Is the 2022 Infiniti QX80 the Best Used Full-Size Luxury SUV?
There’s a distinct feeling of authority that comes from sliding behind the wheel of a 2022 Infiniti QX80, gripping the thick leather steering wheel, and hearing the 5.6-liter V8 rumble to life—you’re not just driving an SUV; you’re commanding a flagship.
If you’re an Infiniti owner, you know the brand DNA. You’ve felt the sporty agility of a Q50 in a tight corner, relied on the cargo space of a QX50 for a weekend haul, or appreciated the refined hush of a QX60 cabin during the school run. The QX80 is the culmination of all those experiences, blown up to full-size, truck-based proportions. It’s the vehicle you choose when you need to tow a boat on Friday, valet at a five-star hotel on Saturday, and take the whole family to brunch on Sunday.
TL;DR
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 is a bit of a contradiction—and that’s exactly why it might be the perfect used luxury SUV for you. It received a massive tech upgrade for 2022, finally getting a modern 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch™ infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay®, but it kept the old-school, body-on-frame charm that luxury competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator have moved away from. As a used buy, it offers monstrous V8 power, incredible reliability ratings, and a palatial interior for thousands less than its rivals. However, it asks for compromise in fuel economy and third-row space.
Key Takeaways
- The 2022 Model Year is the Sweet Spot: This is the year Infiniti fixed the tech. You get the big screen and modern connectivity without the brand-new price tag.
- Towing is a Breeze: With a standard 400-horsepower V8 and an 8,500-pound towing capacity, it laughs at boat ramps and horse trailers .
- Reliability is a Highlight: It ranks highly for reliability in its class, giving used buyers peace of mind .
- Know Your Seating: The first two rows are limousine-like, but the third row is tighter than the exterior suggests .
- Value is the Name of the Game: You get a lot of luxury for your dollar, especially compared to German or American rivals .
Understanding the 2022 Infiniti QX80: The Old-School Heavyweight
To understand the 2022 QX80, you have to appreciate its bones. While most of its competitors have switched to unibody car platforms or all-aluminum bodies, the QX80 remains proudly body-on-frame. That means it shares its rugged DNA with a Nissan Titan pickup truck. You feel this in the way it drives; it’s substantial, solid, and unstoppable.
What’s New for 2022?
If you are shopping used, you must look for a 2022 or newer model. Why? Because this was the year Infiniti finally retired the old, clunky dual-screen setup. The 2022 model introduced a sleek, single 12.3-inch HD display that runs the latest INFINITI InTouch™ software . It’s crisp, responsive, and most importantly, comes standard with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and a Wireless Charging Pad . This single update transforms the cabin from “dated” to “relevant.”
The Heart of the Beast: Powertrain and Capability
Pop the hood, and you’re greeted by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces a robust 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque . It’s paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This isn’t the most advanced gearbox on the market, but it’s bulletproof and shifts smoothly.
Here’s the thing about the QX80—it prioritizes grunt over fuel savings. If you’re the kind of person who needs to haul a loaded trailer to the campsite, you’ll love the 8,500-pound towing capacity . It makes light work of heavy loads. The downside? You pay at the pump. It gets an estimated 14/20 MPG with rear-wheel drive, and 13/19 with 4WD .
Safety Reminder: When towing near the maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, always double-check your hitch weight distribution and ensure your trailer brakes are functioning correctly. The QX80 is powerful, but safe towing requires the right setup.
Interior Comfort vs. Clever Packaging
Step inside the 2022 QX80, and you’re wrapped in a precision-crafted interior. The materials are top-notch, with semi-aniline leather and genuine wood trim available on higher trims like the Sensory . The seats are massive, plush, and designed for American-sized comfort. You sink into them rather than sit on them.
However, here’s where the QX80’s age shows in its packaging. The exterior is massive—over 210 inches long . You expect a cavernous interior throughout. And while the first and second rows are indeed vast, the third row is surprisingly snug for adults. It’s best suited for kids or teenagers, whereas a Navigator or Escalade ESV offers true adult-sized space in the way back .
Cargo space is generous but shaped by the body-on-frame design. You get 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row (enough for a Costco run) and a whopping 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded . That’s enough for flat-packed furniture or a mountain of camping gear.
Living with the Tech: Infiniti InTouch™ and ProPILOT Assist™
The 2022 update made the QX80 genuinely competitive as a daily driver. The new 12.3-inch screen sits high on the dash, so you don’t have to glance down too far to see your maps.
The standard ProPILOT Assist™ is a game-changer for highway driving. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. It won’t drive itself, but on a long, straight interstate, it significantly reduces the mental load, gently steering and maintaining distance from the car ahead .
The Sound of Silence
Crank up the available Bose® Performance Series Audio System with 17 speakers . Infiniti engineers have done a fantastic job insulating the cabin from wind and road noise. At 70 mph, the cabin is tomb-like, allowing you to hear the subtle notes in your music or hold a conversation with second-row passengers without raising your voice.
