Let's dive into the world of luxury SUVs with a closer look at the 2015 Infiniti QX80. This beast of a vehicle promises a blend of opulence, power, and space, but does it truly deliver? We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior features to its overall value in today's market. So, buckle up and get ready for an in-depth review that will help you decide if the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is the right choice for you.

Overview of the 2015 Infiniti QX80

The Infiniti QX80 made its mark as a full-size luxury SUV, designed to cater to those who need space, power, and a touch of extravagance. The 2015 model year brought some notable enhancements, building upon the QX80's already impressive foundation. Key features included a potent 5.6-liter V8 engine, a lavishly appointed interior, and a host of advanced technology and safety features. It was aimed squarely at competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX 570, offering a unique blend of Japanese craftsmanship and American-sized proportions.

From the outside, the 2015 QX80 boasts a distinctive and somewhat polarizing design. Its imposing front grille, sculpted lines, and available 22-inch wheels make a bold statement. Some find its aesthetics to be a bit over-the-top, while others appreciate its commanding presence on the road. Regardless of personal preference, there's no denying that the QX80 stands out in a crowd.

Inside, the QX80 offers a sanctuary of comfort and sophistication. High-quality materials, such as leather upholstery and wood trim, adorn nearly every surface. The cabin is spacious, providing ample room for passengers in all three rows. Infiniti also loaded the QX80 with a plethora of convenience features, including a premium Bose sound system, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Under the hood, the 2015 QX80 packs a serious punch. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine delivers 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, providing effortless acceleration and ample towing capacity. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, and buyers have the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling challenging terrain, the QX80 offers a confident and capable driving experience.

Performance and Handling

The performance of the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is definitely something to talk about. The heart of this SUV is its robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, which churns out 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This power plant provides plenty of muscle for confident acceleration and effortless cruising. Whether you're merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic, the QX80 responds with impressive immediacy.

The seven-speed automatic transmission is a smooth and refined partner to the V8 engine. It delivers seamless gear changes, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The transmission also features adaptive shift control, which adjusts shift patterns based on driving style and road conditions. This helps optimize both performance and fuel efficiency.

While the QX80 is a large and heavy vehicle, it handles surprisingly well for its size. The suspension system does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The steering is also well-weighted and responsive, giving the driver a good sense of control. However, it's important to remember that the QX80 is not a sports car. Its size and weight mean that it's not as agile or nimble as smaller vehicles.

For those who need extra traction, the QX80 is available with an all-wheel-drive system. This system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, providing enhanced grip on slippery surfaces. The QX80 also offers a number of off-road features, such as hill start assist and a four-wheel-drive low range. While it's not designed for extreme off-roading, the QX80 is capable of handling moderate trails and adverse weather conditions.

Towing capacity is another area where the QX80 excels. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,500 pounds, making it a great choice for families who need to haul boats, trailers, or other heavy loads. The QX80 also comes with a number of towing-related features, such as trailer sway control and a tow mode that optimizes transmission performance for towing.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2015 Infiniti QX80, you're immediately greeted by a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. High-quality materials abound, including supple leather upholstery, rich wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces. The overall design is elegant and refined, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

The QX80 offers ample space for passengers in all three rows. The front seats are particularly comfortable, with plenty of cushioning and support. They also offer a wide range of adjustments, allowing drivers and passengers to find their ideal seating position. The second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they're still reasonably comfortable for short trips.

Infiniti has packed the QX80 with a plethora of convenience and technology features. Standard equipment includes a premium Bose sound system, a navigation system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available features include a dual-screen rear entertainment system, a blind-spot monitoring system, and adaptive cruise control.

The Bose sound system is a standout feature, delivering crisp and clear audio throughout the cabin. The navigation system is easy to use and provides accurate directions. The rearview camera makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. The rear entertainment system is a great way to keep kids entertained on long trips.

Storage space is also plentiful in the QX80. There's a large center console, a spacious glove compartment, and door pockets on all four doors. The rear cargo area offers a generous amount of space, even with the third-row seats in place. Folding down the third-row seats expands the cargo area even further, providing plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other gear.

Technology and Safety

The technology integrated into the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is both impressive and user-friendly. The central infotainment system is controlled via a large touchscreen display, which provides access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The system is relatively intuitive to use, although some may find the graphics to be a bit dated compared to newer systems.

The QX80 also comes with a range of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. These include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is also available, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.

The blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in their blind spot, helping to prevent lane-change accidents. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane, encouraging them to take corrective action. The forward collision warning system warns the driver of a potential collision with a vehicle ahead, and the automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision.

In terms of safety ratings, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 performed well in government and independent crash tests. It received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it earned good ratings in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.

Fuel Economy

Let's be real, fuel economy isn't the QX80's strongest suit. With its large V8 engine and hefty size, it's not exactly a fuel-sipping machine. The EPA estimates for the 2015 QX80 are 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. In real-world driving, you can expect to see numbers that are close to these estimates, but your mileage may vary depending on your driving style and conditions.

Compared to other large SUVs, the QX80's fuel economy is about average. Some competitors, like the Cadillac Escalade, offer slightly better fuel economy, while others, like the Lexus LX 570, are about the same. If fuel economy is a major concern, you might want to consider a smaller SUV or a hybrid vehicle. However, if you need the space and power of a full-size SUV, the QX80's fuel economy is probably acceptable.

One factor that can affect fuel economy is the QX80's all-wheel-drive system. Models equipped with all-wheel drive tend to get slightly lower fuel economy than models with rear-wheel drive. However, the difference is usually not significant. Another factor that can impact fuel economy is towing. When towing a heavy load, the QX80's fuel economy will drop significantly.

Pricing and Value

The pricing of the 2015 Infiniti QX80 can vary depending on the trim level, options, and condition of the vehicle. When new, the QX80 had a starting price of around $63,000. However, used models can now be found for significantly less. A well-maintained 2015 QX80 can typically be purchased for between $25,000 and $40,000, depending on mileage and condition.

In terms of value, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 offers a compelling package for those who need a large, luxurious, and capable SUV. It provides a spacious and well-appointed interior, a powerful V8 engine, and a host of advanced technology and safety features. While its fuel economy is not the best, it's comparable to other vehicles in its class.

Compared to its competitors, the QX80 offers a similar level of luxury and performance at a slightly lower price point. For example, the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX 570 typically cost more than the QX80. This makes the QX80 a good choice for buyers who are looking for a great value in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

Conclusion: Is the 2015 Infiniti QX80 Worth It?

So, is the 2015 Infiniti QX80 worth it? The answer really depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a spacious, luxurious, and powerful SUV that can tow heavy loads and handle challenging terrain, then the QX80 is definitely worth considering. It offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and value.

However, if fuel economy is a major concern, or if you don't need the extra space and towing capacity, then you might want to consider a smaller or more fuel-efficient vehicle. The QX80 is a large and thirsty SUV, and it's not the best choice for those who are primarily concerned with saving money at the pump.

Overall, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is a well-rounded and capable SUV that offers a lot for the money. It's a great choice for families who need space, power, and luxury. Just be sure to factor in the cost of fuel and maintenance when making your decision.