The naturally aspirated V8 behind the QX80 — shared architecture with Nissan's Titan truck and Patrol SUV, with a reputation for genuine, well-documented durability under heavy-duty use.
This V8 shares its core architecture with engines used in genuinely heavy-duty Nissan applications, and that lineage shows in its documented durability — strong, torquey power delivery that handles the QX80's substantial weight and towing demands without feeling strained. There is genuinely little of chronic substance to warn a buyer about here, which is itself notable given how demanding full-size SUV and towing use can be on an engine.
Not a guarantee, but a pattern seen consistently across owner forums and independent-garage reporting.
Minor oil consumption may begin appearing on examples with less consistent maintenance.
Core engine internals are routinely still original and sound on documented, well-maintained examples.
Ask about towing history specifically, since this is the single factor most associated with accelerated wear on an otherwise dependable engine.
Check oil level and condition yourself if possible, particularly on higher-mileage examples.
Beyond towing and maintenance history, there's relatively little engine-specific risk to flag on this robust V8.
Model-specific pages, with notes on how it behaves in that particular car.