How the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Compares to the Competition: Body-On-Frame Royalty vs. The New Guard
There is a specific feeling you get when you lower yourself into the driver’s seat of a 2022 Infiniti QX80, grip the thick leather-wrapped wheel, and feel that 5.6-liter V8 rumble to life—it’s the sensation of sitting behind the engine of a Nissan Patrol, wrapped in enough semi-aniline leather and hand-finished wood to make a European diplomat jealous.
But here is the reality of the full-size luxury SUV market: it is a shark tank. You have the Cadillac Escalade, which invented the segment. You have the Lincoln Navigator, which redefined quiet luxury. You have the Lexus LX, which is essentially a tank in a tuxedo. And then you have the German heavyweights, the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7, preaching technological superiority. So where does the 2022 Infiniti QX80 fit? Is it a contender, or is it a relic?
The answer is complicated. The QX80 is a masterpiece of Japanese luxury engineering built on a backbone of proven, rugged capability . But its rivals moved to unibody platforms, independent rear suspensions, and twin-turbo V6s years ago. Let’s put them head-to-head and see who wins your driveway.
TL;DR
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 is the “old soul” of the segment. It offers a proven, naturally aspirated V8, rugged body-on-frame construction, and a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds at a lower price point than most rivals . However, the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offer more modern interiors, better fuel economy from turbo V6s, and significantly more third-row space . The Lexus LX 600 is its closest mechanical cousin (body-on-frame), but it sips fuel and offers a newer interior . The QX80 wins if you value proven reliability, old-school V8 charm, and value for money.
Key Takeaways
- The V8 Advantage: The QX80 is one of the few remaining full-size luxury SUVs with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 (400 hp). Most rivals now use twin-turbo V6s .
- Space Reality: The QX80’s third row is cramped compared to the Escalade and Navigator. Adults will struggle on long trips .
- Tech Upgrade: For 2022, the QX80 finally got a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, bringing it closer to the modern standard .
- Towing Capability: With a max tow rating of 8,500 pounds, the QX80 is a legitimate workhorse, rivaling the Navigator and surpassing the Lexus LX .
- The Value Proposition: The QX80 undercuts most competitors on price, often by thousands of dollars, making it a smart buy in the CPO market .
The 2022 Infiniti QX80: Setting the Baseline
Before we dive into the fight, let’s look at what the QX80 brings to the table. For 2022, Infiniti gave its flagship a much-needed tech boost. The old, small screens were replaced with a standard 12.3-inch INFINITI InTouch™ touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto . A wireless charging pad also became standard.
Under the hood, the legend lives on: a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic . It rides on a body-on-frame platform shared with the Nissan Armada and the legendary global-market Nissan Patrol . This gives it a rugged, truck-like foundation. It also features Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, which uses hydraulics to counteract body lean in corners, making this massive machine feel surprisingly composed .
- MSRP Range: $71,950 – $86,200
- Fuel Economy: 14 city / 20 highway (RWD)
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers
- Cargo Behind 3rd Row: 16.6 cubic feet
The Contenders: A Full-Size Luxury Lineup
2022 Cadillac Escalade: The Interior King
If you ask any expert which full-size luxury SUV redefined the segment in recent years, they will point to the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. Cadillac completely redesigned it for 2021, and the 2022 model carried that momentum. It moved to an independent rear suspension, which freed up massive amounts of interior space .
How it beats the QX80:
- Interior Tech: The Escalade’s dashboard is a spectacle—a curved 38-inch OLED display that stretches from the driver’s side to the center of the dash. The QX80’s 12.3-inch screen looks positively quaint in comparison.
- Third-Row Space: Thanks to that independent rear suspension, the Escalade offers class-leading third-row legroom (34.9 inches) compared to the QX80’s tight 28.8 inches . Adults can actually sit in the back of an Escalade.
- Engine Options: The standard 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 hp, but the real gem is the available 3.0-liter Duramax diesel, which gets over 20 mpg on the highway .
