The ability to accommodate up to seven, plenty of cargo space, especially with the third row folded, tons of creature comforts, and a more commanding view of the road to really take advantage of that powerful engine. Driving a large luxury SUV has a number of benefits like this, and a gently used Infinit QX80 offers all of them without runaway maintenance costs and a max towing capacity of 8,500 lbs.
While the 2025 Infiniti QX80 benefited from a comprehensive redesign, the 2020 through 2024 model years are ripe for the picking in the used market. Here in Detroit, where I am located, there is plenty of selection on my Autotrader app (60 within a 25-mile radius, model years 2020 through 2024 as of this writing).
On the low side for price, I found one in Madison Heights, Michigan, for $23,987 with 114,300 miles. On the higher side, there was one in Wayne, Michigan, for $48,995 with 30,000 miles. By contrast, a 2026 QX80 starts at $83,750.
Repair cost data
Five-year outlook better than industry average
According to CarEdge data, the cost to maintain a QX80 is lower than that of similar vehicles. Here is a quick summary:
- Five-Year Outlook: The average cost of maintenance and repairs over the first five years is about $4,117, which is nearly $1,400 below the industry average.
- 10-Year Outlook: Maintenance costs for a QX80 during its first decade of ownership are projected to be about $12,500. That is about $40 more than the industry average for luxury SUVs.
- 10-Year Odds of a Repair: There is about a 33 percent chance that a pre-owned QX80 will need a major repair during its first decade, which is about five percent better than that of similar large luxury SUVs.
Since the 2025 QX80 was an all-new vehicle for Infiniti, it has the latest technologies and creature comforts. While that has benefits, a pre-owned model may save you on insurance and body repair costs. For example, the rear LED light bar on the 2025 QX80 comprises over 300 LED lights, which is likely going to be expensive to replace.
According to RepairPal data, the Infiniti QX80 has an above-average rating. Here is a quick summary:
- Reliability Score: The QX80’s reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 places it first out of 19 for full-size luxury SUVs (2.5 is the average for similar vehicles).
- Maintenance Costs: The average annual repair cost for a QX80 is about $718, compared to $1,127 for full-size luxury SUVs.
- Frequency of Repairs: QX80 owners visit a dealer for unscheduled service an average of 0.7 times per year, the same number of times as other full-size luxury SUVs. RepairPal data shows that the likelihood of a severe, expensive repair during that unscheduled visit is lower than the industry average (8% for the QX80 verus 19% for other similar full-size luxury SUVs).
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Powertrain and fuel economy
4WD was optional
Under the hood of the 2020 through 2024 QX80 is a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque. The engine, complete with direct injection and Infiniti’s Variable Valve Event and Lift technology, was paired with a seven-speed automatic.
Rear-wheel drive was standard, though Infiniti’s All-Mode 4WD system with customizable modes was available across the lineup (it maintains a rear-wheel bias under normal driving conditions).
If you’re in a Midwestern or Eastern state, the 4WD QX80 might be a better bet, at least for having some peace of mind during the winter. It’s also possible that, if you live in an area with snow, dealers would have stocked 4WD models to begin with, so that might be what’s readily available on the used market in your area.
While the QX80 4WD can handle mild off-roading, the real benefit is likely to come in everyday driving when the weather isn’t great. 4WD models feature Infiniti’s Active Brake Limited Slip system, which responds to unexpected wheel spin. The system will automatically apply the brakes to the spinning wheels, redistributing torque to other wheels in order to increase traction.
If you live somewhere with agreeable year-round weather, you can probably get the rear-wheel drive QX80 and be fine. You may save money that way, both on the asking price and on fuel economy, if only marginally. To be fair, the 5.6-liter is a gas guzzler, to the point that one Redditor said you will think your tank is leaking.
|
QX80 Model Year & Drivetrain |
City |
Hwy |
Combined |
|
2020-2024 RWD |
14 |
20 |
16 |
|
2020-2024 AWD |
13 |
19 |
15 |
On the open road, however, you might be able to squeeze out an extra MPG or two, as the QX80’s independent double-wishbone suspension and Dual-Flow Path shock absorbers offer a comfortable and satisfying ride. Depending on the trim level, a pre-owned QX80 may be equipped with a system that further adjusts the suspension to prevent excessive body lean as the big SUV travels around tight corners.
Trim levels and equipment
Center cluster revisions in 2023
The 2020 through 2024 QX80 offered the option to accommodate up to eight passengers with the second-row bench seat, and you may find that configuration on the pre-owned market. Otherwise, captain’s chairs will comprise the second row to accommodate seven. Some pre-owned models may also be equipped with the optional rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch screens.
Every QX80 from 2020 to 2024 had a power liftgate and 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded.
You may find some pre-owned models with a feature called a smart rearview mirror, which switches between a regular mirror and an LCD monitor. Using the QX80’s rear-mounted camera, it displays an image on the rearview mirror to help you see around cargo or anything else that might be obstructing your view.
For 2022, the QX80’s center console was updated to include a single 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, versus the stacked screens of prior models. While it retained previous standard features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the graphics were a bit sharper, especially for features like navigation. A wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi hotspot were also standard for the 2022 models.
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Affordable and reliable
Pre-owned QX80s are a solid option
While the 2025 redesign of the QX80 has its advantages, when factoring in the asking price, maintenance costs, and available features, the 2020 through 2024 model years are a nice sweet spot. If you are looking for an affordable and reliable pre-owned three-row SUV, take a second look at the QX80.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
