After recently reviewing the Nissan Armada, the question naturally followed. Does anyone really need to step up to the Infiniti QX80? A week with the 2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport reveals where Infiniti draws a clear line between near luxury value and true full-size luxury refinement.
Starting with Perspective
Vehicles at this price level require context.
The Infiniti QX80 is not designed to appeal to the broad market, and Infiniti does not expect it to. This is a low-volume flagship intended for buyers who can enjoy a vehicle like this without it becoming a financial stretch. That framing matters because the QX80 is not built around efficiency or value. It is built around comfort, ease, and experience.
If any vehicle is going to approach six figures, it needs to deliver more than just transportation. The QX80 attempts to do that by focusing on how it feels to live with it, not just on how it looks on paper.
Design and Presence
Finished in Majestic White with a contrasting black roof, the QX80 Sport carries its size well. The redesigned grille and cleaner proportions finally give the QX80 a modern identity that feels intentional. The Sport trim adds darker exterior accents, unique wheels, and subtle styling details that make the vehicle feel more contemporary without being flashy.
It looks like a flagship SUV should look in 2026. Confident, substantial, and unmistakably premium.
Interior Experience and Daily Use
Inside, the QX80 clearly stands out from near-luxury alternatives. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with large digital displays and materials that feel rich throughout the cabin.
The available air suspension became one of the most useful features during my week with the vehicle. It automatically lowers the QX80 for entry and exit, which made a real difference when taking my father to dinner for his 88th birthday. Getting in and out was noticeably easier for him, and that kind of usability matters far more than marketing language.
On that same drive, the QX80 carried five adults and my teenage daughter, with all three rows occupied comfortably. No one felt cramped, and no one felt like they were sitting in an afterthought seat.
Comfort and Convenience Features in This Test Vehicle
Comfort is the defining characteristic of this QX80 Sport.
The front seats are heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functionality. The second row also offers available massaging seats, a meaningful distinction in this segment, and a reminder that this vehicle is designed with adult passengers in mind, not just the driver.
Additional comfort and convenience features in this test vehicle include:
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory
• Heated steering wheel
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Power tilt and telescoping steering column
• Panoramic moonroof
• Soft-close doors
• Ambient interior lighting
• Power-folding second and third row seats
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Multiple USB and charging ports across all rows
Ride quality is excellent. The air suspension smooths out rough pavement and keeps the cabin calm and composed at speed. This is a vehicle that excels at highway cruising and longer trips, prioritizing comfort over engagement.
Powertrain and Driving Impressions
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged V6 that replaces the previous V8. The sound is different, and that will matter to some buyers.
That difference became clear during a drive with my father, who immediately identified it as a six-cylinder based on sound alone. He was right. What he did not question was the power.
Acceleration is smooth, confident, and more than sufficient for everyday driving. Passing power is effortless, and the QX80 never feels strained despite its size. Steering is predictable, visibility is good, and the vehicle does not feel intimidating in normal use.
Cargo space behind the third row is modest, and that is worth acknowledging. Carrying seven adults and luggage will require compromise. Again, the QX80 prioritizes comfort first.
Buyer’s Guide
2026 Infiniti QX80 Pricing by Trim
Pricing reflects manufacturer information available at the time of testing and excludes taxes, fees, and dealer-installed options.
QX80 Pure
Estimated starting range: low to mid $80,000s
The most accessible entry point into the QX80 lineup. Focuses on the redesigned exterior, modern digital displays, advanced safety technology, and core luxury features. Best suited for buyers who want the QX80 presence without chasing every premium option.
QX80 Luxe
Estimated starting range: high $80,000s to low $90,000s
Adds upgraded interior materials, expanded comfort features, and additional convenience technology. This trim represents the most balanced blend of luxury and restraint in the lineup.
QX80 Sport
Estimated starting range: low to mid $90,000s
The trim was tested here. Sport emphasizes visual presence and elevated comfort, with unique exterior styling elements and access to features such as air suspension, massaging seats, and premium interior appointments. As equipped, this test vehicle landed just under six figures.
QX80 Autograph
Estimated starting range: mid to high $90,000s and beyond
The most indulgent version of the QX80. Autograph prioritizes exclusive materials, maximum comfort features, and a fully realized flagship experience. This trim is designed for preference and experience, not value.
Final Perspective
The Nissan Armada makes a compelling case as a near-luxury alternative that delivers comfort and capability at a lower price point. The QX80 exists for buyers who want more refinement and are willing and able to pay for it.
This is not a practical everyday recommendation, and it is not intended to be. It is a luxury alternative for buyers whose finances allow indulgence without compromise.
Viewed through that lens, the QX80 makes sense. Not for everyone, not a necessity, but a flagship luxury SUV that delivers an experience worthy of its position in the lineup.
That distinction is important, and it keeps the conversation honest.