2026 Infiniti QX80 Sport
By Lorenzo Bianchi August 7, 2025
2026 QX80 Sport debuts as the first Sport-grade variant with aggressive styling cues and darkened trim.
Powertrain and chassis unchanged—450-hp twin-turbo V6, 9-speed auto, standard AWD, and 8,500 lbs towing capacity.
Market positioning upscale: Starts at $104,140, adding luxury features and visual flair above the Luxe trim.
Sport Grade Brings Moody Refinement in Place of Core Performance
Infiniti introduced the 2026 QX80 Sport as a trim focused solely on aesthetic and lifestyle differentiation—performance specs match the standard model. The 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic remains unchanged, delivering a familiar driving experience. Sport is only available with all-wheel drive, aligning it with Autograph’s specification but leaning more into style than off-road capability.
Exterior Retooled with Subtle Muscle
The Sport’s visuals make the change clear. Infiniti applied a darker front grille, updated front bumper with a subtle lower splitter, and 22″ black-painted six‑spoke wheels. Complementary dark trim—roof rails, mirrors, badges, and accents—reinforces a refined aggression. Color choices include Mineral Black, Grand Blue, Radiant White, and Dynamic Metal, with an optional Obsidian Black roof on select hues.
Interior Takes on a Sophisticated Persona
Stepping inside, the cabin takes on a Dusk Blue and black leather theme accented with dark matte chrome and dark brown open-pore wood trim. Diamond-pattern perforated seats, a frameless rearview mirror, and enhanced ambient lighting reflect the Sport’s upscale intent. The 24‑speaker Klipsch audio system, massaging front seats, and 64‑color ambient lighting are now standard, elevating in-cabin refinement.
Unchanged Powertrain and Core Dynamics
The Sport retains the proven 3.5L twin-turbo V6 outputting 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While lower trim levels offer rear-wheel drive, Sport comes standard with AWD. Towing capacity remains rated at 8,500 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel economy continues at approximately 16/19/17 mpg (city/highway/combined) for AWD variants.
Luxurious Updates Without Redesign
Design-wise, Infiniti kept core QX80 dimensions and structure intact. The Sport adds visual layering—a refreshed grille, blacked-out elements, and exclusive wheels—but builds atop the existing “Artistry in Motion” styling language. Flush-fit door handles, light-path LED signatures, and 64-color ambient lighting remain standard, maintaining QX80’s technological and luxury pedigree.
Market Placement and Pricing Context
The Sport replaces the Sensory trim and sits between Luxe and Autograph levels. With a starting price of $104,140, it surpasses Luxe in features and presence. The base QX80 range starts at $85,940, making Sport a premium choice without reaching Autograph or custom editions pricing. Infiniti confirmed Sport arrives in dealerships in late summer 2025.
Infiniti positions Sport as an option for buyers seeking luxury with a bold demeanor, offering more visual presence without adding cost to power or performance. It responds well to market demand for variants that stand out subtly among large SUVs.
Technical Specification
Performance
- Engine: 3.5‑L twin‑turbocharged V6 (VR35DDTT)
- Power Output: 450 hp (~336 kW)
- Torque: 516 lb-ft (~700 Nm)
- Transmission: 9‑speed automatic
- Acceleration: 0–60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds (AWD)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 8,500 lb when properly equipped
Body Measurements
- Wheelbase: 121.0 inches (~3,073 mm)
- Length: 211.2 inches (~5,365 mm)
- Width: 83.3 inches (~2,115 mm)
- Height: 76.6 inches (~1,946 mm)
- Curb Weight: Approximately 6,200 lb (~2,812 kg)
Powertrain & Dynamics
- Drivetrain: Standard AWD (Sport trim only; lower trims offer RWD)
- Drive Modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Tow, and Personal
- Suspension: Electronic air suspension with height control and Dynamic Digital Suspension
Capacities & Efficiency
- EPA Fuel Economy (AWD): ~16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined
- Estimated Range: ~{401 miles with full tank}
- Seating: 7–8 occupants (three-row configuration)
- Audio: Standard with 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system in Sport trim
Price
- Starting MSRP (Sport trim with AWD, including destination): $104,140
- Base Price Range (QX80 lineup): from $85,940
- Price increase for Sport over Luxe: approximately $8,000






















