2026 INFINITI QX80 SPORT Mixes Athleticism With Pure Luxury

2026 INFINITI QX80 SPORT Mixes Athleticism With Pure Luxury originally appeared on Autoblog.

The new Infiniti QX80 is here to take on the domestic competition

The recently redesigned 2026 INFINITI QX80 is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV that seats up to seven and competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon Denali, and Cadillac Escalade. One of INFINITI's most popular models, the new QX80 arrives with a fully overhauled interior, featuring heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, and—for the first time—available third-row heating. It emphasizes comfort across all three rows, aiming to set a new benchmark in luxury for the brand. Trim levels for the 2026 QX80 include PURE, LUXE, SPORT (new for 2026), and AUTOGRAPH.

INFINITI ditched the old V8 in favor of more power and better economy. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, which is rated for 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, feeding the rear or all four wheels. While the powertrain and platform are shared with the Nissan Armada (specifically, the Armada NISMO) this is a vehicle built for luxury and a bit of sport, while the Armada is less sophisticated.

Higher-end trims have an available "Electronic Air Suspension" system paired with "Dynamic Digital Suspension." According to INFINITI, the air suspension lowers by 1.2 inches at speed for aerodynamic improvements. When parked, it can lower by 2.8 inches from its normal position to an Easy Access level, dramatically easing the ingress and egress of passengers or the loading of cargo. Finally, for use in more rugged terrain, an Off-road setting raises the air suspension 2.1 inches above the QX80's normal ride height.

Being that this is still an SUV, the INFINITI QX80 is rated to tow up to 8,500 lbs (when properly equipped) and has "Trailer Blind Spot Warning" which works when towing trailers up to 33 feet in length. Unlike Lincoln and Cadillac, there is only one size of QX80, and one powertrain.

What do the 2026 INFINITI QX80 SPORT's looks bring to the table?

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 SPORT goes a shade darker with blacked-out features throughout, and a unique interior design. There's a new front grille, a restyled front bumper, and a unique 22-inch wheel design. The exterior is replete with darkened elements, from black exterior trim to mirror caps, lower bumper finishers, roof rails, and emblems.

The interior received some changes as well. The SPORT treatment includes a unique Dusk Blue color scheme, with dark matte chrome accents, graphite for the headliner and pillars, open-pore wood trim for the instrument panel and doors, and black/blue seat inserts for all three rows, including unique diamond-pattern perforation. The QX80 SPORT is available in Mineral Black, Radiant White, Grand Blue, or Dynamic Metal, and the latter three can optionally be paired with a contrasting Black Obsidian roof.

"A year after its dramatic introduction, the INFINITI QX80 continues to elevate the standard in luxury SUVs, thrilling INFINITI clients with bold design and technology, while propelling strong sales at INFINITI retailers. We know that luxury drivers are looking to make a bold entrance wherever they go, so for 2026, we are dramatically amplifying QX80's Artistry in Motion styling with a SPORT grade offering a sleek, blacked-out appearance," said Tiago Castro, vice president of INFINITI Americas.

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

What does each trim include?

Final thoughts

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 will reach retailers late summer 2025, with an MSRP starting at $83,750. So far, I've been impressed with the new Nissan Armada, and I suspect the new QX80 should be quite a ride as well, but I have yet to test one. They are supposed to be available for evaluation soon, so stay tuned for reviews hitting the airwaves soon.

2026 INFINITI QX80 SPORT Mixes Athleticism With Pure Luxury first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.