Deciding which of the 2024 Infiniti QX80 trim levels belongs in your driveway is mostly a matter of how much luxury you want to bake into your daily commute. While some brands make you jump through a dozen hoops and confusing packages to get what you want, Infiniti keeps things pretty straightforward. There are three main options, and each one builds on the last without making things overly complicated.
If you're looking at the QX80, you already know what you're getting into: a massive, body-on-frame SUV with a beefy V8 engine that sounds like it means business. It's a bit of a throwback in a world full of turbocharged four-cylinders, but that's exactly why people love it. It feels substantial. Let's look at how these trims stack up so you can figure out where your money is best spent.
The Foundation: The Luxe Trim
The Luxe is the entry point for the 2024 lineup, but calling it a "base model" feels a little insulting. Usually, when you buy a base trim, you expect some blank buttons on the dashboard or plastic seats, but that's not the case here. Infiniti packs the Luxe with enough features that a lot of people won't actually feel the need to move up the ladder.
Inside the Luxe, you're getting genuine leather upholstery right out of the gate. It's not that synthetic stuff you find in many entry-level luxury crossovers. You also get heated front seats, a power-folding third row (which is a lifesaver when you're juggling groceries), and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. One of the best parts about this trim is that you still get the 13-speaker Bose premium audio system. It sounds fantastic, whether you're listening to a podcast or blasting some old-school rock.
On the outside, the Luxe looks the part with 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a power liftgate. It's got that classic QX80 silhouette that screams "I've arrived." For many families, this trim represents the sweet spot because you get the power, the towing capacity, and the leather-soaked interior without hitting that $80,000+ price tag of the higher trims.
Stepping Up to the Premium Select
If you want your SUV to have a bit more "attitude," the Premium Select is where you'll likely land. Mechanically, it's identical to the Luxe, but the aesthetic changes are pretty noticeable. This is the trim for people who aren't huge fans of shiny chrome.
The 2024 Infiniti QX80 trim levels usually offer a lot of brightwork, but the Premium Select swaps much of that out for a "Dark Chrome" finish. You'll see it on the grille, the fender vents, and the rear tailgate strip. It makes the SUV look a bit more modern and aggressive. It also upgrades the wheels to 22-inch dark-finished alloys, which fill out those massive wheel wells much better than the 20s on the Luxe.
Inside, the Premium Select gives you a few more color choices for the leather and different trim accents, like the Matte Mocha wood. It doesn't necessarily add a ton of new "gadgets," but it changes the entire vibe of the cabin. It feels a bit more like a custom build. If you care about curb appeal and want your QX80 to look a little less like a "mom-mobile" and more like a high-end executive transport, this is the one to pick.
The Full Experience: The Sensory Trim
The Sensory trim is the range-topper, and it's where Infiniti really leans into the "more is more" philosophy. If you want every single bell and whistle the company can cram into this chassis, this is it. It's designed to compete with the top-tier trims of the Cadillac Escalade or the Lincoln Navigator, though it usually comes in at a slightly lower price point.
The biggest upgrade in the Sensory trim is the seating. You move from standard leather to quilted semi-aniline leather. It's incredibly soft, and the diamond-stitch pattern makes the cabin look like it belongs in a private jet. Not only are the front seats heated, but they're also ventilated, and the outboard second-row seats get heating elements as well.
Audio lovers will also notice a jump here. The Sensory upgrades the sound system to a 17-speaker Bose Performance Series setup. It adds a level of depth and clarity that makes the 13-speaker system feel like a transistor radio in comparison. You also get a Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. Without getting too technical, this helps the QX80 stay flatter in the corners. Since this is a tall, heavy SUV, that system makes a huge difference in how confident you feel behind the wheel on a twisty backroad.
What Stays the Same Across the Board?
While we're talking about the differences in the 2024 Infiniti QX80 trim levels, it's worth noting what you don't have to worry about choosing. Every single 2024 QX80 is powered by the same 5.6-liter V8 engine. It pumps out 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It's a thirsty engine, for sure—you won't be winning any "green" awards—but the power delivery is smooth, predictable, and sounds great.
Every trim also comes standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Infiniti's All-Mode 4WD on any trim level. If you live somewhere where it snows, the 4WD is a no-brainer, but if you're in a sunny climate and want to save a few thousand dollars, the RWD is perfectly capable.
Towing is another area where all trims are created equal. No matter which one you pick, you're looking at a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. That's enough to pull a serious boat or a medium-sized camper without breaking a sweat. Infiniti even includes a dedicated tow mode and self-leveling rear suspension as standard equipment, which is a nice touch.
Technology and Safety Features
Infiniti has done a good job of keeping the tech updated in these older platforms. Across all 2024 Infiniti QX80 trim levels, you get a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is also standard, though you still have to plug your phone in for that one.
Safety-wise, they don't gate-keep the important stuff. You get Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning regardless of whether you buy the Luxe or the Sensory. You also get the Smart Rearview Mirror, which uses a camera on the back of the car to show you what's behind you. This is super helpful if you have a car full of tall passengers or a trunk full of gear blocking your view out the back window.
Which Trim Should You Actually Buy?
It really comes down to your priorities. If you're looking for the best value, the Luxe is hard to beat. It has the same engine, the same towing capacity, and most of the same tech as the more expensive versions. You aren't "settling" by choosing the base model here.
However, if you can't stand chrome and you want your SUV to look a bit sharper, the Premium Select is a great middle ground. Those 22-inch wheels really change the stance of the vehicle, making it look much more expensive than it actually is.
For those who plan on keeping the car for a long time and want the highest level of comfort, the Sensory is the way to go. The upgraded leather and the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system make a tangible difference in the daily driving experience. It feels significantly more "luxury" inside than the other two.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Infiniti QX80 is a bit of a legend in the full-size SUV world. It's one of the last of its kind—a big, honest V8-powered cruiser that doesn't try to be a spaceship. Whether you go with the Luxe, the Premium Select, or the Sensory, you're getting a vehicle that feels solid and dependable.
Exploring the 2024 Infiniti QX80 trim levels shows that Infiniti knows their audience. They aren't trying to confuse you with endless option boxes. They've curated three distinct vibes: the well-equipped standard, the stylish dark-out version, and the ultra-plush flagship. Whichever one you land on, you're getting a whole lot of metal and leather for your money. Just be prepared for a few more trips to the gas station—but hey, that's the price of V8 power, right?