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2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory Offers Alternative to Yukon Escalade and Navigator

Infiniti’s QX 80 Sensory is a choice to consider in the full-size SUV market.

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory checks off all the boxes in the full-size premium sport utility vehicle market. We tested the QX80 this week and found that it offers a very nice alternative to the traditional choices in a market squeezed hard by lack of inventory.

2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - What Is It?
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory is a large, three-row SUV designed to serve the needs and wants of a shopper in the next-to-largest vehicle segment in America. It’s about the size of a GMC Yukon Denali, but not quite as long as the super-sized versions of GM and Lincoln’s stretched SUVs.

2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - What Powers It? Can It Tow
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory comes equipped with a 400 hp 5.6-liter V8 gasoline-powered engine. Its geared transmission and four-wheel drive system complete with a low range, make it capable of all things almost all Americans would ask of any large SUV. That includes enough towing capacity to tow both an Escalade plus a racecar on a trailer if need be. Or maybe a full-size horse trailer with multiple horses? How much more pulling power does anyone need in a plush family vehicle? The official rating is 8,500 pounds.

Image of 2022 QX80 Sensory by Infiniti2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - How Is the Infotainment?
Nissan has significantly upped its game regarding infotainment over the past five years or so, and the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory is a perfect example of how far the company has come. The screen is super simple to use, large, and clear. Apple CarPlay is wireless, but Android users will still have to plug in. Our Sensory trim came with a dual rear screen entertainment system for the second row. Presumably for the last two children in America without a selection of their own kindles, i-Pads, and other tablets.

2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - How Does It Drive?
We drove the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory in city and suburban traffic, as well as on rural country roads and highways. In all situations, this very large vehicle feels smaller than it is when driven (a good thing). The powertrain is cooperative and always has much more thrust than you will ever need. The suspension is tuned just right and it never feels tippy.

2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - Features We Like
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory had most of the creature comforts we like to see in a premium SUV. A heated steering wheel, heated seats in the front two rows, and wireless phone pairing for at least half the market. The Smart Rearview Mirror is digital or conventional, depending on your preference. The Sensory trim adds 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, a Bose Performance Audio 17-speaker sound system, and Hydraulic Body Motion Control (maybe that’s why it didn’t feel tippy?)

2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - Price, Fuel Economy
Our tester had a price including MSRP and destination charges by less additional dealer markups of $87,985. The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the QX80 is about $4,050.

2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory - Conclusion
Infiniti makes premium vehicles that tend to be quick, satisfying to drive, and priced competitively with the best in the segment. The 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory is no exception. Those searching for a large premium three-row SUV with the ability to tow pretty much anything any homeowner would ever dream of towing that is satisfying to drive in all situations should put the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Sensory on their shortlist of vehicles for consideration.

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin

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Images of 2022 QX80 Sensory by Infiniti