The QX80 is a full-featured luxury vehicle, and it comes in three very well-equipped trims, with the only other major choice being between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both versions come with a strong 5.6L V8 engine, employing variable valve timing and lift, as well as direct injection, for a total of 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.

In either model, the V8 delivers quick, confident performance, through a seven-speed automatic transmission that has Adaptive Shift Control as well as a manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching. The available all-wheel-drive system is one that is more road-oriented, with 4H and 4L (high and low) ranges, and it can send up to 50 percent of power to the front wheels when needed for better traction. Hill Start Assist, which helps preserve stability on slippery slopes, is included. All models have huge four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and Brake Assist. Along with electronic stability control there's a 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip system.

The QX80 has a body-on-frame design, which makes it great for towing (up to 8,500 pounds), yet its independent double-wishbone suspension affords a better ride and more responsive handling than other large SUVs of its type. Some of its responsiveness and comfort are due to its Dual-Flow Path twin-tube shocks, engine speed-sensitive power steering and automatic leveling system. Add the Deluxe Touring Package and a special Hydraulic Body Motion Control system uses cross-linked chambers to help reduce body lean in corners and improve comfort.

Three rows of seating allow comfortable seating for up to seven in the QX80, and with the available 60/40-split folding bench in the second row, capacity goes up to eight. All QX80 models include power heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth and push-button ignition with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that allows access to the navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link/SiriusXM Traffic for real-time traffic and weather.

A Moving Object Detection system (MOD) is also included, and it incorporates an Around View Monitor that uses four super wide-angle cameras and can display the view 360 degrees around. Other standard safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, an active lane departure system, forward and rear collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, a following distance alert and eight airbags.