“The look of the vehicle really stands out. It's a beautiful vehicle. With all of the safety equipment makes it easy to drive. Very good and reliable vehicle.”
2021 INFINITI QX80: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 INFINITI QX80 is its reorganized three-trim lineup, with new PREMIUM SELECT and SENSORY trims joining LUXE and LIMITED leaving the range. It also gains broader standard driver-assist equipment and an improved digital rearview mirror, but this is not a full redesign.
About the 2021 INFINITI QX80
2nd-generation QX80, fourth model year after the 2018 major redesign/update, and the year INFINITI reorganized the lineup into LUXE, PREMIUM SELECT, and SENSORY trims.
INFINITI positions the QX80 as its largest and most upscale SUV: a traditional full-size three-row luxury SUV with strong V8 power, real towing ability, and a roomy cabin for family and cargo duty. The appeal is less about fuel economy or sharp handling and more about presence, long-trip comfort, available four-wheel drive, and the ability to carry people, luggage, and trailers without giving up leather-lined comfort and upscale features.
The 2021 QX80 lineup starts with the family-focused LUXE, while PREMIUM SELECT adds dark exterior details and 22-inch wheels for a more distinctive look. SENSORY sits at the top with quilted leather, a ride-smoothing suspension system, 17-speaker Bose audio, and dual-screen rear entertainment. Every trim uses the same 5.6-liter V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new PREMIUM SELECT trim brings black grille mesh, dark chrome exterior accents, black mirror caps, 22-inch dark-finish wheels, and Matte Mocha Burl cabin trim into the regular lineup.
Safety
Active lane assistance becomes standard across the lineup. LUXE also gains standard adaptive cruise control, distance control assistance, blind-spot intervention, lane departure prevention, and a rear seat belt reminder.
Tech
Every trim gets a second-generation digital rearview mirror with a larger, clearer display. The new SENSORY trim adds 17-speaker Bose audio and a rear entertainment system with two 8-inch screens.
2021 INFINITI QX80 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter | V8, 5.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd Adaptive w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching | Automatic, 7-Spd Adaptive w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching | Automatic, 7-Spd Adaptive w/Manual Mode & Downshift Rev Matching |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8500 lb | 8500 lb | 8500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 95.1 cu-ft | 95.1 cu-ft | 95.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.8 in | 28.8 in | 28.8 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 INFINITI QX80 a redesign?
No. The 2021 INFINITI QX80 is a lineup and equipment update rather than a full redesign. Its basic full-size SUV layout, 5.6-liter V8, and 7-speed automatic carry over.
Which trims changed for the 2021 INFINITI QX80?
The 2021 QX80 has LUXE, new PREMIUM SELECT, and new SENSORY trims. The previous LIMITED trim leaves the lineup.
What does the 2021 QX80 PREMIUM SELECT add over LUXE?
The 2021 QX80 PREMIUM SELECT mainly adds distinctive styling. It has dark chrome trim, black grille mesh, black mirror caps, 22-inch dark-finish wheels, and Matte Mocha Burl interior trim, while keeping the same V8 and core safety technology as LUXE.
What makes the 2021 QX80 SENSORY different?
The 2021 QX80 SENSORY is the comfort-focused top trim. It has quilted semi-aniline leather, climate-controlled front seats, a ride-smoothing suspension system, 17-speaker Bose audio, and dual-screen rear entertainment.
Did the 2021 INFINITI QX80 gain more standard safety technology?
Yes. Active lane assistance becomes standard across the 2021 QX80 lineup, and LUXE gains adaptive cruise control, distance control assistance, blind-spot intervention, and lane departure prevention as standard equipment.
2021 INFINITI QX80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 INFINITI QX80.
4.1
2021 INFINITI QX80
(136 reviews)
“My QX80 interior is plush and has lots of room for my grandkids. When my wife wants to purchase plants she takes my car because it has lots of room and the third-row seats fold down. The sound system has Bose speakers. We drive long distances and the ride is smooth.”
“If you're looking for safety, comfort and style the QX80 has that and more. It's a vehicle that you can trust to be reliable and dependable”
Sources
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / 2021 Infiniti Qx80 Press Kit
- infinitiusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Infiniti Qx80 Brochure En
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / Release 362B655Dc9E440B6Be05561C957C4A40 2020 Infiniti Qx80 Press Kit
- usa.infinitinews.com — en US / Releases / 2022 Infiniti Qx80 Press Kit