2020 Infiniti QX80 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Introduced for its second generation back in 2010, the INFINITI QX80 has struggled to keep pace with its competitors, mostly due to the fact that it is not the most contemporary in terms of appearance (inside and out). It can also get pretty expensive, taking the price over $90,000 if you go for the Limited trim level. And, quite frankly, a lot of people are not going to want to spend that much money on something that looks kind of mediocre.

But there are some good things going on with the 2020 INFINITI QX80, which has received something of a refresh this model year. An all-new dual-screen infotainment system has been put in, and it now includes smartphone app integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some of the wonky, difficult-to-see buttons were removed from the dashboard since they made things more complicated on previous models.

You can also get your hands on the Edition 30 package, which is INFINITI's way of celebrating their 30th birthday. But the thing with the 2020 INFINITI QX80 is that you can really only customize based on adding packages. There are just two trim levels in the line-up (the base Luxe and the line-topping Limited), so you are not given a lot of options right off the bat.

If you want to add anything on, there are not too many individual add-on options. Instead, they all get bundled into expensive packages. Those will be discussed after we talk about the differences between the standard Luxe and Limited trim levels.

With that being said, read on through to the end of this trim level comparison review. At the end, we will tell you which trim level (and packages) will be the most appealing to the everyday driver.

Compare the 2020 INFINITI QX80 Luxe vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

Let's delve right into what you can expect to find on both of the 2020 INFINITI QX80's trim levels. The Luxe can come as either a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive model. Essentially, that is the only difference between these two variants, so it will be up to you whether you want to spend the extra $3,000 on all-wheel drive. If you live in an area where there is often inclement weather, it might be a smart idea to make that upgrade.

But let us focus more on why there is a $24,000 price difference between the Luxe and the Limited. This is a huge price jump - one that you do not often see, even inthe luxury car segment. (Of course, many competitors offer more than just two trim levels.) Starting off with the mechanical features, both trim levels come with a 5.6-L 32-valve V8 engine designed with an aluminum alloy block and heads. The engine manages to muster up a beefy 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles, when properly equipped, have a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

When it comes to steering the Luxe has engine speed-sensitive power steering while the Limited comes with vehicle speed-sensitive power steering, which does make for a difference in how the vehicle handles. Both vehicles have a curb-to-curb turning diameter of 41.3 feet. And, as far as the suspension goes, both trim levels have an independent double-wishbone suspension in the front and the rear. The Limited gets a hydraulic body motion control system for an improved performance.

The Luxe rides atop 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels fitted with all-season tires while the Limited is upgraded to 22-inch dark forged aluminum alloy wheels with black center caps. The Luxe does have the option to upgrade to these wheels or to 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. An all-season spare tire comes with either trim.

The exterior of these two trims have some commonalities, but the Limited trim definitely adds a lot more. They both have auto-on/off LED headlights. These headlights come with windshield wiper interlock and high beam assist. There are also LED turn signals and LED front fog lights that are integrated. The LED rear brake lights also come with a clear center high mount stop light, and a power sliding moonroof with tilting and sliding. Other standard features include a stainless steel rear bumper protector, a power liftgate, UV reducing solar glass, Infiniti Intelligent Key for remote power opening of the windows, power-folding and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and courtesy lights, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, and an integrated Class IV towing hitch and a 7-pin wiring harness with a cover.

So, what does the Limited offer on the exterior that the Luxe does not? For starters, the Limited has front lights that are adaptive and come with auto-leveling headlights, washers built into the headlights, a running board cap made with stainless steel that comes with rubber grips, 'welcome' lights that are found underneath the running board, and satin chrome roof rails with cross bars. Also, the front and rear bumpers get unique lower finishes that help to distinguish the Limited from the Luxe. The "Limited" hatch emblem also helps with that. You also get a smart rear view mirror to top it all off.

The interiors have a lot of distinguishing features as well. Both the Luxe and the Limited are equipped with a remote start engine system, power windows that have illuminated switches, power door locks, dual illuminated vanity mirrors on the front sun visors, a locking glovebox, 9 cup holders and 4 water bottle holders and a 12-volt power outlet located in the cargo area. The Limited adds a 120-volt power outlet, uniquely designed high-intensity floor mats and footwell courtesy lights in the second row.

