carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $67,840–$79,406 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Infiniti QX80 at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Value at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.0/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $67,840–$79,406, 14 MPG, seating 8, the Infiniti QX80 sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Infiniti QX80 is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Infiniti QX80 ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $67,840 starting price is about 88% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Infiniti QX80 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.1 — and starts roughly $6,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.2/10 | $76,786 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.2/10 | $76,786 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $74,550 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $72,313 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.1/10 | $70,077 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $67,840 | |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $65,604 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $63,367 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $61,131 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $58,894 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $56,658 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $54,421 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Infiniti QX80's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Infiniti QX80 starts at $67,840 and ranges up to $79,406 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Infiniti models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
