2025 Infiniti QX80 Fuel Economy Tested: What to Expect from the New Twin-Turbo V6
You’re considering the redesigned 2025 Infiniti QX80, and you’re probably wondering if the new engine delivers better fuel economy than the old V8 — here’s what the official numbers and real-world tests reveal.
TL;DR
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 achieves an EPA-estimated 17-18 mpg combined depending on the drivetrain: 16 city/20 highway for the 2WD model, and 16 city/19 highway for the 4WD version . This represents a modest improvement over the outgoing V8 model, thanks to a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower . In real-world Canadian testing, the Autograph 4WD model showed 13.7 L/100km combined (approximately 17 mpg), closely matching EPA estimates .
Key Takeaways
- 2WD models achieve 18 mpg combined (16 city / 20 highway)
- 4WD models achieve 17 mpg combined (16 city / 19 highway)
- The new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 replaces the old 5.6-liter V8, boosting power to 450 hp while improving fuel efficiency
- Real-world Canadian testing on the Autograph 4WD trim showed 13.7 L/100km combined, matching EPA estimates
- Fuel costs are significant — annual fuel cost for the 4WD model is estimated at $3,400, with a fill-up costing about $91 at current prices
- All models require premium gasoline (recommended by the manufacturer)
Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
The 2025 Infiniti QX80’s official EPA ratings depend on which drivetrain you choose :
| Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Gallons per 100 miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD (RWD) | 16 | 20 | 18 | 5.6 |
| 4WD (AWD) | 16 | 19 | 17 | 5.9 |
All QX80 models come with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine . The engine uses a SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) system to maximize efficiency .
Range and Fuel Costs
For the 4WD model:
- Fuel tank capacity: 23.6 gallons
- Total range: approximately 401 miles on a full tank
- Cost to fill the tank: about $91
- Annual fuel cost: estimated at $3,400 (based on 15,000 miles with 55% city / 45% highway driving)
Real-World Testing Results
Canadian Real-World Numbers
A used 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph 4WD listing on CarGurus Canada reported real-world fuel consumption figures in metric units :
- Combined: 13.7 L/100km (equivalent to approximately 17 mpg)
- City: 14.7 L/100km (equivalent to approximately 16 mpg)
- Highway: 12.4 L/100km (equivalent to approximately 19 mpg)
These numbers closely match the official EPA estimates, suggesting the QX80 delivers consistent real-world efficiency. The metric conversion works out as follows: 13.7 L/100km = 17.2 mpg US, confirming the EPA combined rating is accurate.
Combined MPG Range
Cars.com reports the 2025 QX80 achieves 17-18 mpg combined across all trims , with the higher figure for RWD models and lower for AWD models.
Trim-by-Trim Fuel Economy
RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) Models
| Trim | Drivetrain | Combined MPG | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure RWD | Rear Wheel Drive | 18 | $82,450 |
| Luxe RWD | Rear Wheel Drive | 18 | $89,550 |
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) Models
| Trim | Drivetrain | Combined MPG | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure AWD | Four Wheel Drive | 17 | $85,550 |
| Luxe AWD | Four Wheel Drive | 17 | $92,650 |
| Sensory AWD | Four Wheel Drive | 17 | $99,950 |
| Autograph AWD | Four Wheel Drive | 17 | $109,900 |
Data sourced from Cars.com trim comparison and Edmunds .
“The 2025 QX80 is redesigned for 2025, featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that replaces the previous V8. This new powertrain delivers 450 horsepower and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.”
How the 2025 QX80 Compares
The shift from the old 5.6-liter V8 to the new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 represents a major change for the QX80. While the old V8’s EPA numbers varied by year, the new engine offers:
- More horsepower — 450 hp vs. roughly 400 hp in the previous generation
- Improved fuel economy — up to 18 mpg combined vs. the previous generation’s ~14-16 mpg combined
- Turbocharging — provides better low-end torque for towing and acceleration
The combined MPG range of 17-18 puts the QX80 in line with other large luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, though it lags behind more fuel-efficient crossovers with smaller engines.
What This Means for Your Wallet
Annual Fuel Cost Breakdown
Based on EPA estimates for the 4WD model :
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost | $3,400 |
| Cost to drive 25 miles | $5.68 |
| Cost to fill tank | $91 |
| Miles per tank | 401 |
These figures assume:
- 15,000 miles driven per year
- 55% city driving / 45% highway driving
- Current premium fuel prices
Premium Fuel Requirement
The QX80 requires premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance . Using regular unleaded may reduce performance and fuel economy, so factor the higher fuel cost into your ownership budget.
Who Is the QX80’s Fuel Economy Best For?
Ideal for:
- Highway commuters — 19-20 mpg on the highway isn’t bad for a large SUV
- Buyers upgrading from an older large SUV — you’ll likely see an improvement
- Owners who prioritize power over fuel savings — 450 hp comes at a cost
Less ideal for:
- City drivers — 16 mpg in stop-and-go traffic will hit your wallet
- Budget-conscious buyers — $3,400/year in fuel plus premium gas adds up
- Fuel-efficiency seekers — smaller luxury crossovers offer much better MPG
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gas mileage of the 2025 Infiniti QX80?
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 achieves 16 city/20 highway mpg for RWD models and 16 city/19 highway mpg for AWD models .
What is the combined MPG of the 2025 QX80?
The combined MPG is 18 for RWD models and 17 for AWD models .
Does the 2025 QX80 require premium gas?
Yes, the manufacturer recommends premium unleaded gasoline for the twin-turbo V6 engine . The EPA also lists premium gasoline for its fuel economy estimates .
What engine does the 2025 QX80 have?
The 2025 QX80 features a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine producing 450 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission .
What is the range of the 2025 QX80 on a full tank?
The 4WD model has a range of approximately 401 miles on its 23.6-gallon fuel tank .
How much does it cost to fill up a 2025 QX80?
Based on current fuel prices and a 23.6-gallon tank, a full fill-up costs about $91 .
Is the 2025 QX80 fuel economy better than the previous generation?
Yes. The new twin-turbo V6 replaces the older V8, offering more horsepower (450 vs. ~400) with improved fuel efficiency .
References
Sources and Further Reading:
- FuelEconomy.gov – 2025 Infiniti QX80 EPA Ratings
- Infiniti Canada – QX80 Performance Specifications
- Edmunds – 2025 QX80 Autograph Specs
- Cars.com – 2025 QX80 Trim Comparison
Are you considering the new QX80? What fuel economy are you hoping for in your next luxury SUV? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
