This week I was cruising around in one of the largest vehicles I have test driven to date. The 2026 Infiniti QX80 is a behemoth of an SUV. A seven seater that drives like a bus, especially coming from a person with a shorter stature. It had me clinging and climbing into the front seat with the aid of a step. Although I found it slippery without any traction pads.
Thankfully there were sturdy handles to grip on the door with. Theses are hidden handles that automatically protrude out when you draw close, and recess when you walk away, or are safety within the vehicle. Where other vehicles with discreet handles use a flimsy little bar, the QX80 has a double enforced handle, that is appreciated and necessary, given the weight of the door.
Unique to the 2026 Infiniti QX80 is the stereo sound system built into the head rests of the two front seats. The website calls this “Klipsch® 24-speaker Reference Premiere Audio with Active Sound Enhancement and 3D Audio”. I only took note of it when using GPS, where the directions came from behind my head, while the music came towards me and to the side of me.
Despite its size, the Infiniti was easy to drive with the aid of a smart rear view mirror and high definition cameras, offering a clear view of blind spots. Directional arrows, street names and kilometres per hour broadcasted on the windshield for easy visibility.
The seats felt like a throne with the ability to micro-customize it to your comfort, making it ideal for longer commutes. I love how supportive the bucket seat were, gripping my back on both sides. And the armrest was at a good height, in proportion to these elevated seats. This is the first Infiniti I have test driven with massaging seats. However it was more like the lower back cushion throbbed, contracting and extending steadily.
I liked the look of the dual spring back lids of the centre console. They offered a sleek look to keep the wireless phone charger and cupholders discrete, and the cockpit as a whole looking clean and organized.
Above it, the navigation system is set at an angle for easy viewing. This is touchscreen activated, a smooth surface that you really have to push down to activate. You know it has worked when you feel a slight rumble at your finger tips. This is similar to the gear shift, laid out like piano keys. There is also built in Google Assist with a push of a button, and drive modes for, eco, sport, snow, and towing.
Another unique feature to 2026 QX80 is the ability to personalize your interior ambient lighting. This includes piping around the dash, lighting within the bins, and additional lights highlighting the speakers. This is the largest selections of colour I have seen available in any vehicle. They are organized by season with four colour option from summer to winter, each pallet with its own themed names. And if you didn’t see what you liked, you could customize it with a 64 colour gradient bar.
Overall, I really appreciated how innovative Infiniti was making their luxury line.
