Infiniti QX80: Which Should You Buy, 2019 or 2020?

2020 Infiniti QX80 | Manufacturer image

By Rick Popely

February 20, 2020

Most significant changes: More standard safety features, new dual-screen multimedia system and Edition 30 anniversary package

Price change: Base prices are $1,250 higher on all models ($1,395 destination charge is unchanged)

On sale: Now

Which should you buy, 2019 or 2020? A 2020 to get the new standard safety features and multimedia system

Infiniti’s full-size QX80 SUV returns for 2020 with additional standard safety features and a new multimedia system for what is its 10th model year in this form. The QX80 was redesigned for the 2011 model year (as the QX56), and though it has received styling and equipment upgrades along the way, it still rides on the same truck-based chassis.

The lineup is the same as in 2019: Luxe models available with rear- or four-wheel drive and a 4WD Limited model. All models come with a 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 that requires premium gas, a seven-speed automatic transmission and three rows of seats that hold seven or eight. Base prices are $1,250 higher on all, with the Luxe 2WD starting at $68,145, the Luxe 4WD at $71,245 and the Limited at $92,845 (all prices include destination).

New standard safety features include lane departure warning, backup collision intervention and blind spot warning. The new dual-screen multimedia system includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Infiniti marks its 30th anniversary as a brand with a $3,500 Edition 30 Package that includes 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, a black mesh grille, dark exterior accents and unique interior trim.

A decade is a long time for a vehicle to go between redesigns, and the QX80 has some catching up to do in a couple of key areas. One is rear-seat room: It’s a squeeze to get in or out of the third row, which doesn’t have adult-size space. Another is fuel economy. No full-size SUV is a fuel-economy champ, but the QX80 ranks among the lowest with an EPA rating of 14/20/16 mpg city/highway/combined, plus the added cost of premium gas.

The QX80 has ample power, an 8,500-pound towing capacity and a plush interior, but other large SUVs offer similar amenities and more utility in more modern packaging.

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