The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is Infiniti’s flagship SUV, and it finally feels like a serious modern luxury entry again. The previous QX80 had size, presence, and V8 character, but it was clearly aging. This newer generation moves the QX80 much closer to the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX, and Range Rover side of the market.
The biggest change is that the QX80 no longer feels like an old-school luxury SUV with a nicer cabin. It now has the power, technology, screen layout, ride sophistication, and interior presentation expected from a six-figure full-size luxury SUV. In Canada, the 2026 QX80 uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 making 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic and standard Infiniti All-Mode 4WD. Infiniti Canada also lists towing capacity at up to 8,500 lb when properly equipped.
Design
The QX80 has a very strong road presence. It is big, upright, and expensive-looking, but it avoids some of the excessive chrome-heavy styling that can make large luxury SUVs look dated. The front end is bold, the lighting is sharp, and the body has a cleaner, more modern shape than before.
This is still a huge SUV, so it will not disappear in traffic or feel subtle in a tight parking lot. But that is part of the appeal. The QX80 is designed for buyers who want presence. It looks more premium than the Nissan Armada it shares a broader family relationship with, and it has enough distinction to feel like a proper Infiniti flagship rather than just a dressed-up mainstream SUV.
The Sport trim is especially interesting for 2026 because it gives the QX80 a darker, more aggressive look without going too far. For buyers who do not want the traditional chrome luxury look, that trim makes the SUV feel more contemporary.
Interior and Comfort
The interior is where the QX80 makes its strongest case. It feels properly luxurious now. The cabin is wide, quiet, and upscale, with a much more premium design than the old model. The dual 14.3-inch screen layout gives the dashboard a modern look, and Infiniti Canada lists features like available electronic air suspension, 22-inch wheels, climate-controlled first- and second-row leather seats, and Google built-in, depending on trim.
The first two rows are the best places to be. The seats are large, comfortable, and supportive, which suits the QX80’s long-distance character. This is the kind of SUV that feels built for highway driving, family road trips, and chauffeuring people around without making the cabin feel cramped or cheap.
The second row is especially strong. In higher trims, the QX80 feels almost executive in the back, especially with the available premium seating and comfort features. The third row is usable, though like most body-on-frame luxury SUVs, it is not as space-efficient as a minivan or some unibody crossovers. Still, for a large family or buyers who regularly carry passengers, the QX80 has the size and comfort to do the job.
Cargo space is also strong. Edmunds lists 22.0 cu-ft behind the third row and up to 101.0 cu-ft maximum cargo capacity, which makes the QX80 practical for road trips, luggage, sports gear, and daily family use.
Technology
The QX80 needed a major tech upgrade, and this generation gets it. The dual-screen setup, Google-built-in functionality, available head-up display, camera systems, premium audio, and driver-assistance tech help make it feel current.
The screen presentation is much better than before. It gives the cabin a clean, high-end look, and the system is easier to take seriously in a luxury SUV at this price. The QX80 also benefits from camera technology because it is a large vehicle. In tight lots, garages, and city driving, visibility aids are not just nice features. They are important.
The available Klipsch audio system is also a strong selling point. Infiniti has clearly tried to give the QX80 a more distinct luxury experience instead of simply checking the usual feature boxes.
Performance
The move from the old V8 to the twin-turbo V6 may disappoint buyers who liked the sound and character of the previous engine, but on paper, the new engine is stronger. The 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 makes 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is a serious output for a full-size luxury SUV.
In normal driving, the QX80 feels powerful rather than sporty. It has plenty of torque, and the 9-speed automatic helps keep the engine in the right part of its powerband. This matters because the QX80 is heavy. Edmunds lists curb weight at around 6,205 lb, so this is not a light or agile SUV.
The engine suits the vehicle well. It gives the QX80 smooth acceleration, confident highway passing power, and enough strength for towing. The 8,500-lb towing rating is one of its more important practical advantages, especially for buyers with a boat, trailer, or cottage use case.
Ride and Handling
The QX80 is more about comfort and control than sharp handling. That is the right approach for this type of SUV. It is large, tall, and heavy, so it will never feel like a sporty crossover. Instead, the goal is to feel stable, quiet, and relaxed.
With the available electronic air suspension, the QX80 should feel more composed and premium over rough pavement. That matters because full-size body-on-frame SUVs can sometimes feel truck-like when the road gets broken. The QX80 still has that large-SUV feel, but it is clearly tuned to feel more refined than rugged.
On the highway, this is where the QX80 makes the most sense. It feels planted, smooth, and substantial. In the city, its size is harder to ignore. Parking garages, narrow streets, and tight driveways require more attention, but that is true of almost every vehicle in this class.
Practicality
The QX80 is a luxury SUV, but it is also a very practical one. It gives you three rows, real towing capacity, strong cargo space, standard 4WD in Canada, and a cabin that works for family duty or executive use.
It is not the right SUV if you want something easy to park downtown every day. It is also not the right choice if fuel economy is a top priority. But for buyers who need space, comfort, towing capability, and presence, the QX80 fits the role well.
This is a strong alternative to an Escalade or Navigator for someone who wants a full-size luxury SUV but does not necessarily want the obvious domestic choices. It also offers a different personality than the Lexus LX, which feels more rugged and off-road oriented.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is not the QX80’s strength. The new twin-turbo V6 is more modern than the old V8, but this is still a large, heavy, body-on-frame luxury SUV. Buyers should expect full-size SUV fuel use, especially in city driving.
The engine is powerful and refined, but it is not there to make the QX80 feel economical. It is there to move a large luxury SUV confidently. For most buyers in this segment, that trade-off will be acceptable.
The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is a major step forward. It finally feels like a modern flagship instead of a dated SUV relying on size and badge value. The design is bold, the interior is genuinely premium, the technology is much improved, and the twin-turbo V6 gives it the power it needs.
Its biggest strengths are presence, comfort, interior quality, towing capacity, and highway refinement. The QX80 feels expensive in a way the old model struggled to, and that is important because this segment is full of strong competitors.
The drawbacks are mostly tied to the type of vehicle it is. It is large, heavy, thirsty, and not especially easy to manage in tight urban spaces. It also lacks the brand prestige of a Range Rover or Escalade, which may matter to some luxury buyers.
But judged as a full-size luxury SUV, the 2026 Infiniti QX80 makes a strong case. It is comfortable, powerful, spacious, and much more polished than before. For someone who wants a large three-row luxury SUV with real towing ability and a quieter alternative to the usual Escalade/Navigator choices, the QX80 is now genuinely worth considering.
