticeable. At highway speeds or around town, the interior is supremely quiet. While the chassis deals with whatever is down at the road surface, the stout V8, matched with the velvety 7-speed automatic transmission, moves the big QX80 with ease and smooth certainty. If this is the kind of vehicle you want, there are few to match it.

Infiniti’s design philosophy for the QX80 is related to “executive jet” interiors. In execution, this means spacious seating all the way to the third row with seats that define sumptuous comfort. It also means lots of control functions available for each passenger. And it means purposeful-looking gauges that are crisply done with wood trim adding that necessary look of upscale luxury. It’s a very nice place to sit down and take a ride.

While a lot of full-size SUVs push their full sizes to the far corners of a rectangular box shape, the Infiniti QX80 is a combination of curves that rise over the front then flow to the rear with hardly a straight line in sight. On top, the available roof rack allows securing the odd canoe or a load of cross-country luggage, although actually stowing things up there will be a reach. Overall, the QX80’s shape is not one about which many people will be neutral, but it stands apart from the more squared-off choices, such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

POWERFUL ENGINE
The 2014 QX80’s 5.6-liter V8 is a mountain of smooth and ready power. Making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, it simply does not take “no” for an answer. Matched to an extremely slick-shifting 7-speed automatic, the combination moves the big QX80 with effortless ease.

THE INTERIOR EXPERIENCE
The idea of the 2014 QX80 as an “executive jet” for the road really helps everything about the SUV make sense. The interior is a finely crafted suite and, with the smoothness of its ride and quietness of its cabin, the QX80 is an idyllic place to be.

There is not room enough here to list anywhere near the full complement of standard features on the 2014 Infiniti QX80. Among them are 20-inch wheels, streaming Bluetooth audio, keyless start, push-button start, 3-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch screen with navigation, and a host of additional luxury and technology gear.

The 2014 QX80 offers the choice of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, but its optional packages are where consumers really get to equip the vehicle to their specific needs. The Theater Package includes a 2nd-row entertainment system with remote control. A bench seat for the second row and 22-inch wheels fitted with all-season tires. The Deluxe Touring Package upgrades the leather inside and adds a 15-speaker Bose audio unit. Hydraulic Body Control and Advanced Climate Control also come with the Deluxe Touring Package. The Technology Package offers an array of safety systems, including Intelligent Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Distance Control Assist, and advanced Backup Collision Intervention.

The Infiniti QX80 is powered by a monumental 5.6-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Both 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive models have Hill Start Assist and Snow Mode to help you get moving when roads are slick. All Season 4-wheel drive operates with a slight rear bias but constantly adjusts power between the front and rear wheels as necessary. All models feature a 7-speed automatic transmission with a “manual” mode and downshift rev-matching. Obviously, fuel economy is not the QX80’s strong point, but if you want a big SUV that will haul eight people and their gear, and do it in the lap of luxury, and is also capable of dealing with a trailer weight of over four tons, the QX80 will get it done.

5.6-liter V8
400 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
413 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg