Overview & Reviews

Exemplifying the "bigger is better" school of thought, the Infiniti QX56 is a worthy competitor among full-size luxury SUVs. Through the course of two generations, the QX56 benefited from a powerful V8 engine and above-average towing capabilities. Off-road prowess, on the other hand, was never a primary concern, as the QX56 was intended more for urban recreation or pulling a boat to the river. For scenarios such as those, the QX56 managed quite well, with a comfortable cabin and myriad high-tech features.

The first-generation QX56 suffered from some less-than-luxurious interior materials and less cargo capacity, but the second-generation model addressed those shortcomings. As the QX was designed to be more of a versatile and foul-weather-capable luxury transport than a wilderness tamer, rugged outdoorsmen may want to look elsewhere. But those seeking a well-appointed used luxury SUV should be well served by either of the brawny Infiniti QX56 generations.

Note that for 2012 this model's name was changed to QX and then again for 2014 to QX80. They are covered in separate reviews.

Used Infiniti QX56 Models
The last Infiniti QX56 generation was technically only produced for 2011, when this vehicle was completely redesigned. However, it continued on with minimal changes under the new names mentioned above, so used shoppers won't be missing out on much. Compared to the older model, this second-generation QX56 boasts better handling, greater refinement and more power. It is based on an off-road-ready Nissan SUV available in other markets rather than a full-size pickup truck like the first QX56 was.

This full-size luxury SUV seats seven or eight passengers and came loaded with a wealth of standard features like 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a top-view camera system, a power-folding third-row bench seat and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Optional highlights included an active suspension system, a twin-screen rear entertainment system, ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control and a host of high-tech safety features designed to either prevent a crash or protect the occupants in the event of one.

A 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque powers the QX56. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and features manual shift control with rev-matched downshifts. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional. Properly equipped, the QX can tow an impressive 8,500 pounds and is aided by a tow/haul mode for the transmission as well as an automatic-leveling rear suspension.

In reviews, we found this QX56 to be a pretty impressive luxury SUV, with the large collection of features and potent V8 being the main draws. Downsides include cramped third-row seating and a ride quality that's not as smooth as what's provided by competing models.

The first-generation QX56 debuted for the 2004 model year and lasted until 2010. It shared its chassis and other major mechanicals with the Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Under the hood the QX came with a 5.6-liter V8 that produced 320 hp and 393 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic was standard, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel- and four-wheel drive. There was only one available trim level, and pretty much every feature was standard. The few notable options included a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control and a sunroof.

Infiniti made only minor changes early on, including a 60/40 split for the third-row seat, a standard Bluetooth hands-free system and enhanced exterior mirrors for 2006. The biggest changes occurred for '08, when subtle styling changes and a significant interior redesign made it look and feel like a more upscale vehicle, with improved materials quality and a new instrument cluster design. That year, the standard equipment list grew and the audio and navigation systems were updated.

In road tests, our editors praised the Infiniti QX56 for its refined powertrain, smooth ride and family-friendly passenger quarters. Acceleration was impressive and fuel economy, though dismal, was at least comparable to other full-size SUVs. However, many of its competitors offered a better mix of everything. Models previous to 2008 were also let down by lackluster interior quality.

User Reviews:

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  My lease is expiring- - heres my story - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Penny - June 20 - 3:43 pm

  My lease expires next week so I thought I would summarize the pros and cons of my experience with the QX56. I have had it for over three years and it has almost 45K miles on it. Overall I have enjoyed the power, quiet, and handling. The kids have enjoyed all the leg room, the captains chairs and DVD in the back. Cargo capacity is great. The biggest problem I have with it is the suspension- -the car booms and shudders with even small potholes. Second biggest problem is occasional glitch with brakes that dealer told me they had never heard of but has happened with other owners. (suddenly makes a loud clunking sound and gets jerky upon rebraking- -must restart car.) Actual mileage: 13.

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  infiniti - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By davis - June 9 - 3:36 pm

  worst thing with the car is the truck- like noises.also, bad, cheap trim

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  Great looks, sounds like a Taxi - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Steven ZoBell - April 17 - 1:20 am

  We were looking at several vehicles and fell in love with the styling of the QX56. Love the ride, interior and power. However the vehicle has been in over 10 times in the past 8 months for anything from many large rattles & squeaks, new brake system to having to repaint door molding and roof rack. Just today - the same center console rattle that we have had it in for 4 times started again. This is not a subtle rattle, but a loud one that wakes small children.

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  infiniti QX56 - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By ramamurti - March 31 - 10:00 am

  It is a good SUV.

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  QX-56 First Impressions - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By SGOU - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive got to say that Im impressed with the TRUCK so far. Compared to our 1988 Toyota Land Cruise and our 1999 Ford Expedition-which we still own, the QX-56 is leaps and bounds ahead in terms of sophistication, quality, power, and comfort. That being said, the QX-56 is still a truck albeit a very refined, heavy and powerful one. This car will be my wifes daily driver which she will use to haul our kids around to their activities and our weekly drives to Tahoe once the snow starts falling.

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  IT CAN BE BETTER - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By REEM - January 15 - 2:13 am

  Interior noise coming from the plastic on the doors, seats comfort can be better , so they need to clean the interior plastic ,and get more comfort seat.

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  Used & Pleased - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Black Bullet - January 9 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased used 2004 corporate lease with 77k miles in excellent condition. Read most Edmunds reviews prior to purchase and some of the negative reviews I have not seen. I will confirm that the DVD monitor button rattles when in use. The back door rattles only when one hits a moderate jolt, but so far we love it. Lots of room with four captain chairs, powerful engine.

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  good, but my M45 is better - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By kingman - December 1 - 11:03 am

  Outperforms any comparable SUV by a county mile, extremely comfortable on long trips, 19mpg is a complete fiction, more like 13. Looks improve dramatically with custom wheels (mine are 22"). Hard to adjust a/c comfortably, though its powerful, same with stereo system. DVD system is complicated. Have had problems with shuddering during braking, but Infiniti service is first class - they try very hard to please

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  very nice - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By atorreon - November 16 - 5:48 am

  very nice lux suv...great size and comfort. if you are looking from a great family hauler and can handle the 12mpg than choose this. the qx is loaded with several things other brands are just starting to do...a great example is the rearview camera which cadillac/gm/others dont do

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  by rich - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By rich de george - November 9 - 8:36 pm

  powerfull,comfortable and excellentin the snow. needs improvement on some luxury features such as auto locking voice activation power rear seats and fold in mirrors. I have had problems with the brakes and a shammying, two times in a 10 mo. vehicle has a lot of cabin nose.