DecodedCars2021 Infiniti QX80
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 5.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 210.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,889 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 33 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 18% below the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 23.7% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Infiniti QX80 is a standard SUV offered with a 5.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 210 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,889 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 18% worse than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 QX80 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 QX80 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 210.2 in | 79.9 in | 76 in | 121.3 in | 67.7 / 68.1 in | 5,889 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX80 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $5,150 | 554 |
| QX80 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 594 |
| QX80 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 593 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Infiniti QX80 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 2★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.9% |
| 2021 Infiniti QX80 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 2★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 23.7% |
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Infiniti QX80 (this car) | 16 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Lincoln Navigator | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 BMW X7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V455000 · 168,149 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated Fall 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R26B1 and P6A13/4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 2, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V599000 · 3,569 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · May 20, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V373000 · 24,140 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A2. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R21A3.
Not every 2021 Infiniti QX80 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Infiniti QX80 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Infiniti QX80. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other QX80 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 QX80 | 18 | – | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2026 QX80 | 18 | 211.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2025 QX80 | 18 | 211.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 8 |
| 2024 QX80 | 16 | 210.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 QX80 | 16 | 210.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 QX80 | 16 | 210.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 QX80 | 16 | 210.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 QX80 | 16 | 210.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 21 |
| 2018 QX80 | 16 | 210.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2017 QX80 | 16 | 209.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2016 QX80 | 16 | 209.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2015 QX80 | 16 | 209.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 18 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Infiniti. How we calculate this →