X

Infiniti's largest SUV gets a face-lift, new tech for 2015 (pictures)

We hit the road in the 2015 Infiniti QX80, the automaker's largest vehicle and a strong competitor in the giant luxury SUV class.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
2015-infiniti-qx80-14.jpg
1 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2015 Infiniti QX80

We hit the road in the 2015 QX80 SUV, Infiniti's largest vehicle.

2015-infiniti-qx80-8.jpg
2 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Revised fascia

For 2015, the SUV gets updated with a new front fascia that brings its design in line with the automaker's current aesthetic.

2015-infiniti-qx80-23.jpg
3 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Tweaks and tucks

The lower grille opening gains more definite edges and the fog light enclosures have been sharpened, now featuring more chrome brightwork.

2015-infiniti-qx80-27.jpg
4 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Head lamps

The HID head lamps have been revised with LED eyebrows and DRLs. Automatic high beams and steerable projectors join the 2015 feature set.

2015-infiniti-qx80-34.jpg
5 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

V-8 engine

Under the hood, the 5.6-liter V-8 survives unchanged. Output is stated at 400 horsepower.

2015-infiniti-qx80-104.jpg
6 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Seven-speed transmission

A seven-speed transmission is the only gearbox available for the QX80.

2015-infiniti-qx80-140.jpg
7 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Drive modes

The QX80 lacks specific off-road traction modes, but it does offer snow and towing settings.

2015-infiniti-qx80-21.jpg
8 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Drive train

The SUV is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive configurations.

2015-infiniti-qx80-51.jpg
9 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Vents

Rounded vents add character to the front fenders.

2015-infiniti-qx80-53.jpg
10 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Wheel and tires

Optional 22-inch wheels fill the arches at all four corners. Don't expect to find any knobby tire options.

2015-infiniti-qx80-41.jpg
11 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Auto-leveling suspension

The optional upgraded suspension auto-levels itself to compensate for cornering and when towing heavy loads.

2015-infiniti-qx80-58.jpg
12 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

14 mpg

Estimated fuel economy is stated as 16 mpg combined, but we averaged only 14.1 during our testing.

2015-infiniti-qx80-69.jpg
13 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Power lift gate

A motorized lift gate can be activated from afar with the remote transponder. The QX80 also comes standard with keyless entry and start.

2015-infiniti-qx80-79.jpg
14 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Motorized rear seats

The rear (third-row) seats are also motorized and fold flat at the touch of a button.

2015-infiniti-qx80-88.jpg
15 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Seven-seater

The QX8o is available in either a seven-seat (shown here) or an eight-seat configuration. The difference is the addition or removal of the second-row center console.

2015-infiniti-qx80-84.jpg
16 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Third row

Infiniti counts the third row as three seats, but we were only able to comfortably seat two reasonably sized adults back there.

2015-infiniti-qx80-91.jpg
17 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Theater package

Our example was equipped with an optional "Theater package." Checking this box adds two LCD screens to the front-row headrests.

2015-infiniti-qx80-145.jpg
18 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Headphones

The rear-seat entertainment system ships with two IR wireless headphones for dual-zone listening.

2015-infiniti-qx80-152.jpg
19 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Front seats

The front seats are heated and cooled and power-adjustable.

2015-infiniti-qx80-98.jpg
20 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Interior

Our example was not so equipped, but the 2015 model year introduces a new high-luxury Limited trim level.

2015-infiniti-qx80-163.jpg
21 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Driver aid

Getting all of the driver aid and intervention tech requires specifying two optional packages totaling about $7,650, but for the money it's one of the most fully featured loadouts in the class.

2015-infiniti-qx80-32.jpg
22 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Around-view camera

An around-view camera system places wide-angle cameras on all four sides of the SUV, giving the driver a virtual bird's-eye view of the area surrounding the vehicle.

2015-infiniti-qx80-108.jpg
23 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Infotainment

Digital media sources include Bluetooth audio and calling, HD Radio, satellite radio and USB/iPod connectivity.

2015-infiniti-qx80-111.jpg
24 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Navigation

Infiniti's HDD navigation system is standard on all QX80 models.

2015-infiniti-qx80-112.jpg
25 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Driver's seat

Wood trim and leather create a luxurious air. The cabin is quiet and well isolated from the passing scenery.

2015-infiniti-qx80-135.jpg
26 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Instrument cluster

Instrumentation is simple and easy to read at a glance. A small monochrome display sits between the two large gauges.

2015-infiniti-qx80-160.jpg
27 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Bose audio

Our optional Deluxe Technology package also adds a Bose audio system.

2015-infiniti-qx80-5.jpg
28 of 28 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2015 Infiniti QX80

Though revised for 2015, our opinion of the QX80 hasn't changed. It's a high-tech large SUV, but the smaller QX60 does a better, more efficient job of luxuriously transporting six adults.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos