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Truthful, honest car, truck and van reviews
from a unique Canadian perspective

​INFINITI QX80

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March 4, 2016
By: Anthony Murdoch

The QX80 came to me on a snowy day which was perfect considering I had to take the kids to school and brave the elements, as it gave me the chance to test its all-wheel drive capability, as well as its heated seats and steering wheel, which I have to say were a really nice treat. 

Packing 400 horsepower from its 5.6 litre V-8, the QX80 is old school, yet refined with a Japanese like elegance, which is to be expected from Nissan's luxury brand. I have to say I was very impressed with the build quality. It was simply superb and the materials were first rate. I loved the wood trim, the way the switches clicked. You get the feeling that if you were going to buy this vehicle, it will last. It has a solid feel about it and gives you a very good first impression, at least it's interior does. The big analog gauges were a welcome sight as well. I am not a fan at all of digital speedometers or tachometers, and I love that these gauges are so welcoming to the eyes and easy to read.  

On the road the QX80 is quiet and refined, and my tester soaked up all the bad ruts and road bumps Calgary roads could throw at it. I have to say that I felt as if I was piloting a space ship at times, a whale like spaceship and let's be honest here, the exterior design is very proportionally challenged in some respects. My kids loved the design, and I have to say it did grow on me a little, but it still looks a bit odd. 

During my week with the QX80, I averaged around 12.9 litres per 100 km in city driving. This is not bad considering it has a big honking V-8 and can tow 8500 pounds. It is better than my Ford Windstar, which sucks fuel at around 14 litres per 100 kms in the city. Really, technology has come a long way in helping heavier cars use less fuel.

The QX80 is a perfect vehicle for the family. It can seat 8 and comes will all of the features one ever needs. With a base price of around $75,000, it is not cheap. My tester rang in at just under $92,000. That is a lot of dough for a family vehicle, yet I think it is a good alternative to other luxury SUVs such as the big Mercedes G class and Lexus LX.

Overall, despite is quirky styling, the QX80 has all of the merits to get the job done. It is quick on its feet, and I felt the handling was pretty good considering its size. If it fits your budget, you cant really go wrong with it. I give it a solid 4 stars out of 5.  

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  • 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 - A racecar for the street
  • 2020 Ford Explorer
  • 2019 Ford Ranger
  • 2019 VW Jetta
  • 2018 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
  • 2018 Lincoln Navigator
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia
  • Test Drives
    • 2018 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
    • 2017 Lincoln Continental
    • 2017 Ford Edge Sport
    • 2017 Lincoln Continental
    • 2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
    • 2015 Infiniti QX80
    • 2015 Ford Mustang GT
    • 2015 Lincoln Navigator
    • 2015 Ford Transit - Part 1
    • 2015 Ford Transit - Part 2
    • 2015 Nissan Micra - A Price that's Unreal
    • 2014 Range Rover Sport
    • 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 SE
  • Older Test Drives
    • 2013 Ford Focus ST - One Screaming Hot Hatch
    • 2013 Ford Fusion Energi - Dreaming in Electric
    • 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
    • 2013 Lincoln MKS
    • 2013 Ford C-Max SEL Hybrid
    • 2013 Ford Flex Limited Eco Boost
    • 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch
    • 2012 Ford Focus SEL
    • 2012 Ford F-150 Raptor SVT
    • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Trendline +
  • Careers in Industry
  • Auto Shows
    • 2017 Calgary Auto Show
    • 2016 Calgary Auto Show
    • 2014 Quarry Park and Polish - Exotics to Daily Drivers!
    • 2013 Quarry Park and Polish - Exotics to Daily Drivers!
    • North American International Auto Show
    • 2012 LA Auto Show
    • 2013 Canadian International Auto Show
    • 2012 Calgary Auto Show
  • Automotive News
    • 2015 Ford Mustang and F-150
    • Marlborough Ford Fundraiser
    • VW Releases First Images of Golf 7
    • Volkswagen's Freedriving Tour 2012
  • Home
  • Classic Corner
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact Us!
  • 2018 Lincoln Navigator