The 2021 model year brought the all-new, full-size Cadillac Escalade while the high-dollar Mercedes GLS was all-new for the 2020 model year. The full-size, luxury Lexus LX could also be redesigned for the 2021 season. Another high-value, full-size Infiniti QX80 SUV has been around in the current, second generation since 2010. The model received a round of styling and interior upgrades for the 2018 model year. The 2020 version benefits from the new infotainment system and standard Apple Car Play and Android Auto. As the things now stand, the 2021 Infiniti QX80 should come with minimal changes.
Since the presentation of the QX80 Monograph Concept at the 2017 New York Auto Show, the full-size Infiniti QX80 has been expected to get a full redesign inspired by this model, but it seems now that won’t happen for the 2021 model year either. The lack of the prototype version and reports suggest that third-generation Infiniti QX80 will come beyond the 2021 season likely in late 2021 as the 2022 version. The 2021 model should come with the revised equipment availability and with several new features.
2021 Infiniti QX80: Design
As the things now stand, the 2021 Infiniti QX80 enters the new model year on the same platform and with the same styling. The second-generation Infiniti QX80 is based on Nissan’s F-Alpha platform used for the trucks and SUVs including the Frontier and Titan trucks, Armada SUV, etc.
The full-size QX80 has a boxy silhouette adorned with the brand’s signature styling elements. The model comes with the signature mesh grille framed with chrome and flanked by the narrow headlights with nice LED lighting elements.
The body sculpting is subtle and the model has a tall charter line mixed with the flat roofline. The rear is upright with the eye-catchy trim inserts and nice taillights.
The QX80 received some subtle styling updates for the 2018 model year and it will continue to live on it until the approaching redesign. The brand might offer a new special edition version and additional wheel and color options. The redesigned version is expected to come on the upgraded platform version in similar dimensions and with evolutionary styling changes.
Interior, Equipment:
The next 2021 Infiniti QX80 won’t also introduce any notable upgrade inside the cabin. The last model year brought a new infotainment system while it received additional trim options and standard safety equipment for the 2019 season.
The QX80 offers plenty of interior room and comfort. The first rows are comfortable in all directions while the third row isn’t so generous. The cargo space is 16.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats while there are additional 25 cubes when the rear seats are folded.
The base model comes well-equipped including heated and power front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, 13 speakers, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The base content is also forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a surround-view parking camera, etc.
Available packages add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, more speakers, a rear-seat entertainment, a heated middle row, perforated leather surfaces and more.
The range-topping trim gets all packages by default including the four-wheel drive mixed with a unique grille, wheels, exterior accents, interior surfaces and color patterns.
2021 Infiniti QX80: Performance, Efficiency
The 2021 Infiniti QX80 returns with the 5.6-liter V-8 engine under the hood. The engine makes 400 hp and torque of 413 lb-ft. The rear-wheel drive is standard mixed with the 7-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can switch to the capable four-wheel-drive systems if they are ready to pay about $3000 more. The four-wheel drive comes with the two-speed transfer case which combined with the all-terrain tires improves the model’s off-road capability.
The Infiniti QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds. At the efficiency level, the rear-wheel-drive version returns 14 mpg city, 20 highways and 16 combined. The four-wheel drive drops the efficiency to 13 mpg city, 19 highways and 16 combined.
2021 Infiniti QX80: Release, Price
The next 2021 Infiniti QX80 should go on sale by the end of the year. The price should stay close to the current. The actual QX80 starts from $66, 750. When loaded with the equipment the price goes over $90, 000.