INFINITI QX80 Named Best Premium SUV by NEMPA

INFINITI’s flagship 2025 QX80 has earned the Best‑In‑Class Premium Full‑Size SUV honor from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) at its 2025 Winter Vehicle Awards—an accolade that underscores the QX80’s fusion of bold design, unwavering capability, and upscale comfort.

“The QX80 represents the very best of what INFINITI stands for—bold design, expert craftsmanship, advanced capability and an unwavering commitment to our clients,” said Tiago Castro, vice president, INFINITI Americas. “This recognition is especially meaningful given the importance of the Northeast region, where winter performance and year-round comfort are essential. We’re grateful to NEMPA and to our dedicated INFINITI retailers for helping us deliver exceptional experiences every day.”

Related: INFINITI QX80 Earns Top Safety Pick+

Tested in Real New England Winters

The NEMPA award process rigorously tests vehicles under the harshest New England winter conditions. Judges assess performance, safety, and reliability in snow, ice, and cold—with winners selected on how well they endure the region’s toughest months.

What NEMPA Judges Had to Say

Clifford Atiyeh, NEMPA president, highlighted the QX80’s transformation: “Parking the QX80 on top of a Manhattan skyscraper caught our attention, but the real surprise came from driving this INFINITI through a New England winter.” He praised its body‑on‑frame toughness, enhanced ride quality, and commanding exterior proportions. The Autograph trim’s sumptuous interior—with metal inlays, plush heated leather seats into the third row, and deep-pile carpets—was singled out for its premium ambiance.

Standout Features That Set the QX80 Apart

• A newly redesigned exterior inspired by INFINITI’s Artistry in Motion philosophy—a bold, upright stance with signature double-arch grille and clean, boxy silhouette.

• A powerful 3.5‑liter twin‑turbo V‑6 engine generating up to 450 hp and 516 lb‑ft of torque, mated to a refined nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Segment-first technologies tailored for winter: Invisible Hood View for curb detection, ProPILOT Assist 2.1, 3D Around View®, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.

What This Means for Buyers

With MSRPs ranging from roughly $82,450 to $110,000+ depending on trim, the QX80 delivers luxury that NEMPA judges say “feel(s) worth it” despite many competitors in the same price bracket. The award positions the QX80 as one of the few premium SUVs that truly deliver on their promises in both everyday and extreme conditions.

Bottom Line

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 has earned the distinction of Best‑In‑Class Premium SUV at the 2025 NEMPA Winter Vehicle Awards thanks to its bold styling, cutting-edge winter tech, robust performance, and elevated interior refinement. It reinforces INFINITI’s commitment to crafting a luxury SUV built for confidence across all seasons.