The 2022 Infiniti QX80 three-row SUV navigates the new year with more standard convenience features headlined by a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a higher starting price of $71,995, including destination. The full-size SUV comes with a price increase across all three trims, Luxe, Premium Select, and Sensory, the automaker announced on Thursday.
The largest vehicle in Infiniti’s lineup follows a course charted by parent brand Nissan with the refreshed 2021 Nissan Armada. For 2022, the QX80 ditches the narrow two-screen interface of its predecessor for the identical large touchscreen in the Armada. The wide, high-definition screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay standard, but Android Auto requires a USB connection. On the 2022 QX80, navigation comes standard, as do leather seats in all three rows, heated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. A rearview mirror camera also comes standard.
The 2022 QX80 is at least $20,000 more expensive than the Armada. Starting around $50,000, the refreshed 2021 Armada is a relative steal in the full-size SUV category that ranges from the redesigned 2021 Chevy Tahoe to the six-figure 2021 Cadillac Escalade and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
2022 Infiniti QX80
2022 Infiniti QX80
2021 Nissan Armada SL with Midnight Edition package
2021 Nissan Armada SL with Midnight Edition package
A 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 powers both the QX80 and Nissan Armada. It makes 413 lb-ft of torque and when paired with a 7-speed automatic in rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive, the truck-based SUVs can tow up to 8,500 lb. The QX80 comes with an independent double-wishbone suspension with automatic self-leveling in the rear.
The $71,995 starting price represents an increase of $1,450 over the 2021 model. All-wheel drive costs $3,100 more across the lineup.
The Premium Select model costs $76,780, which is a price increase of $1,935. It upgrades from 20-inch wheels to 22-inch dark chrome rollers, and more interior trim options.
The top Sensory trim has the same $1,935 price increase to $83,630 but adds all of Infiniti’s finest features, including a hydraulic suspension that minimizes body roll. Other upgrades include perforated semi-aniline leather, cooled front seats, heated rear outboard seats, prettier trim pieces and headliner, a Bose 17-speaker sound system, and rear entertainment system.
It’s common for a luxury brand to share its powertrain and underpinnings with its mainstream counterpart. It’s less common to drop the same interface and available finishes in the cabin of the luxury model, such as in the 2022 QX80. The infotainment system in the Armada was an upgrade for 2021, and even though it still uses a controller dial in the console, it should be an improvement over Infiniti’s clunky dual screen setup in the outgoing model. We expect a more refined cabin than the Armada, as well as luxury touches such as quilted leather and an adaptive suspension.
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 goes on sale this month.
Keyword: 2022 Infiniti QX80 follows Armada with larger touchscreen, higher price