The 2025 Infiniti QX80 introduces significant changes compared to the outgoing model, particularly in its powertrain, performance, and efficiency.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the key differences, focusing on the engine, transmission, horsepower, and torque, as well as other relevant improvements:
Outgoing Model: The previous QX80 was powered by a larger, naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine. While reliable and smooth, this engine lacked the modern efficiency features of turbocharged designs, making it less competitive in terms of fuel economy and emissions.
Outgoing Model: The previous model used a 7-speed automatic transmission. While functional, it was less sophisticated, with fewer gears to optimize performance and efficiency, particularly at varying speeds.
Outgoing Model: The V8 in the previous QX80 delivered 400 horsepower. While adequate, it was less powerful and less responsive compared to turbocharged engines in newer luxury SUVs, especially under demanding conditions like towing or quick acceleration.
Outgoing Model: The previous V8 produced 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. While sufficient for most tasks, it lacked the immediate torque delivery of a turbocharged engine, which can be a disadvantage in dynamic driving scenarios or when towing heavy loads.
Fuel Efficiency: The new twin-turbo V6 is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the outgoing V8, with an estimated EPA rating of 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, and 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for four-wheel drive (4WD) models. This is a slight improvement over the outgoing model’s 14/20 mpg (RWD) and 13/19 mpg (4WD). However, these figures are still modest, reflecting the QX80’s large size and weight.
Performance and Refinement: The new engine and transmission combination offers quicker acceleration and smoother power delivery, thanks to the turbochargers and additional gears. The 2025 model also benefits from a quieter cabin, partly due to reduced engine noise compared to the V8, and features like active grille shutters that improve aerodynamics and efficiency.
Towing Capacity: Despite the downsized engine, the 2025 QX80 maintains a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, matching the outgoing model. This is achieved through the increased torque and optimized transmission, ensuring the vehicle remains a capable hauler for luxury buyers.
Technology and Design: While not directly related to the powertrain, the 2025 QX80 also features a completely redesigned exterior and interior, aligning with Infiniti’s new “Artistry in Motion” design language. It includes modern technology like dual 14.3-inch infotainment screens, Google built-in services, and advanced driver-assistance systems, making it far more competitive with luxury rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
V8 Character Loss: The outgoing V8, while less efficient, had a distinct character, with a smoother, more linear power delivery and a satisfying exhaust note that some luxury buyers associate with premium SUVs. The new V6, while more powerful and efficient, may feel less “special” due to its turbocharged nature, which can introduce slight turbo lag and a less emotive sound.
Efficiency Gains Modest: The fuel economy improvements, while welcome, are modest for a vehicle of this size and class, especially when compared to competitors offering hybrid or diesel options (e.g., the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS). Infiniti’s decision to stick with a pure gasoline engine, rather than introducing electrification, might limit its appeal in markets prioritizing sustainability.
Competitive Landscape: The power and torque increases bring the QX80 in line with rivals, but it still lags behind high-performance variants like the Cadillac Escalade-V (682 horsepower) or even the standard Escalade’s V8 (420 horsepower). Buyers seeking maximum performance or towing prowess might look elsewhere, though the QX80’s 8,500-pound towing capacity remains competitive.
These changes, combined with a modern design and updated technology, make the 2025 QX80 a more compelling option in the luxury SUV market. However, the modest efficiency gains and the loss of the V8’s character might not satisfy all buyers, particularly those who prioritize sustainability or a traditional luxury SUV experience.
For those seeking a blend of power, luxury, and modern features at a competitive price, the 2025 QX80 is a strong contender, but it’s not without compromises.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the key differences, focusing on the engine, transmission, horsepower, and torque, as well as other relevant improvements:
Infiniti QX80 Engine:
2025 Model: The 2025 QX80 is equipped with a new VR35DDTT 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This is a modern, downsized engine compared to the outgoing model, incorporating advanced technologies like twin turbocharging for enhanced power delivery and efficiency.Outgoing Model: The previous QX80 was powered by a larger, naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine. While reliable and smooth, this engine lacked the modern efficiency features of turbocharged designs, making it less competitive in terms of fuel economy and emissions.
