Infiniti QX80 Real Cargo Capacity Test: How Much Can You Really Haul?
So you’re looking at a massive Infiniti QX80 and wondering—can this luxury beast actually swallow all the gear for a family road trip, or does that big exterior hide a surprisingly small cargo area?
TL;DR
The 2025 redesigned QX80 significantly improved its cargo capacity, offering a class-leading 22.0 cubic feet behind the third row—enough for four large checked bags and a duffel . Fold the third row, and you get up to 59 cubic feet; fold both rear rows, and you have a cavernous 101 cubic feet . Older models (pre-2025) were more limited, with just 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row . The real-world luggage test confirms the new QX80 beats competitors like the Ford Expedition and Mercedes GLS for third-row cargo space .
The Numbers: Before and After the 2025 Redesign
The 2025 redesign was a game-changer for the QX80’s cargo space. The numbers tell the story:
| Cargo Configuration | 2025+ QX80 (New) | Pre-2025 QX80 (Older) |
|---|---|---|
| Behind Third Row | 22.0 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft |
| Behind Second Row | 56.3–59.0 cu ft | 49.6 cu ft |
| Behind First Row (Max) | 97.1–101.0 cu ft | 95.1 cu ft |
That’s a 5.4 cubic-foot increase behind the third row—which may not sound like much, but in a space that small, it makes a huge difference .
Real-World Luggage Test: How Many Bags Fit?
Here’s where theory meets reality. The Autoblog luggage test used a standard set of bags: two large checked suitcases, two carry-on rollers, a small roller, and a duffel .
Behind the Third Row (All Seats Up)
The new QX80 fit four large checked bags plus the duffel with the third row up. The small green roller didn’t fit .
That’s impressive. Here’s how it stacks up against competitors:
- Better than: Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator (four smallest bags + one big one) and Mercedes GLS
- Worse than: Chevy Tahoe/Cadillac Escalade (five biggest bags) and Jeep Grand Wagoneer (all the bags)
- Better than expected: The Lexus TX fits all the bags despite a smaller on-paper figure
Behind the Second Row (Third Row Folded)
With the third row folded, you get up to 59 cubic feet . This is where the QX80 really shines for families. You can haul:
- Multiple large strollers
- Golf bags
- Sports equipment
- Groceries for a family of six
One reviewer noted that the space behind the second row is “generous” and easily accommodates bulky items .
Max Capacity (First and Second Rows Folded)
With both rows folded, the QX80 offers an enormous 101 cubic feet of cargo space . That’s enough for:
- Full sheets of plywood (if you fold flat)
- Large furniture
- Moving boxes for a small apartment
- Camping gear for a week-long trip
The Loading Experience: What to Expect
Height Matters
The QX80 is tall—it sits high off the ground. As one reviewer noted, “like all body-on-frame SUVs, it’s quite the hoist up to cargo height” .
Pro Tip: The top-trim Autograph model has a power-folding third row and a lowering air suspension that drops the vehicle for easier loading .
Under-Floor Storage
There’s some under-floor storage, but it’s not designed to expand luggage capacity—more for hiding valuables or storing small items .
What the Real-World Test Reveals
The Verdict on the New QX80
The 2025 QX80 is a class-leader for third-row cargo space . It beats the Expedition and GLS and is only surpassed by even larger SUVs like the Escalade and Grand Wagoneer .
The Practical Takeaway
For a family of seven on a road trip, the new QX80 can handle:
- 4 large checked bags + 1 duffel behind the third row
- Plus small items like backpacks and snacks in the cabin
- Fold one side of the third row for even more gear
That’s a genuine improvement over the older model, which could feel cramped with just 16.6 cubic feet .
How It Compares: Cargo Space by Configuration
| Configuration | 2025+ QX80 | Pre-2025 QX80 | 2025 Expedition | 2025 GLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behind Third Row | 22.0 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | 19.3 cu ft | 17.4 cu ft |
| Behind Second Row | ~58 cu ft | 49.6 cu ft | ~56 cu ft | ~45 cu ft |
| Max Capacity | ~100 cu ft | 95.1 cu ft | ~105 cu ft | ~85 cu ft |
The new QX80 beats the Expedition and GLS for third-row space but falls short of the massive Grand Wagoneer (27.4 cu ft) .
Final Take: What the Test Really Means
The 2025 QX80 cargo test proves that Infiniti listened. The extra 5.4 cubic feet behind the third row transforms the SUV from “tight” to “class-competitive” . It’s not the absolute cargo king—that honor goes to the Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Grand Wagoneer—but for a luxury SUV that prioritizes comfort and refinement, it’s more than adequate .
Who should care: Families who regularly use the third row and need space for gear. If you’re a family of four or five and keep the third row folded, you’ll have plenty of room.
Who might want more: If you’re hauling the whole family AND all their stuff for a week-long road trip, you might want to consider the Escalade or Grand Wagoneer—or install a roof box.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much cargo space does the 2025 Infiniti QX80 have behind the third row?
The 2025 QX80 offers 22.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, a significant improvement from the previous model’s 16.6 cubic feet .
What’s the maximum cargo capacity of the 2025 Infiniti QX80?
With both the second and third rows folded, the QX80 provides up to 101 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity .
How does the QX80’s cargo space compare to the Ford Expedition?
The QX80 actually has more space behind the third row than the Ford Expedition (22.0 cu ft vs 19.3 cu ft). However, the Expedition may have slightly more maximum cargo capacity .
Will a family of seven be comfortable for road trips?
Yes, but with luggage—family of seven on a trip will have 22 cubic feet for gear. That’s enough for 4-5 bags, but you might need a roof box or cargo carrier for longer trips .
Is the cargo area easy to load?
The cargo height is tall (body-on-frame SUV), but top trims offer a lowering air suspension for easier loading. Power-folding seats are available on higher trims .
Does the QX80 have under-floor storage?
There is some under-floor storage, but it’s more for small items and valuables than expanding overall luggage capacity .
Have you loaded up your QX80 for a road trip? What’s the most you’ve fit in the cargo area? Share your experience in the comments below!
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