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Infiniti QX56

Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard

September 25, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

Infiniti’s big SUV features new trim names and standard SRVM.



2021 Infiniti QX80 Review


The QX80 remains the top model in Infiniti’s product line, a full-size SUV with room for eight. The current generation rolled out in 2011 as the QX56 and was given a new name when it received its first facelift in 2014. In 2018, the QX80 received its second refresh and for 2021 Infiniti debuts new trim names: Luxe, Premium Select, and Sensory. The latest model is in Infiniti showrooms.

The other change of note is that this marque’s smart rearview mirror (SRVM) is now standard. We’ll detail what this system is about following our dissection of the trim groupings.

We reviewed the 2020 Infiniti QX80 here. Given that the changes involve trim packages and the SRVM, we’ll focus on the updates here.

Shoppers might also consider two other Infiniti utility vehicles: the two-row QX50 and the three-row QX60.


Performance Highlights

Every 2021 QX80 is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the wheels employing a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Notably, all three trims come with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive, a $3,100 upgrade. Infiniti calls the system “all mode,” which means it can operate in three positions: AUTO, 4HI, and 4LO. The first setting mimics all-wheel drive as power shifts to all four wheels automatically, as needed.

We found the big V8 more than sufficient for the task at hand. It reminds us of something the Detroit 3 make, with its naturally aspirated design, whooshing sound, and ample grunt. It supplies engaging steering, very good handling, and a comfortable ride thanks to its rear automatic self-leveling suspension.



Combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission, this SUV pulls up to 8,500 pounds. It comes with a trailer tow hitch.

In four-wheel-drive guise, the QX80 manages most off-road places just fine. On gravel roads, we didn’t need to switch to 4HI, but did. In a few places where clay, puddles, mud, and dirt were common, the QX80 prevailed. We’ve never taken a large SUV to an off-road course, mostly because of its girth. That said, its 9.2-inch ground clearance means capable approach, break-over, and departure angles. While doubtful many buyers of a luxury SUV have that in mind, it’s still attainable.

Luxe – From $70,445

There is no strip model in the Infiniti QX80 lineup. The standard Luxe trim comes with automatic LED headlamps, power-folding and heated side mirrors, and 20-inch all-aluminum wheels. Upgrading to select metallic exterior color choices adds $695.

Inside, the seats are covered in leather and feature a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support. That seat is very supportive for tall individuals and is all-day comfortable. Other features include wood accents, a power third-row split-bench seat, and second-row captain’s chairs. Those seats are nearly as comfortable as the front thrones. As for the third row, the seats are sufficiently padded, but the legroom is very tight. We’d reserve that seat for youngsters only.

On the tech front, the Luxe comes with a 7-inch touch-screen display, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The list of safety features is impressive and includes forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward-collision warning, backup-collision intervention, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, blind-spot warning, blind-spot intervention, and an around-view monitor. Full-range cruise control is also included.

Swapping out the captain’s chairs for a bench seat is a no-cost upgrade. We highly recommend it if the eighth seating position is not needed.



Premium Select – From $75,440

The middle of three QX80 trims features black touches across the grille, trim, and mirror caps. Matching 22-inch dark finish forged aluminum-alloy wheels add pop.

Inside, the Premium Plus offers upgraded trim and additional seating colors.

Sensory – From $81,595

While the changes from the Luxe to Premium Select trims were modest, upgrading to the Sensory level delivers a more comprehensive adjustment in features. Our test model was the Sensory 4WD, therefore we’re most familiar with what this one offers.

A pair of mechanical offerings exclusive to this trim are worth noting. To begin with, this one adds hydraulic body motion control. Although you won’t take corners with abandon, the system noticeably reduces body roll and that’s laudable. The second feature is the vehicle speed-sensitive power steering. Here, the steering lightens as the speed increases.



This trim offers more chrome highlights than the other two and has forged aluminum-alloy wheels to match. An adaptive front lighting system with automatic-leveling headlights is also included.

Inside, the Sensory lives up to its name with the Charcoal Burl trim with gradient finish. The semi-aniline leather seats are extra plush and beautiful to behold. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard; models with the optional second-row bench seat benefit from outboard heated seats.

