The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and comfortable ride. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact ownership satisfaction, reliability, and overall value. This guide aims to help you navigate the QX80's model years, highlighting the best options and those to potentially avoid, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Infiniti QX80 Model Year Comparison: Key Factors
| Model Year | Key Strengths | Potential Weaknesses/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-2017 (Pre-Facelift) | Strong V8 Engine, Spacious Interior, Luxurious Features, Lower Price Point (Used) | Aging Infotainment System, Dated Interior Design Compared to Newer Models, Higher Fuel Consumption |
| 2018-2024 (Post-Facelift) | Updated Exterior and Interior Design, Improved Infotainment System (2020+), Enhanced Safety Features, Increased Refinement | Higher Price Point Compared to Pre-Facelift Models, Some Early Model Years (2018-2019) Had Infotainment Glitches, Still Lower Fuel Economy |
| Specific Years to Consider: | ||
| 2017 | Last year of the pre-facelift, potentially offering the best value for money with a reliable engine. | Infotainment is still dated compared to newer models. |
| 2020-2022 | Improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, resolving earlier infotainment issues. | Can be more expensive than pre-facelift models. |
| 2023-2024 | Latest models with all the updates, including potential minor improvements and refinements. | Highest price point, depreciation will be more significant in the short term. |
| Years to Potentially Avoid (or Research Thoroughly): | ||
| 2011-2013 (QX56) | First generation, potential for early model year issues, less refined than later QX80 models. | Reported issues with hydraulic body motion control system. |
| 2018-2019 | Initial years of the facelift, some reports of infotainment system glitches and software issues. | Consider a thorough inspection and check for any outstanding recalls. |
Detailed Explanations
2014-2017 (Pre-Facelift): These models offer a strong value proposition due to their lower price point on the used market. They are powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering ample power for towing and hauling. The interior is spacious and comfortable, equipped with luxurious features such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and a premium sound system. However, the infotainment system feels dated compared to newer models, and the interior design lacks the modern appeal of the post-facelift versions.
Strong V8 Engine: The 5.6-liter V8 engine is a highlight of the QX80, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. It generates around 400 horsepower, allowing for confident acceleration and effortless towing.
Spacious Interior: The QX80's interior is designed for comfort and practicality. It offers ample space for passengers in all three rows, making it ideal for families. The cargo area is also generous, providing plenty of room for luggage and gear.
Luxurious Features: Even in the pre-facelift models, the QX80 is equipped with a range of luxurious features, including leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies.
Lower Price Point (Used): Due to their age, these models are typically available at a significantly lower price compared to newer QX80s, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Aging Infotainment System: The infotainment system in these models is less advanced than those found in newer vehicles. It may lack features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface can feel clunky and outdated.
Dated Interior Design Compared to Newer Models: The pre-facelift QX80's interior design is less modern and stylish compared to the post-facelift versions.
Higher Fuel Consumption: The QX80, in general, isn't known for its fuel efficiency, and the pre-facelift models tend to have slightly lower fuel economy ratings compared to the newer versions.
2018-2024 (Post-Facelift): The facelift brought significant improvements to the QX80, including a redesigned exterior and interior, an updated infotainment system (especially from 2020 onwards), and enhanced safety features. These models offer a more refined and modern driving experience, but they also come with a higher price tag.
Updated Exterior and Interior Design: The facelift gave the QX80 a more contemporary and stylish appearance, both inside and out. The redesigned front and rear fascias, along with the updated interior trim and materials, make these models more visually appealing.
Improved Infotainment System (2020+): Starting in 2020, the QX80 received a significantly improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This addressed a major drawback of the earlier models.
Enhanced Safety Features: The post-facelift QX80s are equipped with a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Increased Refinement: Overall, the post-facelift QX80s offer a more refined and comfortable driving experience compared to the pre-facelift models.
Higher Price Point Compared to Pre-Facelift Models: The updated features and styling of the post-facelift QX80s come at a higher price, both new and used.
Some Early Model Years (2018-2019) Had Infotainment Glitches: The initial years of the facelift (2018 and 2019) experienced some reports of infotainment system glitches and software issues.
Still Lower Fuel Economy: Despite some potential improvements, the QX80's fuel economy remains relatively low compared to other SUVs in its class.
2017: This model year represents the last of the pre-facelift generation, potentially offering a sweet spot in terms of value and reliability. It benefits from several years of refinement in the engine and overall build quality while still being more affordable than the newer models.
Last year of the pre-facelift, potentially offering the best value for money with a reliable engine: The 2017 model benefits from years of refinement, making it a potentially reliable choice at a lower price point.
Infotainment is still dated compared to newer models: Keep in mind that the infotainment system is still the older version, lacking features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2020-2022: These model years are highly desirable due to the significantly improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, addressing one of the biggest criticisms of earlier QX80 models.
Improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, resolving earlier infotainment issues: The updated infotainment system makes these models much more user-friendly and modern.
Can be more expensive than pre-facelift models: Be prepared to pay a premium for the updated technology and features.
2023-2024: The newest models offer the latest features, refinements, and potential minor improvements in performance or fuel economy. They represent the most technologically advanced and visually appealing QX80s available.
Latest models with all the updates, including potential minor improvements and refinements: These models boast the most up-to-date features and design.
Highest price point, depreciation will be more significant in the short term: New models carry the highest price and will depreciate more rapidly than older used models.
2011-2013 (QX56): These are the first generation models, originally badged as the QX56 before the name change to QX80. They can be more prone to early model year issues and may lack the refinement of later models.
First generation, potential for early model year issues, less refined than later QX80 models: First-generation vehicles often have more bugs and issues than later iterations.
Reported issues with hydraulic body motion control system: Some owners have reported problems with the hydraulic body motion control system, which can be expensive to repair.
2018-2019: These are the initial facelift years, and while they offer significant improvements over the pre-facelift models, some owners have reported infotainment system glitches and software issues.
Initial years of the facelift, some reports of infotainment system glitches and software issues: Early adopters sometimes encounter unforeseen problems with new technology.
Consider a thorough inspection and check for any outstanding recalls: If considering these years, a thorough inspection and verification of recall completion are crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which QX80 year is the most reliable? While reliability can vary, the 2017 models (pre-facelift) and the 2020-2022 models (post-facelift with updated infotainment) are generally considered to be reliable choices.
Does the QX80 have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were introduced in the QX80 starting with the 2020 model year.
What is the fuel economy of the QX80? The QX80 typically gets around 13-14 mpg in the city and 19-20 mpg on the highway.
Is the QX80 good for towing? Yes, the QX80 is a capable tow vehicle, with a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.
What are the common problems with the QX80? Common problems can include infotainment system glitches (especially in early post-facelift models) and potential issues with the hydraulic body motion control system in older models (QX56). Regular maintenance is key to preventing issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for an Infiniti QX80 depends on your budget and priorities. If you're looking for the best value and a reliable engine, the 2017 model is a good option. If you want a more modern infotainment system and updated styling, the 2020-2022 models are worth considering. It is best to thoroughly research and inspect any used vehicle before making a purchase.