Transmission:
2025 Model: The new QX80 features a 9-speed automatic transmission, which offers a wider gear ratio range (approximately 40% wider than the previous model). This allows for improved responsiveness during acceleration and better fuel efficiency during highway cruising.Outgoing Model: The previous model used a 7-speed automatic transmission. While functional, it was less sophisticated, with fewer gears to optimize performance and efficiency, particularly at varying speeds.
Horsepower:
2025 Model: The twin-turbo V6 produces 450 horsepower, an increase of 50 horsepower over the outgoing model. This boost in power enhances acceleration and overall performance, making the 2025 QX80 more competitive with rivals in the luxury SUV segment.Outgoing Model: The V8 in the previous QX80 delivered 400 horsepower. While adequate, it was less powerful and less responsive compared to turbocharged engines in newer luxury SUVs, especially under demanding conditions like towing or quick acceleration.
Torque:
2025 Model: The new engine generates 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, a significant improvement of 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) over the outgoing model. This increase in torque provides better low-end grunt, improving towing capability, off-the-line acceleration, and overall drivability, especially in a vehicle of this size.Outgoing Model: The previous V8 produced 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. While sufficient for most tasks, it lacked the immediate torque delivery of a turbocharged engine, which can be a disadvantage in dynamic driving scenarios or when towing heavy loads.
Additional Differences and Implications:
Beyond the powertrain, the 2025 QX80 introduces several other improvements that complement the engine and transmission upgrades:Fuel Efficiency: The new twin-turbo V6 is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the outgoing V8, with an estimated EPA rating of 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, and 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for four-wheel drive (4WD) models. This is a slight improvement over the outgoing model’s 14/20 mpg (RWD) and 13/19 mpg (4WD). However, these figures are still modest, reflecting the QX80’s large size and weight.
Performance and Refinement: The new engine and transmission combination offers quicker acceleration and smoother power delivery, thanks to the turbochargers and additional gears. The 2025 model also benefits from a quieter cabin, partly due to reduced engine noise compared to the V8, and features like active grille shutters that improve aerodynamics and efficiency.
Towing Capacity: Despite the downsized engine, the 2025 QX80 maintains a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, matching the outgoing model. This is achieved through the increased torque and optimized transmission, ensuring the vehicle remains a capable hauler for luxury buyers.
Technology and Design: While not directly related to the powertrain, the 2025 QX80 also features a completely redesigned exterior and interior, aligning with Infiniti’s new “Artistry in Motion” design language. It includes modern technology like dual 14.3-inch infotainment screens, Google built-in services, and advanced driver-assistance systems, making it far more competitive with luxury rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
Critical Analysis:
While the 2025 QX80’s powertrain upgrades are significant, it’s worth critically examining the trade-offs and context:V8 Character Loss: The outgoing V8, while less efficient, had a distinct character, with a smoother, more linear power delivery and a satisfying exhaust note that some luxury buyers associate with premium SUVs. The new V6, while more powerful and efficient, may feel less “special” due to its turbocharged nature, which can introduce slight turbo lag and a less emotive sound.
Efficiency Gains Modest: The fuel economy improvements, while welcome, are modest for a vehicle of this size and class, especially when compared to competitors offering hybrid or diesel options (e.g., the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS). Infiniti’s decision to stick with a pure gasoline engine, rather than introducing electrification, might limit its appeal in markets prioritizing sustainability.
Competitive Landscape: The power and torque increases bring the QX80 in line with rivals, but it still lags behind high-performance variants like the Cadillac Escalade-V (682 horsepower) or even the standard Escalade’s V8 (420 horsepower). Buyers seeking maximum performance or towing prowess might look elsewhere, though the QX80’s 8,500-pound towing capacity remains competitive.
Conclusion:
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 represents a substantial improvement over the outgoing model, particularly in its powertrain. The new twin-turbo V6 engine delivers more horsepower (450 vs. 400) and torque (700 Nm vs. 560 Nm), paired with a more advanced 9-speed transmission, enhancing both performance and efficiency.These changes, combined with a modern design and updated technology, make the 2025 QX80 a more compelling option in the luxury SUV market. However, the modest efficiency gains and the loss of the V8’s character might not satisfy all buyers, particularly those who prioritize sustainability or a traditional luxury SUV experience.
For those seeking a blend of power, luxury, and modern features at a competitive price, the 2025 QX80 is a strong contender, but it’s not without compromises.