As for tech features, this is precisely where the Sensory pulls out all the stops. To begin, a 17-speaker Bose audio system is included. Further, a rear-seat entertainment system features a pair of 8-inch displays. Other improvements include an additional USB port and a 120-volt power outlet. The power outlet is one feature we’d love to see offered on the other trims, but it isn’t.

About SRVM

We like tech features as long as they do what they’re purported to accomplish. Some driver-assist features are annoying, but there isn’t anything we hate more than automatic on/off engine shutoff that cannot be contravened by the driver.

One of the more useful features offered by Infiniti is its nifty SRVM system. The system utilizes the rear-view mirror, easily switching between a standard mirror and an LCD monitor that benefits from a rear-mounted camera to display a high-definition image. In effect, the system “looks past” obstacles such as lighting, passengers, and cargo to supply a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle. We like this feature because of the extra safety measure it provides.



Competitive Set

Each of the major luxury marques offers a large SUV. This wasn’t always the case as the BMW X7 is a more recently offered model.

Besides BMW, shoppers might compare the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Both offer something that the Infiniti does not: standard and stretched wheelbase versions.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS Class, Lexus LX, and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport are other models to consider. The competition is tough, but we think this Infiniti holds its own.


Our Recommendation


As much as we enjoyed the Sensory model, we think the standard Luxe trim has many of the creature features customers want built in. Thanks to every safety feature made standard, the Luxe has much to offer.

We would consider upgrading to four-wheel drive, given that the system mimics all-wheel drive when roads are slippery. The added measure of grip support can certainly come handy on slick roads and not just where icy or snowy conditions prevail.



2021 Infiniti QX80 Specifications


Infiniti 2021 QX80
Segment Full-size luxury SUV
Price Range $69,050 to $83,300
Destination Charge $1,395
Standard Engine 5.6-liter, V8
Horsepower 400 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 413 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission 7-speed manual
Seating 7 to 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 5,678 to 5,813
Wheelbase (inches) 121.1
Length (inches) 210.2
Width (inches) 79.9
Height (inches) 75.8
Head room (f,r…inches) 39.9, 40.0, 36.8
Legroom (f,r…inches) 39.6, 41.0, 28.8
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 63.8, 63.5, 60.5
Hip room (f,r…inches) 59.2, 58.4, 48.8
Storage (cubic feet) 16.6/49.6/95.1
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds) 7,300 to 7,435
Towing (pounds) 8,500
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel premium
Fuel Tank (gallons) 26.0
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 14/20/16
Manufacturing Plant Japan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.


See Also — New and Improved! 2019 Infiniti QX50

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: BOSE, four-wheel drive, INFINITI, Infiniti QX56, INFINITI QX80, luxury, SRVM, SUV

Behind the Wheel of a 2013 Infiniti QX56

May 15, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

2013 Infiniti QX56

Large and luxurious sport utility vehicles are a small segment with Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln and Lexus each fielding a model. The Infiniti QX56 should be named among them, a handsome three-row SUV that is based on a traditional body-on-frame platform. Our latest weekly drive was the 2013 Infiniti QX56, a model that holds it own in an exclusive segment.

About the Infiniti QX56

Infiniti entered the large SUV fray beginning with the 2004 model year. The original QX56 shared its underpinnings and engineering with the Nissan Armada until the current edition arrived seven years later.

Today, the Infiniti QX56 is its own beast, based on the Nissan Patrol — a model not sold in the United States. Thus, unlike the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade which share its frame with Ford and Chevrolet/GMC models respectively, the QX56 stands alone.

For 2012, Infiniti sold 15,310 copies of the QX56 in the United States. That figure represents a 14 percent rise over 2011.

2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD

Luxury SUV

  • Sticker price from $63,750
  • Seats 7 to 8 passengers
  • Available in 2WD
  • Powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine
  • 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm
  • 413 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm
  • Bore and stroke of 3.66 inches by 3.57 inches
  • 7-speed automatic transmission with manual feature
  • Towing capacity: 8,500 with Class IV tow hitch
  • EPA 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline recommended
  • Maximum range of 520 miles with 26.0-gallon fuel tank
  • Curb weight from 5,600 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Japan

Engine, Transmission and Mileage

One engine and transmission choice is available with the 2013 Infiniti QX56. A 5.6-liter 32-valve V-8 engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 400 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 413 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The transmission can be operated manually and offers a downshift rev matching feature making it possible for the engine to raise its speed as you shift gears.

