16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2021 Infiniti QX80 2WD, it’s simply a reality. This is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV designed for hauling families and their gear in comfort and style. QX80 buyers typically prioritize space, towing capacity, and a luxurious experience and they are completely aware of the tradeoff, not Prius-like efficiency.

City and highway performance

The QX80’s EPA estimates break down to 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the strain of hauling the QX80’s weight through stop-and-go traffic. The 5.6L V8 requires a good amount of fuel to get this SUV moving from a standstill. However, the 20 MPG highway figure is achievable, especially on long road trips where consistent speed is the norm. The seven-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its sweet spot at cruising speeds, optimizing efficiency, but the vehicle’s weight is always the limiting factor.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2021 Infiniti QX80 2WD is $3,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs could vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, which will likely increase your real-world costs. This also means you could be adding 10-15% to the cost to drive if you choose to use premium.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the QX80 is highly dependent on driving style and conditions. Frequent hard acceleration, heavy cargo loads, and towing will all decrease fuel economy. Gentle acceleration and consistent highway speeds can help you get closer to the 20 MPG highway estimate. Owners report fluctuations, with some staying in the low teens and others nearly reaching the EPA figures. The variance depends as much on the driver as on the vehicle itself. The QX80 MPG across all years shows this has been a trend for quite a while.

How it compares

In the realm of full-size, luxury SUVs, the QX80’s fuel economy is generally on par with its competitors. The Cadillac Escalade with its 6.2L V8 gets around 17 MPG combined. The Lincoln Navigator achieves similar numbers, with some trims offering slightly better highway MPG. The Lexus LX 570, while known for its reliability, lags a bit in fuel efficiency, hovering around 14 MPG combined. While alternatives exist, particularly among SUVs with smaller displacement engines, they don’t offer the same spaciousness and towing ability as the QX80. If fuel economy is a primary concern, buyers might also cross-shop the Acura MDX that offers significantly better MPG combined and remains fully capable for most families.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The QX80’s powerful V8 is tempting to unleash, but every surge of power burns extra fuel. Gradual acceleration, especially from a stop, will make a noticeable difference over time. Pretend there is an egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the recommended level, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Inflating your tires by 1 or 2 PSI higher than recommended will also help.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle’s cargo area and passenger compartment. If you are not using the roof rack, remove it. The added weight and wind resistance will make a difference.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control minimizes speed fluctuations, which can lead to fuel waste. On long trips, this makes a big impact and helps to keep you from going too fast while extending your travel distance more than you think.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs efficiently. Ensure your vehicle receives regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other necessary maintenance services as recommended in the owner’s manual. Regular maintenance will help ensure optimal performance and prevent fuel-robbing issues. More information on all Infiniti fuel economy data can be found online.