Both trims have a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar support. The front passenger's seat is 8-way power-adjustable and also has 2-way power lumbar support. Each of these seats also has a dual memory setting for the seat positions and mirrors, and the driver's seat has memory for the steering wheel. The front seats are heated, and the Limited gets standard second-row heated seats (which is optional on the Luxe). The third row of seats can recline and are 60-40 split-folding. The Luxe sees the addition of a graphite headliner, upgraded leather for the steering wheel and gear shift knob, matte silver open pore ash wood trim, climate-control on the front seats, and remote tip-up for the second row.

Now, when it comes to infotainment, both trim levels have a lot to offer. Even the Luxe does not skimp on standard equipment. The Luxe and Limited both have a driver's audio stage, Bluetooth connectivity, several USB ports, SiriusXM Satellite Radio pre-wiring, an auxiliary A/V jack on the front console, and illumination of the steering wheel mounted audio controls. The Limited also comes with an A/V USB input jack, an HDMI port, two sets of headphones and headphone jacks, and a 17-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system (while the Luxe has a 13-speaker premium sound system from Bose).

The instrumentation and driver control elements are somewhat different in each trim level. They both have a tilt and telescoping steering wheel that holds numerous infotainment control buttons on the wheel, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, smartphone app integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, Infiniti voice recognition, and SiriusXM's Travel Link with a three-month trial subscription to many of its features. Automatic collision alert and emergency call also come standard, as do an auto-dimming rear view mirror with the Home Link universal transceiver built in, a 360-degree around view monitor, and cruise control (with switches mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access).

With the Limited trim level, you do get the added benefit of having two 8-inch monitors for multimedia video playback, wireless remote control, a switch on the steering wheel for the safety shield technologies, distance control assist, and full-speed range intelligent cruise control.

As you can probably already guess, Infiniti loads both of its QX80 trim levels with a ton of standard safety and security features. These features include the advanced airbag system, front-seat active head restraints, predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and trailer sway control. Lane departure prevention and blind spot intervention get added to the Limited but are options on the Luxe. Also, when it comes to vehicle security, both trims get remote keyless entry, a vehicle security system, and a vehicle immobilizer system. Someone might be tempted to steal your super cool Infiniti, but they will really have a hard time doing so.

Now, it is important that you know the differences in fuel economy. Don't expect superbly high EPA estimates here. All you will get on the Luxe's standard rear-wheel drive model is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the all-wheel drive Limited gets 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway. And the real-world estimates are slightly less, which is a real bummer. This engine is gas-thirsty and will quickly guzzle up your money at the pump.

The Edition 30 package integrates a lot of helpful features that can be found on the Luxe trim level. However, its style has unique elements, like the dark chrome finishes, Edition 30 badging, and graphite interior designs. If those don't suit you, though, you can opt for a black grille mesh and black headliner.

Now, about those packages we mentioned in the intro of this review. A lot of these come standard on the Limited, but you can choose to add them on the Luxe. The ProAssist package includes distance control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure prevention, all of which are driver aids that some automakers are standardizing on their vehicles due to high demand. You can also go for the Theater package and get the two 8-inch color screens for watching movies, along with the headsets. The Sensory package includes chrome mirror caps, heating for the second row of seats, and an advanced climate control system.

Also, take note that the 30 Edition cannot be equipped on the Limited. It is strictly for the Luxe. If you want that package, you will have to stick with everything offered on the Luxe that the 30 Edition does not upgrade.

2020 INFINITI QX80: Which Trim to Choose?

With a $24,000-ish price gap between them, it is probably already obvious which trim level we are going to pick as the better deal for the average driver. The Luxe wins out over the Limited for multiple reasons. First, the packages are pretty modestly priced, and sticking with just a few of them (especially the ProAssist and ProActive packages) will not break your bank account. The Luxe also lets you choose between rear- and all-wheel drive, although we do recommend Infiniti's AWD for those who live in places where driving conditions can get hazardous.

The Limited is impressive, to say the least, but it is also quite expensive. It does integrate a lot of standard features, but the astronomical price jump will probably be too much for a lot of drivers. If you don't mind having a high auto payment due every month, then go for the Limited. But we think most folks would do well to stick with the Luxe.