15 MPG combined. Fuel economy isn’t the primary concern for anyone considering a 2017 Infiniti QX80 4WD with its 5.6L V8. This is a vehicle bought for its imposing presence, luxurious appointments, and ability to haul up to eight passengers comfortably. The QX80 is for families who prioritize space, power, and a certain level of opulence over trips to the gas station, but even they need to be aware of the cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 QX80 4WD are 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Those numbers are reflective of the vehicle’s size, weight, and the naturally aspirated 5.6L V8 engine. Expect to see the city figure drop even further in heavy stop-and-go traffic, while highway figures might edge slightly higher if you maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive acceleration with the seven-speed automatic transmission.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Infiniti QX80 4WD is $3,850. 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, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and current gas prices. The $3,850 figure provides a clear picture of the QX80’s thirst for gasoline.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Drivers who frequently tow, carry heavy loads, or engage the four-wheel-drive system will likely see even lower MPG figures. Conversely, those who primarily use the QX80 for highway cruising with minimal load might achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 19 MPG highway estimate. Pay attention to QX80 MPG across all years if you want to see consistencies and variations across model years. It is also critical that the vehicle has been properly maintained with regular oil changes, tire inflation, and other typical tune-ups.

How it compares

The QX80’s fuel economy is average for large, luxury SUVs in its class. Consider the Cadillac Escalade 4WD with its 6.2L V8, it manages a similar 14 MPG combined. The Lincoln Navigator 4×4 with the EcoBoost V6 is slightly better at 17 MPG combined, but only marginally so. The Lexus LX 570, another competitor in this segment, mirrors the QX80’s 15 MPG combined rating. Buyers in this segment prioritize other qualities over fuel efficiency, so these differences are fairly unimportant.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the QX80 will never get great gas mileage, there are still steps you can take to maximize its efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these habits significantly impact fuel consumption. The QX80’s hefty weight requires more energy to get moving and to stop, so smooth and gentle driving is key.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. It’s a small thing that makes a noticeable difference.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying heavy loads in the QX80 reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy objects, to lighten the load and improve efficiency. Since this vehicle is often used to haul kids and other belongings, it can easily become overloaded.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway helps improve fuel economy. Use cruise control whenever possible to avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can be especially helpful on long road trips where the QX80 becomes a comfortable touring vehicle.

Consider using premium fuel, even though it is not strictly required. Some drivers report slightly improved fuel economy and performance with premium fuel in the QX80, mostly because of how the engine is engineered; however, this may not be enough to offset the higher cost of premium gasoline. Check all Infiniti fuel economy data to see if premium fuel is required or helps.