Last Updated on October 12, 2020 by Kimberly Stroh
Special thank you to Infiniti for providing the 2021 Infiniti QX80 for me to review on our family vacation. All opinions are my own.
Our multigenerational family road trips demand an SUV that can keep everyone happy, from ages three to sixty-five. Finding the right multidimensional vehicle that can provide interior comfort and connectivity, while operating as a work horse on the highway, isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are so many large SUV’s on the market, but purchasing the right one for your family can be a headache. I’m breaking down the 2021 Infiniti QX80 in this all-encompassing mom perspective review. Read how it took us from Atlanta to Orlando while meeting all of my must-have criteria (and then some).
2021 Infiniti QX80 Review For Families
While I’ve been test driving vehicles for Savvy Mama Lifestyle for several years now, I still consider myself a far cry from a gear head. You’re going to get the 100% mom perspective when reading my reviews. If I feel more inclined to tell you about back row capacity with double carseats vs. towing capacity, that’s what you’re going to get. Women drive cars, but specifically, moms spend a TON of time in them. That means we’ve got a keen eye for nuances that others may miss.
2021 Infiniti QX80 Includes Comfort & Convenience For All Passengers
When you’re driving seven hours with an antsy toddler, their Grandmother and a six-year-old who constantly asks, “Are we there yet?” – you’re going to need the maximum amount of comfort that a vehicle can provide. The difference between road trips and daily driving means that everyone has to be happy in the vehicle, not just the driver.
The Infiniti team made sure to take care of everyone, from the front seats to the third row passengers. The 2nd-row includes Heated Seats and a Duel Screen Entertainment System, while the back row has power reclining seats. Plus, everyone can stay comfortable with the Tri-Zone Climate Control.
To stay connected on-the-go, the Wi-Fi Hotspot is a great feature. Grandma can surf online, while my Husband stays connected to the office, and the kids stream their favorite shows. I’m not sure how we ever lived without Wi-Fi in our cars.
The Apple CarPlay® allows me to connect all of my favorite apps on my iPhone to the HD Display System (Android Auto™ also available). The touch screen has grab our favorite tunes, connect me to my favorite navigation apps, and we can all enjoy the SiriusXM channels over the Bose® speakers. The 17-speaker audio system allows the whole family to jam out, from front row to the 3rd row, to Baby Shark for an insane amount of time.
All together, those entertainment options are the difference between a road trip creating great family memories to last a lifetime and a road trip that sucks the life out of you only a quarter of the way in. I’m calling that a BIG win for the 2021 Infiniti QX80.
Drive Assistance And Safety Features To Protect Precious Cargo
When I’ve got the whole family in the car, that’s the most precious cargo to me. I pride myself on being a safe driver, but drive assistance technology is like having an extra set of eyes on the road. Whether I’m backing up, pulling into a tight parking spot or maintaining a safe distance between our vehicle and the one in front of us, the Infiniti QX80 has us covered. Check out some of my favorite safety features:
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning, With Forward Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Around View® Monitor With Moving Object Detection
- Distance Control + Intelligence Cruise Control
- Backup Collision Intervention
Cargo Space & Storage In The 2021 Infiniti QX80
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of any road trip – how much cargo space do you get? This is highly important for us, as we have a tendency to hoard souvenirs and double our cargo on every family vacation. Technically there’s 17 cu ft of cargo volume, but I know my mom-readers just want to know how that translates to luggage or grocery bags.
At first glance, before adding in our vacation bags, I have to admit that I was worried about the trunk space. It’s deceiving because where it lacks in depth, it’s made up for in height and width. You’re able to stack a lot in the trunk space. Alternatively, if you aren’t using the third row for seating, there’s 3rd row power folding/reclining seats. They can fold down with a push of a button AND recline back when a passenger is seated in them. That adds a ton of depth to your available trunk space.
Plus, the vehicle has great storage spaces in the 2nd row center console and front row center console. We used the 2nd row center console as storage for our sippy cup bag and snack access. These are the important things that moms need to consider when shopping for an SUV!
Overall, the 2021 Infiniti is the exciting luxe SUV you’ve always wanted, but capable of everything you need to get the jobs done. You’ll be riding in style for family vacations (15 MPG fuel economy), but love it as your daily driver too. You’re not giving up luxury in the name of functionality, because the 2021 Infiniti QX80 harmoniously combines both to Empower The Drive®.
2021 Infiniti QX80 Sensory 4WD (pictured & reviewed): $87,035 sticker price
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