16 MPG combined. That’s not going to win any fuel economy contests. The 2019 Infiniti QX80 2WD, with its strong 5.6L V8, is designed to haul families and their belongings in comfort and style. It projects an image of capable luxury. For the QX80 buyer, fuel economy often takes a backseat to space, power, and presence, though it’s still a consideration. Buyers need its towing ability, appreciate its quiet cabin, and like the attention it gets. They’ve accepted the fuel bill as a cost of ownership.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the QX80 2WD at 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the QX80’s weight and the energy needed to get it moving from a standstill. Stop-and-go traffic will reduce fuel levels more quickly. The highway number is more achievable during steady-state cruising. Pushing that V8 to overtake or maintain higher speeds will quickly drop that average. The seven-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its optimal range, but this is a large, powerful vehicle that consumes a lot of gas.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Infiniti QX80 2WD is $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation uses national average fuel prices at the time of estimation. It’s a helpful benchmark, but individual fuel costs will vary depending on local gas prices and driving habits. If you drive aggressively, or spend more time in stop-and-go traffic, expect to exceed that $3,600 figure. If you primarily use the QX80 for highway driving at consistent speeds, you might see a slightly lower annual fuel expense. Check all Infiniti fuel economy data to see how it stacks up against its stablemates.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing methodology, real-world MPG often differs. QX80 owners report numbers close to the EPA figures, but it depends heavily on driving style and usage. Frequent short trips, heavy acceleration, and consistent towing will all reduce fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and sticking to highway speed limits will improve it. Tire pressure also plays a role. Keep tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance and maximize fuel efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to other large, body-on-frame SUVs, the QX80’s fuel economy is generally in line with its competitors. The Cadillac Escalade 2WD, for example, is EPA-rated at 14 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, while the Lincoln Navigator 2WD achieves 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. Even a newer, more technologically advanced competitor like the Lexus LX 600 manages just 17 MPG combined. The Land Rover Range Rover, with its various engine options, can range from slightly better to considerably worse MPG depending on the chosen configuration. This comparison is important to the QX80 buyer, because while they may accept a certain level of fuel consumption, they still want to be informed about how their vehicle fares against alternatives. See QX80 MPG across all years for a broader comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the QX80 is not inherently fuel-efficient, there are ways to improve its MPG. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The QX80’s V8 has plenty of power, so there’s no need to floor it. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will save fuel and reduce wear on the vehicle.

Minimize idling. Idling burns fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts and stops.

Properly maintain your QX80. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in the vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment. That third-row seat is great, but leave it folded if you’re not carrying extra passengers.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may shift frequently, negating any fuel savings.