2025 Infiniti QX80 Review | The Redesign We’ve Been WAITING For!
Now that I’m back from maternity leave, it’s time to get into some of the newest family cars and test them out! On deck today is the 2025 Infiniti QX80, which is back with a complete redesign, and it’s a welcome change after 10 long years.
For families looking for a full-size luxury SUV, this update might finally make the QX80 a real contender. It’s more stylish, more functional, and far more luxurious than before. Let’s dive into everything this SUV has to offer and see if it’s the right choice for your family.
If you're new—welcome! My name is Kelly and I’m a car enthusiast, mom, and a certified child passenger safety tech. Today, I'm really excited to give you a complete walkthrough of the 2025 Infiniti QX80 and answer the question of whether it’s a good option for families out there.
Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!
2025 Infiniti QX80 Highlights:
If you just want to see the major updates in the 2025 Infiniti QX80, here are the highlights:
Both the interior and exterior received MAJOR improvements.
No more bubbled back end up the exterior. It looks a lot more sporty.
Interior feels a lot more luxurious in the first row, but storage is not the best up here.
Second-row seats are on tracks.
Car seat-friendly tilt to get into the third row.
Overall, there is much more flexibility when creating a car seat setup.
With the third row up, the trunk space is not the best.
2025 Infiniti QX80 Exterior
Infiniti has replaced the QX80’s outdated look in favor of something much more modern and polished. It feels more like a luxury car now, with a design that’s clean, sharp, and intentional. Compared to the older version, which was bulky and over-decorated, this new model feels like a breath of fresh air.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the two-tone roof on the Autograph trim, which adds a unique, sophisticated touch. The lights, both front and rear, are bold and modern, making the car look sharp from every angle. The 22-inch wheels are stunning and add a commanding presence, but the running boards aren’t powered, which might surprise some people considering the high price point. Personally, I don’t mind that—they’re sleek and sturdy, with fewer moving parts to worry about breaking down.
The back of the QX80 has been totally reimagined. Gone is the bubbly, rounded shape of the old model. It’s now squared-off, lean, and much sportier. Even small details, like the tucked-away rear wiper, give it a more polished and intentional design. Overall, the QX80 got a facelift on the exterior that was desperately needed.
2025 Infiniti QX80 First Row
The inside of the QX80 has also received a major upgrade, and it finally feels like a true luxury SUV. That said, not everything about the interior is perfect. There’s a lot of piano black trim, which looks nice when clean but shows every fingerprint. The touchscreen-based climate controls aren’t the most user-friendly either, and while the screen vibrates and clicks to confirm your selection, it still feels less intuitive than old-school knobs and buttons.
Storage in the front row is decent but could be better. The cupholders, wireless charger, and USB-C ports are hidden under covers, which gives the cabin a sleek look but adds an extra step whenever you need to use them. There’s also a small coolbox in the center console, which could be handy for drinks or snacks. It’s a nice touch but it does shrink the overall storage space in the console.
Infotainment System
The first thing you’ll notice is the new digital display setup. While it’s technically two separate screens with a small gap in between, it gives the impression of one wide, continuous display. It looks great and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a heads-up display and a digital dash for the driver.
One standout feature is the headrest speakers, which let you enjoy your music or calming sounds without it blasting through the entire car—a great touch for parents who need a bit of peace. The front seats are heated, ventilated, and even massaging, which adds a real sense of luxury, especially on long drives. There’s also a panoramic sunroof and a suede headliner, both of which make the cabin feel bright and upscale.
2025 Infiniti QX80 Second Row
The second row of the QX80 has seen some big improvements, especially when it comes to seating and functionality. In the Autograph trim, which I had as a press car to walk through, you get two captain’s chairs, which are very comfortable and even have heating, ventilation, and massage features. This makes the second row feel like a true luxury experience, especially for older kids or passengers who want to stretch out.
However, the captain’s chairs come with a large center console that’s bolted to the floor. While it provides extra storage and cupholders, it also blocks the walkway to the third row, making it harder for passengers to move between rows. For families with younger kids or those using car seats, this can make things inconvenient.
If you prefer a bench seat, which I usually do for families, it’s available on lower trims and offers more flexibility. The bench seat has a fifth lower LATCH anchor, so you can install a car seat in the middle with ease. While I haven’t tested it yet, I suspect it could be a good option for fitting three car seats across, which is always a bonus for families.
Another major improvement is the new sliding seat tracks. Unlike the older model, where the second-row seats are fixed, the new design lets you slide the seats forward to create more legroom in the third row. This added flexibility is a huge win for families when it comes to car seat setup flexibility.
2025 Infiniti QX80 Third Row
The third row in the QX80 is surprisingly decent for a luxury SUV. One of the best updates is the addition of tether anchors in all three third-row seats, along with a set of lower LATCH anchors behind the passenger-side seat. This gives a TON of flexibility for installing car seats, which is a significant improvement over the previous model.
Accessing the third row is easier now with the edition of a powered car seat-friendly tilt feature. This allows you to tilt the second-row seat forward, even with a car seat installed, so passengers can climb into the back. While the functionality is great, the power mechanism feels unnecessary—it’s slower than a manual version, and in a busy pickup line, you might find yourself wishing for a quicker solution.
In terms of comfort, the third row offers good width and decent legroom, especially if the second row is slid forward a bit. There are also some nice touches back here, like ceiling vents, heated seats, cupholders, and charging ports. However, the headrests in the third row are non-removable, which can make it harder to install certain car seats. That’s something to keep in mind if you have a specific model in mind.
2025 Infiniti QX80 LATCH Diagram:
2025 Infiniti QX80 Trunk
When it comes to trunk space, the QX80 is functional, but not outstanding. With all three rows in use, the cargo area is fairly small, which could be an issue for larger families using a double system for anyone with a lot of gear. Infiniti has added a removable shelf system to help organize the space, but it might not be practical for strollers or larger items.
If you fold down the third row, you get a lot more room, but it’s worth noting that the QX80 doesn’t offer an extended wheelbase version like the GMC Yukon XL or Ford Expedition Max. This is the most cargo space you’re going to get, so if you often need to carry a lot while also using the third row, this might not be the best choice.
2025 Infiniti QX80: Wrap-Up
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is a massive step forward for this luxury SUV. It looks more polished, feels more luxurious, and offers better functionality than before. While it’s not perfect—limited cargo space and a few design quirks hold it back—it’s still a strong contender for families who want a stylish, comfortable vehicle with plenty of features.
If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV and can work around its quirks, the QX80 could be a great fit. It’s clear that Infiniti has listened to feedback and made meaningful changes, turning the QX80 into a better contender for the luxury SUV game.
What do you think of the 2025 Infiniti QX80 updates? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family cars on the market, check out my recent posts:
