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The Japanese Armored Car, 2014 Infiniti QX80

3 min read

In the world of full-size luxury SUVs, the German triumvirate typically dominates the conversation. But Infiniti’s QX80 represents a different philosophy: bulletproof reliability wrapped in understated opulence. This is the SUV equivalent of a well-tailored business suit, commanding respect without shouting for attention.

Presence That Commands Respect

The 2014 QX80’s design language speaks in bold strokes. That massive chrome grille isn’t just for show; it announces your arrival from three blocks away. The sculpted bodywork manages to make nearly three tons of SUV look surprisingly athletic, while the flowing roofline hints at the aerodynamic considerations that went into crafting this highway cruiser.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that prioritizes comfort over flash. The leather is supple, the wood trim genuine, and the overall ambiance whispers rather than shouts. It’s a refreshing departure from the bling-heavy approach some manufacturers take with their flagship SUVs.

The Heart of a Titan

Under that imposing hood lives Nissan’s proven 5.6-liter V8, an engine that’s been refined over years of service in the Titan pickup and Armada SUV. With 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, it provides effortless acceleration that belies the QX80’s substantial curb weight. The seven-speed automatic transmission shifts with the smooth deliberation of a luxury sedan, never caught off-guard by sudden throttle inputs.

What sets the QX80 apart is its unflappable composure. Whether you’re merging onto the freeway with a full load of passengers or towing a boat to the lake, this SUV maintains the same serene demeanor. The all-wheel-drive system operates transparently, shuffling power where needed without drama or hesitation.

Comfort Above All

The QX80’s suspension tuning prioritizes ride quality over sporting pretensions, and the result is a magic carpet experience that smooths out even the roughest pavement. Road noise is kept to a minimum, creating a cocoon of tranquility that makes long highway stretches feel effortless.

The cabin accommodates up to eight passengers across three rows, with genuine adult space even in the third row. The second-row captain’s chairs are particularly impressive, offering the kind of support and comfort you’d expect in a premium sedan. Climate control keeps everyone happy, while the premium audio system fills the spacious interior with rich, detailed sound.

Technology That Works

Infiniti equipped the 2014 QX80 with a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features. The around-view monitor system makes parking this large SUV surprisingly manageable, while the blind-spot monitoring provides an extra layer of security during lane changes. The navigation system, while not cutting-edge by today’s standards, proves reliable and straightforward to use.

SUVs & TRUCKS

2014 Infiniti QX80

5.6L V8 All-Wheel Drive

MSRP: $58,850 (2024: ~$75,400)

0-60 MPH 6.7 SEC
TOP SPEED 130 MPH
POWER 400 HP
TORQUE 413 LB-FT

ENGINE

Type 5.6L DOHC V8
Power 400 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque 413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

TRANSMISSION

Type 7-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive
Towing 8,500 lbs

DIMENSIONS

Length 208.9 in
Wheelbase 121.1 in
Weight 5,676 lbs

ECONOMY

City 14 mpg
Highway 20 mpg
Combined 16 mpg

RATINGS

Performance

7

Handling

6

Daily Usability

9

Value

8

Sound

7

Character

8

The 2014 Infiniti QX80 succeeds precisely because it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s a luxury SUV that prioritizes comfort, reliability, and effortless capability over flashy performance metrics. For families seeking understated opulence and bulletproof dependability, it remains a compelling alternative to the German establishment.

3 thoughts on “The Japanese Armored Car, 2014 Infiniti QX80”

  1. tbh the QX80 is a solid hold if your looking at wholesale lots, ive seen em move quick at auction even with higher mileage. thing is they depreciate like crazy the first few years so your trade-in vs retail spread is pretty decent if you can source em right. luxury suvs in that segment always got solid demand tho, ngl.

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    • nah see this is where id wanna see the actual 0-60 and quarter mile on one of these beasts, like whats the real world performance gap between a stock qx80 and say a loaded tahoe? tbh luxury suvs always feel like theyre all understeer city on a drag strip but i bet this infiniti could hook up decent off the line if you’re talking about that launch and 60-foot times lol. have you ever actually dynod one of these or just seein them move at auction?

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  2. yo carmen youre spot on about the auction market – ive actually come across a couple QX80s sittin in barns that folks just abandoned, and ngl when you get em cleaned up and detailed they command some serious respect on the lot. the depreciation hit is brutal but if you can scoop one with lower miles or some special edition trim, recouping that loss gets way easier, especially if theres minimal rust under all that patina. seen one go from field find to sold in like 3 weeks once the interior got restored lol

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