15 MPG combined is the cost of entry into a specific club: buyers who need serious space, luxurious appointments, and strong towing capability, and who frankly aren’t fazed by frequent stops at the gas station. The 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD, with its reliable 5.6L V8, caters to a customer base that prioritizes presence, comfort, and utility far above fuel efficiency. This is a vehicle designed for hauling families and their gear across long distances, not for maximizing miles per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD at 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go driving, where the QX80’s considerable weight requires significant power to get moving. The highway figure, while still relatively low compared to modern SUVs, hints at some level of cruising efficiency thanks to its seven-speed automatic transmission. However, even on the open road, the QX80’s aerodynamic profile works against it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD is $3,850. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a specific ratio of city versus highway miles, and uses the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs may vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices, but this provides a clear benchmark to understand the QX80’s running expenses. It’s a hefty sum, and a consequence of choosing a large, powerful vehicle.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD can vary significantly. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, and even carrying extra weight will all contribute to lower fuel economy. Conversely, careful driving habits and consistent highway cruising might bring the average closer to the EPA’s 19 MPG highway estimate. Don’t expect to consistently exceed the EPA’s combined figure; it’s more likely you’ll see slightly lower numbers in everyday use. For more information, see QX80 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The QX80’s fuel economy positions it squarely among its peers in the full-size luxury SUV segment. The Cadillac Escalade 4WD, with its 6.2L V8, posts similar numbers, around 14 MPG combined. The Lincoln Navigator, despite its turbocharged V6, often achieves comparable, or even slightly worse, fuel economy in real-world testing, landing around 16 MPG combined for the 4×4 variant. Even the Lexus LX 570, another V8-powered behemoth, hovers in the same general vicinity. None of these vehicles are efficient, and buyers in this segment implicitly understand that fuel economy is a secondary concern.

Those seeking significantly better fuel economy in a three-row luxury SUV might consider a Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, which offers substantially improved efficiency, although it comes with a different driving experience and a smaller overall footprint. For information on other vehicles in the lineup, check all Infiniti fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD isn’t designed for hypermiling, but there are still a few steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration and avoiding hard braking can make a noticeable difference, especially in city driving.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burning more fuel. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your QX80.

Reduce unnecessary weight by removing any items from the cargo area that are not essential for your daily driving. Hauling around cargo you don’t need contributes to lower fuel economy.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway to help optimize fuel efficiency. Maintaining a consistent speed can prevent unintentional speed fluctuations that burn extra fuel.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, and it can significantly reduce your overall MPG.