I drove the Infiniti QX80 for a week — here’s how it compares to other 3-row SUVs I’ve tested
In the past couple of months, I’ve been testing out a handful of 3-row SUVs. The Infinity QX80 is the latest one, proving yet again it’s an option worth looking at if you’re after a people mover.
Blending power and luxury, this full-size SUV doesn’t disappoint in the amount of room it offers. This is true for your passengers, especially those seated in the second row where they can lounge in style by reclining the captain’s chairs that are there.
While the entry-level Pure 4WD trim starts off at $86,850, you naturally get extra luxury features with the $106,955 priced 2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport 4WD I drove for a week — including a camera-specific feature I haven’t come across. In my Infiniti QX80 review, I’ll also tell you how it compares to Chevrolet Tahoe and Genesis GV80.
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2026 Infiniti QX80: Specifications
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
2026 Infiniti QX80 Pure 4WD |
2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport 4WD |
|
Engine |
3.5L V6 Twin Turbocharged Engine |
3.5L V6 Twin Turbocharged Engine |
|
Fuel Economy |
16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined |
16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined |
|
0 to 60 mph speed |
6.1 seconds |
6.1 seconds |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
23.59 gallons |
23.59 gallons |
|
Horsepower |
450 hp |
450 hp |
|
Wheels |
20-inches |
22-inches |
|
MSRP |
$86,850 |
$102,645 |
|
Price Tested |
N/A |
$106,955 |
2026 Infiniti QX80: Test summary
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport 4WD |
2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD |
2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD |
|
Price tested |
$106,955 |
$90,115 |
$84,475 |
|
Total miles driven |
221.7 miles |
347.1 miles |
268.7 miles |
|
Average Fuel Economy |
17.5 mpg |
17.1 mpg |
19.4 mpg |
|
Best short distance fuel economy |
15.6 mpg |
16.5 mpg |
15.8 mpg |
|
Best long distance fuel economy |
23.4 mpg |
19.9 mpg |
21.2 mpg |
2026 Infiniti QX80: What I like
Native dash cam
Dash cams still have a place in a world where modern cars are outfitted with cameras at every angle. However, most car makers don’t actually let you use them for recording — a fact that infuriates me like no other. That’s why I’m thrilled to find a native feature here called the Infiniti Dash Cam Recorder.
The best part? It’s a standard feature on the QX80 Sport 4WD that actively records video, including incidents, directly to a microSD card. The beauty of this system is that it captures footage from both the front and rear cameras. Neither the Chevy Tahoe nor the Genesis GV80 offers a similar feature, meaning you’re forced to spend extra on aftermarket hardware to get the same functionality.
3-row sweating with organizer
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I’ve been inside many generously sized three-row SUVs, but the 2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport 4WD is among the most spacious. The second row consists of captain’s chairs that recline and offer a massaging function, while accessing the third row is a cinche thanks to the pass-through between the seats.
Speaking of that area, I really love that there are cupholders, a dedicated wireless phone charger, and USB-C ports built into this rear-seat organizer. It sits low enough to prevent people from tripping over while moving to the back. In contrast, the Tahoe lacks keeps that middle ground barren, and the Genesis GV80 annoyingly forces you to fold down a seat just to access the third row.
Striking design for a big SUV
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Despite its utility, the Chevrolet Tahoe looks a bit too utilitarian for my liking, whereas the Infiniti QX80 adds a touch of flair just about everywhere. While it remains tall and somewhat blocky, there is an aggressive tone to the front-end design.
The double-arched grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights, gives the vehicle a commanding presence—made even more evident at night when the emblem illuminates. For a full-size SUV, it certainly has the appeal I crave, though I still prefer the more sophisticated tone of the Genesis GV80.
Generous trunk space
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Often, cargo capacity is the biggest compromise in three-row SUVs, but that isn’t the case with the QX80. Even with the third row in place, there is enough depth that I can stow my electric scooter or JackRabbit OG2 Pro e-bike with ease.
While the Chevrolet Tahoe offers a comparably sized trunk, the Genesis GV80 has significantly less space. The beauty of the QX80’s layout is that I’m not forced to fold down the rear seats for my weekly grocery run — plus, it helps that there are power-folding seat controls accessible directly from the trunk.
2026 Infiniti QX80: What I don’t like
Stiff steering
Aside from its massive footprint and towering stature, the most challenging aspect of the QX80 is the steering, which feels overly stiff for my liking. Because it’s similar in size, the Chevrolet Tahoe is equally cumbersome to maneuver.
Out of the bunch, I much prefer the Genesis GV80’s handling — it feels significantly more responsive, whereas I have to exert real effort just to steer the QX80.
Aggressive acceleration with cruise control
Similar to other Nissans I’ve tested, like the Ariya and the Leaf, the Infiniti QX80 uses an advanced cruise control system called ProPILOT Assist. While I found it just as reliable as the adaptive cruise control systems in the Tahoe and GV80, the QX80 has a tendency to accelerate too aggressively when reaching cruising speeds.
Despite this, the system excels at staying centered in the lane and effectively managing braking and acceleration to maintain speed. However, the Chevy Tahoe’s Super Cruise is a step ahead, as it can automatically switch lanes and overtake slower vehicles hands-free.
2026 Infiniti QX80: Verdict
The Infiniti QX80 Sport 4WD certainly commands a premium price, but it has several charming qualities that make me prefer it over the Chevrolet Tahoe—even with a roughly $16,000 price gap between them. I can’t deny that the Tahoe packs plenty of tech similar to the QX80; however, Infiniti’s sporty-meets-luxury design looks far better than the Tahoe’s boxy, utilitarian aesthetic. Plus, I find the seats to be significantly more comfortable.
Sure, you could save money by going with the Genesis GV80, but you would sacrifice size, space, and storage. For large families, the 2026 Infiniti QX80 has everything needed to keep everyone satisfied—from the driver all the way back to the passengers in the third row.
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