Where the QX80 fights back:
- Price: A comparable Escalade is significantly more expensive. The base Escalade starts around $77,795, but nicely equipped Premium Luxury and Sport trims soar past $90,000 and $100,000 . The QX80 Sensory, loaded to the gills, tops out around $86,000 .
- Reliability: Infiniti has a strong reputation for long-term dependability, and the QX80’s proven powertrain is simpler than the high-strung tech in the Caddy .
The Escalade is the choice if you want to be seen and want the latest tech. The QX80 is the choice if you want a luxurious tool that just works.
2022 Lincoln Navigator: The Sanctuary
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator took a different approach. Instead of overwhelming you with screens, it focuses on serene comfort. For 2022, it received a refresh with a new grille, updated tech, and the glorious Lincoln Black Label treatment .
How it beats the QX80:
- Third-Row Comfort: This is the Navigator’s knockout punch. It offers a massive 40.9 inches of third-row legroom—a full 12 inches more than the QX80 . If you regularly carry adults in the way-back, the Navigator is the only choice.
- Seating: The Navigator offers available massaging second-row captain’s chairs . The QX80’s second row is comfortable, but it doesn’t offer massaging functionality.
- Powertrain: The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 makes 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque—significantly more than the QX80’s V8—and it does it on regular fuel while achieving better MPG .
Where the QX80 fights back:
- Towing: The QX80 matches or slightly exceeds the Navigator’s max towing (8,500 lbs vs. 8,300 lbs) .
- Price: The Navigator is expensive. A well-optioned Reserve or Black Label model can easily exceed $100,000, while the QX80 offers a similar level of luxury for thousands less .
- Simplicity: The QX80’s cabin, while not as modern, is intuitive. The Navigator’s massive portrait-style screen can be distracting .
2022 Lexus LX 600: The Overlanding Legend Reborn
The 2022 Lexus LX was all-new, ditching the old 5.7-liter V8 for a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. It shares its bones with the Toyota Land Cruiser (sadly departed from the US), making it the most off-road-capable vehicle in this comparison .
How it beats the QX80:
- Off-Road Prowess: The LX 600 is built for the bush. It has a better approach angle, a more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, and available locking differentials. The QX80 is capable on a dirt road, but the LX is a mountain goat.
- Fuel Economy: The twin-turbo V6 is far more efficient, achieving 17 city/22 highway—a noticeable improvement over the QX80’s 13/19 .
- Modernity: The LX’s interior, especially in the ultra-luxurious four-seat “Ultra Luxury” trim, is brand new and incredibly opulent .
Where the QX80 fights back:
- Third-Row Space: The Lexus LX 600 actually has less third-row space than the QX80. It is really a 5-seater with a tiny occasional third row. The QX80, despite its tight space, is more usable as an 8-passenger vehicle .
- Cargo Space: The QX80 offers 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, while the LX offers none (or very little, depending on configuration) . For families, the QX80 wins.
- Price: The LX 600 commands a massive premium, often starting higher and escalating quickly, with the Ultra Luxury trim exceeding $120,000 .
2022 Mercedes GLS: The German Tech Titan
The Mercedes GLS is the unibody, independent-suspension German answer to American luxury. It is car-based, which means it rides beautifully but isn’t meant for heavy trail work .
How it beats the QX80:
- Performance: The GLS 580’s twin-turbo V8 hybrid makes 483 hp and can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds—over a second and a half faster than the QX80 . It is brutally quick.
- Safety Tech: The GLS offers features the QX80 can’t match, like a standard driver attention monitor and standard all-wheel drive . Mercedes’ suite of driver assists is more advanced.
- Dealer Network: There are significantly more Mercedes dealers in the US than Infiniti dealers, making service easier .
Where the QX80 fights back:
- Reliability: J.D. Power studies show Infiniti lags behind Mercedes in initial quality, but the QX80’s body-on-frame simplicity often leads to lower long-term maintenance costs for owners who keep cars past the warranty period .
- Towing: The QX80 matches the GLS’s max towing capacity (8,500 lbs) with a simpler, more robust setup .