The 2013 Infiniti QX56 is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Its 26-gallon fuel tank gives this model a 520-mile driving range or enough fuel to take you from New York City to Washington, DC and back on one tank of fuel. Although premium grade gasoline is recommended to maximize performance, drivers can safely use a lower grade of gasoline.

Exterior Features

The Infiniti QX56 is adorned with a massive grille offset by a pair of bi-xenon headlights. An unusually ridged hood is reminiscent of American cars from the 1930s. This muscular SUV features fender ports, ample chrome trim, oversized color-keyed power-folding heated side mirrors, black side steps, chrome wheels and 20-inch tires. A power sliding moonroof is standard as is a roof rack and a liftgate.

Infiniti offers a tire and wheel package that brings in 9-spoke forged aluminum alloy 22-inch wheels that are set within all-season tires. This SUV features an integrated Class IV towing package and can pull up to 8,500 pounds.

Cabin Amenities

Power front seats with lumbar support ensure that both driver and the front passenger have ample room and enjoy maximum comfort. A heating feature is available; the leather-wrapped steering wheel contains a heating element. Cabin accessory controls are located on the steering wheel.

Infiniti outfits the QX56 with wood burl trim and chrome highlights. Leather seating is standard throughout the cabin. The dashboard and center stack are uncluttered; a large and colorful navigation display maps your route and provides audio system access as well. A rear view camera system displays a 360-degree exterior view of the outside of the SUV and includes an integrated warning system for backing up.

A Bose 13-speaker audio system is standard; a 15-speaker system is included with the available deluxe touring package. A single in-dash CD player, MP3 playback, a 120-volt outlet and SiriusXM satellite radio are included. Cup holders, drink holders, storage bins and related compartments are featured throughout the interior.

A zoned climate control system makes it possible for first and second row occupants to cool their respective areas personally. An available rear entertainment system, part of a theater package, brings in a pair of seven-inch displays on the front seat backs. Infiniti includes a pair of headsets, a wireless remote control and a 120-volt outlet with this package. Power controls manage the rear seat; the second row bucket seats fold and flip for easier rear row access.

Infiniti QX56 Specifications

Measuring 208.3 inches long, the QX56 sits on a 121.1-inch wheelbase. This SUV is 79.7 inches wide and 75.8 inches tall. The front track measures 67.5 inches, the rear track comes in at 67.9 inches.

The Infiniti QX56 provides 152.5 cubic feet of interior room. Storage space behind the third row seat comes in at 16.6 cubic feet. Behind the second row, storage measures 49.6 cubic feet. With the second and third row seat folded, there is 95.1 cubic feet of storage capacity.

Interior dimensions measure 39.9 inches of head room up front, 40.0 inches in the second row and 36.8 inches in the third row. Shoulder room comes in at 63.8 inches in the first row, 63.5 inches in the second row, and 60.5 inches in the third row. Hip room measures 59.2 inches up front, 58.4 inches in the second row and 48.8 inches in the third row. Leg room comes in at 39.6 inches in the first row, 41.0 inches in the second row and 28.8 inches in the third row.

Drive Overview

With seven days to spend with the Infiniti QX56, time was of the essence. A lengthly trip during the middle of its visit revealed just how smoothly this SUV rides and how quiet it is. The engine roared with authority on demand, the transmission shifted seamlessly as we headed down the state highway. Noticeable were the occasional times the Infiniti’s warning system kicked in to alert us when we began to leave a lane without signaling. Very helpful was the adaptive cruise control system that kept our vehicle a safe distance away from cars in front of it. This feature was particularly noticeable when we had to come to a full stop — the QX56 began to slow down moments before the brake was applied.

For the driver, the sheer comfort of the seat made each journey on the road a comfortable one. The seats are plush, amply bolstered and provide lumbar support. The only important drawback of note was the third row seat, an area best left for small children. The slightly smaller crossover based Infiniti JX offers improved rear seat room over the QX56 and might be worth your consideration.


See Also — The Infiniti QX80 Goes to Washington

Photo courtesy of Infiniti.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2013 MODELS, all-wheel drive, Infiniti QX56, LUXURY CARS, NISSAN, SUV

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