Overview
The 2022 Infiniti QX80 is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV with three rows of seating and serious towing capability. It’s ideal for families who want a commanding driving position, a plush ride, and easy long-distance comfort, plus shoppers who value a traditional V8 and truck-based strength over car-like crossovers. For 2022, the QX80 continues the second-generation model that was heavily refreshed for 2018 with updated styling and tech, and it competes with rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. It’s positioned as a premium choice with strong standard features and a smooth V8, though it’s not the newest design in the segment.
Key Features
1) 5.6L V8 POWERTRAIN: Every 2022 QX80 uses a 5.6-liter V8 (400 hp, 413 lb-ft) paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with available 4WD for better traction and rough-weather confidence.
2) THREE-ROW SEATING AND BIG-CABIN SPACE: Seating for up to 8 passengers (depending on second-row configuration) makes it family-friendly, with a tall seating position and easy highway manners.
3) TOWING CAPABILITY: Properly equipped, the QX80 is rated to tow up to about 8,500 lbs, a major selling point for boats, campers, and trailers.
4) LUXURY AND TECH: Expect premium materials, advanced driver-assistance availability, and Infiniti’s upscale cabin feel, with features like a surround-view camera system on many trims and a strong audio experience depending on configuration.
5) TRUCK-BASED DURABILITY AND ROAD PRESENCE: The QX80’s body-on-frame construction delivers a solid, substantial feel and confident stability, especially when loaded with passengers or towing.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers searching “2022 Infiniti QX80 reliability” will find the QX80 tends to be mechanically straightforward thanks to its long-running V8 and proven platform, but “2022 Infiniti QX80 problems” and “2022 Infiniti QX80 common issues” do come up in owner reports and complaints. Here are issues that can appear, with symptoms and typical timing varying by use and maintenance history:
1) INFOTAINMENT AND ELECTRONICS GLITCHES: Owners sometimes report screen freezing, slow responses, Bluetooth/phone pairing hiccups, or intermittent camera/parking sensor odd behavior. These issues may show up early (within the first 5,000–20,000 miles) and can sometimes be improved with software updates, battery/ground checks, or module reprogramming.
2) TRANSMISSION SHIFT QUALITY (7-SPEED): While many QX80s drive smoothly, some drivers mention harsh or delayed shifts, hesitation, or “hunting” between gears, often noticed around 20,000–50,000 miles depending on driving style. A fluid service (when appropriate), updated programming, or addressing related sensors can help—especially if symptoms are consistent.
3) BRAKE WEAR AND VIBRATION: Due to the QX80’s size and weight, brake pads and rotors can wear faster than smaller SUVs. Some owners report steering wheel shake or pulsation during braking (often from rotor wear/heat spots) that can appear in the 20,000–40,000 mile range, particularly with city driving, hills, or towing.
4) SUSPENSION/STEERING NOISES AND TIRE WEAR: Clunks over bumps, bushing wear, or uneven tire wear can pop up as mileage accumulates (often 30,000 miles and up). Alignment, tire rotation habits, and the condition of suspension components matter a lot on a heavy SUV.