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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  I would never buy Infiniti again! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Cronan - February 4 - 7:00 pm

  Coming from reliable Toyota vehicles I never thought that buying a new luxury vehicle would be such a let down. I have had over 20 issues with my QX56! From small trim pieces falling off to the brake rotors being replaced twice, the ABS system failing, transmission lines being replaced. I just picked it up yesterday for the transmission issue & today it is still gushing fluid. I am unable to park in the garage because of it. This is the worst vehicle I have owned ever! Please reconsider your Infiniti purchases...Buyer Beware!

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  Needs Improvement - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By cjaynes - January 10 - 11:36 am

  Beautiful car poor performance. The vehicle has terrible vibration in the roof. Since my purchase in June 2004 I have had several problems such as brakes, seats, handling, vibration, dvd, and back hatch. Dont waste your money. Infiniti clearly needs to work on the quality if they are going to compete in the luxury suv market. I want to get rid of mine but wouldnt want some other poor sucker get it.

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  RUST! - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By nefouse - June 18 - 4:08 pm

  After only a few years the frame on this $65,000 full size SUV began to rust.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By David - May 1 - 9:10 pm

  I own a Chevy and a Mecedes Benz. When I bought the QX-56, I thought I would be treated with the same intensity as I am with the Benz. Instead, I feel like I bought a Chevy. The truck, although pricey, is a terrible driving truck. Its balloon tires bounce down the road and the steering wheel jumps out of my hand over rougher road surfaces. Its dashboard is the most cumbersome I have ever come across. It is noisy and has many rattles. It only has 8,000 miles. I had problems with the front brakes at 3,000 miles. The dealer knew about it. The rotars were warped. They cut them instead of replacing. A Chevy dealer would cut. A benz dealer would replace

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  What a disappointment! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By jmu - January 23 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for 2 1/2 months, and it has been in service 23 days! 3/4 tires needed replacing, navigation system doesnt work, paint came off front bumper when washing with a cloth, wood panel fell out of side door, drivers electric motor in window didnt work....The service dept. has been awesome, but Infiniti wont stand behind the quality (or lack there of) of their vehicles. We paid $14K extra to go with the Infiniti QX56 instead of Nissan Armada because of the quality issues we read in the consumer reviews. At least Infiniti has provided us with a car while ours has been in service! Issues with the car still remain.

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  Trust me dont do it - 2010 Infiniti QX56
  By Chris - September 21 - 9:36 pm

  Have owned them all. Landcruiser, Suburban, LX 560. Infinti is supposedly great build quality. This could be the worst car I have ever owned. Great features which supports why we bought it but the finish quality is horrific not to mention the ride quality. If i were at it again, sacrifice the captains chairs in the second row and consider a on year old Lexus or land cruiser. Even Cadillac would be better. Inf/Nissan cant build large SUV or trucks to save their lives

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  Death Ride - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By SC - December 19 - 12:00 am

  Piece of junk. Brake judder with brake replacement plus brake failure times 2. Dealer unable to fix. Requires two trips to have anything fixed. Replaced door lock relay and windshield washer motor. Recalled for fire hazard from trailer light socket. Dealer refuses to fix rear window spray nozzle. Luckily able to avoid 2 crashes when brakes failed. Shakes, rattles and rolls. Drives like a tank. Steering wheel will not come back into place every time. A/C controls are terrible. Gas guzzler.

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  Problems with this truck - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By SJ - March 30 - 8:50 pm

  The rotors were warped (thin, no good for vehicle wt.) - 3 dealer trips before they replaced it ("manuf. defect") in all - y not issue recall? The steering never returns 2 position, the flaps on the back of 2nd row wont stay anymore (Velcro wore out after 12 mo.), cumbersome mech. 2 fold 2nd row- doesnt always work, lukewarm not heated front seats, very poor quality build, rear door auto lift problem, 2 tires wore out at 24K(cheap), space behind 3rd seat not useful like Expedition., oil change at non-dealer and screen reminder never goes away - tire pressure gauge and hand break fault - dealer had 2 fix - manuf. defect - one tire leaked air from valve, made in Japan, not true luxury vehicle.

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  thumbs down - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By thumbs down - August 12 - 7:33 pm

  door handles break when cold Hard to use windows low mileage per gallon must get filled about every three days (cost about $45-$50 to fill(takes SUPER) can only see front hood very little (like a minivan) moon roof is very noisy tires do not retain air reverse camera distracts you from looking back when backing up and it does not show everything behind you takes long time before car heats up poor handleing However its navigation system is exceptional

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  reliability - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By kareem rasheed - December 27 - 8:30 pm

  This car has lot of flaws and it is painful to pay so much money and do not get reliability. It has been in shop many times for AC, brakes, heater, door locks. The engine makes grinding noise in spite of using super unleaded fuel.