2016 Infiniti QX80

Following a refresh for 2015, Infiniti's QX80 full-size SUV moves into the 2016 model year unchanged.

The QX80 competes in a class defined by the Cadillac Escalade, but which is populated with a number of decent vehicles that command far less attention than the Caddy, including the Lexus LX 570 and Lincoln's Navigator.

We wouldn't call the QX80's styling attractive, but it's distinctive, and that's more important when you're talking about a vehicle whose pricetag nearly surpasses $90,000 in top-trim form, and especially when a $90,000 vehicle shares a platform and powertrain with a Nissan model that's just as capable.

Under that prominent hood is a 5.6L V8 engine making 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, which comes matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with low-range gearing. Luxuriously-appointed as the QX80 is, it's built to work, too, with a tow rating of more than 3,800 kg.

Fuel consumption estimates, according to Natural Resources Canada test methods, are 17.4/12.2 L/100 km.

The list of standard features is long at the QX80's $74,650 starting price and includes seven-passenger seating, 20-inch alloy wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, automatic air rear leveling system, automatic LED headlamps, LED turn signals, LED fog lights, LED tail lights, auto-dimming power-folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, running boards, roof rails with crossbars, cruise control, power sunroof, power liftgate, solar and privacy-tint glass, rain-sensing wipers, ten-way driver and eight-way passenger power seats, heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s side memory, heated second-row captain’s chairs, power 60/40 split-folding and reclining third-row seats, second-row centre console, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, Stratford Burl wood trim, proximity key with push-button start, remote starter, illuminated vanity mirrors, electroluminescent gauges, analog clock, rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, Bluetooth, Moving Object Detection and Around-View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, 8.0-inch display audio system with hard-drive based navigation, 15-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3, satellite radio, USB port and aux-in jack, and Infiniti Connection telematics system.

Eight-passenger seating is a no-cost option on the base model.

A Limited model builds on the seven-passenger version and, for $92,800, adds 22-inch wheels, truffle-brown leather seating and steering wheel, ultrasuede headliner and pillars, leather-trimmed grab handles and speaker grilles, matte finish open pore wood trim, dark chrome exterior trim and headlight and taillight housings, stainless steel running boards, silver centre console buttons, unique floor mats, hydraulic body motion control system, intelligent cruise control with distance control assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and intervention, adaptive headlights, backup collision intervention and forward collision warning and emergency braking.