“The acceleration and passing ability are wanting. The quietness and comfort are incredible. The remote start ignition is annoying how finicky it is.”
2018 INFINITI QX80: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 INFINITI QX80's biggest change is a major styling and cabin refresh that gives it a more upright look and a quieter, more polished interior. This is a substantial mid-cycle update, not a full redesign.
About the 2018 INFINITI QX80
2nd generation (2011-2024 body-on-frame design; QX80 name used from 2014), major 2018 refresh year
INFINITI positions the QX80 as its flagship full-size luxury SUV built around “inclusive luxury” — space, comfort, and premium materials for every row, not just the front seats. Its core appeal is a quiet hand-finished cabin, strong V8 power, real towing ability, and easy long-distance travel for large families. Against rivals, the QX80 leans more toward plush ride comfort and commanding presence than athletic handling or cutting-edge tech.
The 2018 QX80 is INFINITI's flagship three-row SUV, set up for seven-person travel with a leather cabin and relaxed V8 power. Its 400-hp 5.6-liter V8, 8,500-pound towing capacity, second-row captain's chairs, and power-folding third row suit family trips and towing. A 360-degree camera, navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system round out the core equipment.
What changed, by category
Styling and cabin
The QX80 received new front-end bodywork, a new grille and LED headlights, plus a revised liftgate, rear bumper, and slimmer taillights. Inside, upgraded materials, revised quilting, updated trim and controls, and more sound insulation created a richer and quieter cabin.
Technology
The 8-inch infotainment system gained sharper graphics, easier menus, and more personalization. The Theater package's rear entertainment system was upgraded, and a digital rearview mirror debuted with upper package combinations.
Cabin usability
Revised storage areas and a wider step-in area made entry and everyday use easier.
Trim lineup
The Limited and Signature trims were dropped for 2018.
2018 INFINITI QX80 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Rev Matching |
| Drivetrain | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 95.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.8 in |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Automatic High Beams | |
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |
| 360 Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Fog Lights | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Power Moonroof | |
| Roof Rails | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| USB Ports | |
| Cooled Seats | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Heated Steering Wheel | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Remote Start | |
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 INFINITI QX80?
The biggest change is a major exterior and cabin refresh. The 2018 QX80 has a more upright front end, a revised rear design, upgraded interior materials, additional sound insulation, and an updated infotainment interface.
Was the 2018 INFINITI QX80 fully redesigned?
No. The 2018 INFINITI QX80 received a major mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. It kept its underlying body-on-frame design while gaining substantially revised exterior styling and a reworked cabin.
Did the 2018 INFINITI QX80 get a new engine?
No. The 2018 QX80 retained its 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and seven-speed automatic transmission. The year's main updates focused on styling, cabin refinement, usability, and infotainment.
What technology changed in the 2018 INFINITI QX80?
The 8-inch infotainment interface was updated with sharper graphics, simpler menus, and more personalization. The rear entertainment system was also upgraded with the Theater package, and a digital rearview mirror appeared in upper package combinations.
Which INFINITI QX80 trims were dropped for 2018?
The Limited and Signature trims were dropped for the 2018 model year. The remaining QX80 carried the refreshed design and cabin updates.
2018 INFINITI QX80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 INFINITI QX80.
4.1
2018 INFINITI QX80
(50 reviews)
“The QX80 is a very comfortable vehicle. With the third row seat, we have enough room for 7 passengers. However, with the third row seats up, the cargo capacity is very limited. The second row seats are very comfortable, but there is only room for 2 passengers.”
“The premium sound/navigation/entertainment system is wholly unsatisfactory and missing a number of key features, functions and optional settings that even my non-luxury Jeep Wrangler has. The navigation system in particular is cheap and unsatisfactory!”
Sources
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release Ad595D8D91604F03Bf12582A6Bd74F6F Us 2018 Infiniti Qx80 Press Kit
- infinitiusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Infiniti Qx80 2018 Brochure En
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Us 2017 Infiniti Qx80 Press Kit
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release A58Ea52105474Ab293Fb87E903A08822 2019 Infiniti Qx80 Press Kit