- Cost of Ownership: Parts and service for a Mercedes GLS are significantly more expensive than for a Nissan-based Infiniti.
Side-by-Side: How They Stack Up
To make this comparison crystal clear, here is how the QX80’s vital stats compare to its primary rivals.
| Category | 2022 Infiniti QX80 | 2022 Cadillac Escalade | 2022 Lincoln Navigator | 2022 Lexus LX 600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.6L V8 | 6.2L V8 / 3.0L Diesel | 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 420 hp | 440 hp | 409 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8,500 lbs | 8,200 lbs | 8,300 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| 3rd Row Legroom | 28.8 in | 34.9 in | 40.9 in | N/A (Tight) |
| Cargo (behind 3rd) | 16.6 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft | 20.9 cu ft | 46 cu ft (to seat 2) |
| MPG (Combined) | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 |
| Base MSRP | $71,950 | $77,795 | $77,635 | $86,900 |
The QX80’s fuel economy is notably thirsty. Real-world testing has shown consumption as high as 20.1 L/100 km (about 11.7 mpg) in mixed driving, so consider that if you have a long commute.
FAQ: Your 2022 Infiniti QX80 Comparison Questions Answered
Is the 2022 Infiniti QX80 reliable?
Yes. RepairPal gives it an “Above Average” 4 out of 5 stars, ranking it 1st out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs . Its body-on-frame construction and proven V8 are known for longevity.
How does the QX80 handle compared to the Escalade?
The QX80 uses Hydraulic Body Motion Control to reduce body lean, making it feel surprisingly stable for a truck-based SUV . However, the Escalade’s independent rear suspension gives it a more car-like ride over bumps .
Which has a bigger third row, QX80 or Navigator?
The Lincoln Navigator wins this category by a landslide. It offers nearly 41 inches of legroom in the third row, while the QX80 offers just 28.8 inches . Adults will be cramped in the QX80’s way-back.
Does the QX80 have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. For the 2022 model year, Infiniti made wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto standard across all trims, along with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen .
Is the QX80 good for towing a boat?
Absolutely. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped, it can handle most mid-sized boats, campers, and horse trailers with ease .
Why is the QX80 cheaper than the Lexus LX 600?
The QX80’s platform is older, and its interior design, while luxurious, isn’t as cutting-edge as the all-new Lexus LX. The QX80 offers proven value, while the Lexus commands a premium for its newer tech and off-road cachet .
Which SUV has the best interior for 2022?
If you prioritize screens and digital displays, the Cadillac Escalade wins. If you prioritize quiet comfort and seat massage, the Lincoln Navigator wins . The QX80 offers a beautifully crafted, if slightly dated, leather-and-wood cabin .
The Final Verdict: Which SUV Wins?
So, where does the 2022 Infiniti QX80 land? It doesn’t win any single category by a knockout, but it wins the marathon.
- Choose the Cadillac Escalade if you want the latest tech and a massive OLED screen.
- Choose the Lincoln Navigator if you regularly carry six or seven adults and need that cavernous third row.
- Choose the Lexus LX 600 if you plan to drive off-road and want the ultimate in overlanding luxury.
- But choose the 2022 Infiniti QX80 if you value proven reliability, the soulful rumble of a naturally aspirated V8, and the peace of mind that comes from owning a vehicle built on a global legend (the Patrol). It is the smart, understated choice for families who want a luxurious workhorse without the flashy price tag or the complexity of European engineering.
What’s your favorite hidden feature inside your Infiniti? Share your thoughts in the comments below. (Or tell us: which of these luxury beasts is sitting in your garage?)
References:
- CPO Spotlight: 2022 Infiniti QX80 – Kelley Blue Book
- Compare 2022 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 INFINITI QX80 – The Car Connection
- 2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 INFINITI QX80 – CarGurus
- Compare 2022 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Lexus LX – The Car Connection
- Compare the 2022 Mercedes GLS vs 2022 Infiniti QX80 – Lithia
- Compare 2022 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator – The Car Connection
