16 MPG combined. That figure won’t win any prizes, but the 2024 Infiniti QX80 2WD 5.6L 8-cyl isn’t designed for fuel economy contests. It’s a large, body-on-frame SUV built for those who want space, towing capacity, and old-school luxury, not efficiency. Buyers know what they’re getting: a powerful, comfortable hauler with a large interior, and they accept the fuel consumption as a trade-off. These are frequently affluent families with kids, or those who tow boats or trailers often. Saving money at the pump isn’t their main concern; capability and comfort are.

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 is the reality of stop-and-go driving, where the big V8 engine works to move the heavy SUV. The highway number is better, but even at 20 MPG, long road trips mean frequent gas station stops. The 7-speed automatic transmission is geared more for power than fuel efficiency. Given the QX80’s weight, city consumption will be more than highway mileage.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Infiniti QX80 2WD at $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving, and the price of gasoline in your area. $3,600 is a benchmark for comparing the QX80’s fuel costs to other vehicles. If you drive more than 15,000 miles annually, that cost will rise.

real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a baseline, real-world MPG can vary depending on driving style, road conditions, and vehicle load. Hard acceleration and hard braking will reduce fuel economy. And towing, even within the QX80’s towing capacity, will also have an impact, potentially dropping fuel economy below the EPA estimates. Properly inflated tires and regular maintenance can help maintain fuel efficiency, but the QX80’s size and powerful engine will always influence its gas mileage.

how it compares

Compared to other large SUVs, the QX80’s fuel economy isn’t class-leading, as expected. The Cadillac Escalade with its 6.2L V8 achieves similar figures, around 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. The Lincoln Navigator, although slightly more modern, offers similar real-world MPG, at around 17 combined, depending on configuration. A Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its turbocharged inline-6 engine, manages slightly better fuel economy, around 20 MPG combined, but gives up some of the QX80’s raw towing power. Buyers are generally aware of QX80 MPG across all years going in, and fuel efficiency is lower on their list of purchase criteria than space, features and capability.

tips to maximize efficiency

Given the QX80’s thirst, small changes to driving habits can make a difference. Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain a steady speed on the highway. The powerful V8 makes it easy to speed, but resisting that urge will save fuel.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo reduces fuel economy and puts additional strain on the engine and brakes. Remove anything you don’t need and keep the vehicle as light as possible for daily driving.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended pressure, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help improve fuel economy compared to constantly fluctuating your speed. This allows the engine to operate more efficiently.

Be mindful of idling. Excessive idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. All of this is information that can be found with all Infiniti fuel economy data.