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The super luxurious 2021 Infiniti QX80 is making the rounds for critics to review. There are tons of features to praise, but there are a few aspects of the Infiniti QX80 that could be potential drawbacks to consider. 

Is the 2021 Infiniti QX80 a good SUV? 

The 2021 Infiniti QX80 driving up the street
2021 Infiniti QX80 | Infiniti

Yes, there are plenty of excellent things to say about the 2021 Infiniti QX80. It begins at about $69,150, providing a competitive price against other three-row luxury SUV options such as the Cadillac Escalade. 

The Infiniti QX80 comes with a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 8,500 lbs. It has a seven-speed automatic transmission with a smooth and effortless operation. But enough about the good, what are the potential drawbacks? 

1. The Infiniti QX80 is clearly aging 

2021 Infiniti QX80 interio
2021 Infiniti QX80 interior | Infiniti

The 2021 Infiniti QX80 feels a little old compared to rivals. It hasn’t been redesigned since 2011. According to Cars.com, the QX80 has received a few minor updates over the years, but it still feels pretty old school. 

Their team found that the interior seems dated. However, the interior is still filled with tons of luxurious features that include leather and wood veneer. The dual-screen multimedia system is the feature that provides an aging feel. 

Despite having an update in 2020, the multimedia system looks and feels out of date. The screens are washed out in the sunlight, and the graphics can be challenging to read. On a positive note, there are physical knobs to use instead of touchscreen buttons. 

2. The QX80 is limited on space 

The Cars.com team also noted that the 2021 Infiniti QX80 has a cramped third row. It seems a little awkward and hard to access for adults. Once you climb back there, head and legroom might be limited. But there is plenty of space in the first and second row for adults, so if you have kids, send them to the back past the folding seats in the second row. 

You can access up to 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 95.1 cubic feet total. This is a solid amount of space for moving large items. But room for your luggage may seem limited when the third row is up. 

3. The QX80 is thirsty 

It’s typically not a surprise when an SUV doesn’t have the best fuel economy, but these numbers may shock you. The 2021 Infiniti QX80 only gets an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in the city and up to 19 mpg on the highway. 

This is behind rivals like the Lincoln Navigator that gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. We know that’s not much better. However, the Navigator and Escalade are available with diesel engines, while the QX80 isn’t. 

But these potential issues aren’t dealbreakers. Despite having a dated feel, the QX80 has advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera to assist with tight maneuvers. 

The large leather seats in the first and second row are incredibly comfortable, and the powerful engine provides a quickie and sporty acceleration. It’s great for adding fun to daily commutes and vacations.

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