The Bose system in the Sensory trim is specifically tuned for the QX80’s interior acoustics, creating a soundstage that makes you feel like you’re in a concert hall, not a giant box on wheels.
Is It the Best Used Value? (The Price Argument)
Now, let’s talk money. This is where the QX80 becomes really interesting. When new, the 2022 QX80 started around $71,950 and could climb past $87,000 . Today, as a used vehicle, values have dropped significantly.
- Typical Used Pricing: A 2022 QX80 now lists between $31,100 and $52,784, depending on trim, mileage, and condition .
- Depreciation Hit: It loses about 65% of its value over five years . That sounds bad for the original owner, but for you—the used buyer—it’s a massive win. You’re getting a $70,000+ luxury vehicle for the price of a Honda Accord.
When you compare it to a comparable used Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz GLS, the QX80 is often thousands less for similar mileage and year.
Comparison: Value in the Luxury Segment
To help you visualize the value proposition, here’s how the QX80 stacks up against its stablemate, the Nissan Armada, and a key rival.
| Model | Avg. Used Price Range (2022) | Towing Capacity | Reliability Rating | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Infiniti QX80 | $31,100 – $52,784 | 8,500 lbs | 7.4 / 10 | 16 MPG |
| 2022 Nissan Armada | $27,788 – $43,999 | 8,500 lbs | 7.5 / 10 | 16 MPG |
| 2022 Toyota Sequoia | $37,994 – $61,992 | 7,400 lbs | 8.4 / 10 | 15 MPG |
Data aggregated from iSeeCars and KBB .
As you can see, the QX80 splits the difference. It’s more luxurious than the Armada (better sound deadening, plusher leather) but offers similar mechanicals. It’s cheaper than the Toyota Sequoia, though the Toyota holds its value better long-term .
Reliability and What to Look For
According to RepairPal, the Infiniti QX80 has an “Above Average” reliability rating, ranking 1st out of 20 in the Luxury Fullsize SUV category . That’s a strong endorsement for a used vehicle.
However, no car is perfect. When shopping for a used 2022 QX80, keep these real-world owner experiences in mind:
- The “Lemon” Risk: While rare, there are reports of severe issues. One owner on Cars.com reported repeated failures of fuel pumps and infotainment glitches, eventually calling their vehicle a lemon . This is a reminder to always check the CARFAX for consistent service records .
- Infotainment Glitches: Some early 2022 models had software bugs in the new 12.3-inch system. Ensure the screen responds quickly and that Wireless Apple CarPlay® connects without dropping out during a test drive.
- Trailer Brake Controller: If you plan to tow, note that one owner reported being told they could not install an aftermarket trailer brake controller without voiding the warranty . Verify this with your dealer if towing is a primary use.
Pro Tip: Look for a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) 2022 QX80. Infiniti’s CPO program requires a 167-point inspection and extends the bumper-to-bumper warranty, which can save you thousands if a major electronic component fails .
FAQ: Your Questions About the 2022 Infiniti QX80 Answered
Q: What is the difference between the 2022 Infiniti QX80 and the Nissan Armada?
They are mechanical twins, sharing the same engine, frame, and transmission. However, the QX80 features more sound-deadening material, higher-quality interior leather and wood, and a slightly different suspension tune for a plusher ride . It’s the “premium” version of the Armada.
Q: How much stuff can I fit in the back?
With all seats up, you have 16.6 cubic feet. Fold the third row, and that expands to 49.6 cubic feet. Fold everything flat, and you get a cavernous 95.1 cubic feet of space .
Q: Does the 2022 QX80 have good safety features?
Yes. It comes standard with a full suite of safety tech, including Blind-Spot Monitoring, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane-Departure Prevention .
Q: Is the QX80 good in snow?
Absolutely. The available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, combined with its 9.2 inches of ground clearance and heavy weight, makes it a very capable and confidence-inspiring vehicle in deep snow .
Q: Does it require premium gas?
Yes, Infiniti recommends premium unleaded fuel for the 5.6-liter V8 to achieve the full 400 horsepower and optimal performance . You can use regular, but you may notice a slight dip in power and fuel economy.
Q: Is the 2022 QX80 good for daily driving?
It depends on your commute. If you have a long highway commute, the comfortable seats, quiet cabin, and ProPILOT Assist™ make it a relaxing place to be. If your commute involves stop-and-go city traffic, be prepared for the low fuel economy (around 13-14 MPG) .
Conclusion
Is the 2022 Infiniti QX80 the best used full-size luxury SUV? If “best” means the most modern, fuel-efficient, or technologically advanced, then no—that title likely goes to a newer Escalade or a Navigator.
But if “best” means the best value, the most reliable V8, and the most luxury for your dollar, then the 2022 QX80 is a serious contender. It offers a driving experience that is becoming rare: a big, brawny, body-on-frame SUV that feels like a private jet on wheels, without the private-jet price tag. For Infiniti loyalists who value that specific blend of Japanese luxury engineering and brute force, it’s the flagship it always promised to be.
What’s your favorite memory or feature of the QX80? Do you prefer the old-school V8 rumble, or are you tempted by the new tech? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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