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 Infinity - 2005 Infiniti QX56
By Anyhony Leparulo - April 16 - 1:43 amI find this vehicle, Great it ride good and tows even better 9600 lbs that above all other class at that price, i owned many chevy sub. this is it. We tow a 30ft Sleek behide this bad johnny. sking this boy can handle any snow storm.
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Big and Bold - 2011 Infiniti QX56
By Wayne - April 14 - 10:00 amLove the interior quality and features. Engine is strong and space is plentiful. Have a vibration in steering, flooring that the dealer has not fixed. It is not the tires/rims. Engine light came on at 1400 miles! Have only seen 12. 4 miles per gallon and thats keeping rpm under 2000!
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Bad steering 2011 QX56 - 2011 Infiniti QX56
By ataylor - April 12 - 11:20 am900 miles, 2 trips to service, very, very bad steering, cant seem to fix great interior, nice power vibrations horrible. Wife and I have each had a new vehicle each yr for 30 plus yrs, 5 other infiniti. This one is nice inside and tough to drive on highway because of loose steer, bad shakes, vibration in steering column and floors, very bad paint, has orange Peel all over unit, needs buyback. Service staff nice, infiniti rep Young and has no clue.
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Wait for the 2006 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
By Infiniti driver - March 30 - 5:43 pmI believe Infiniti makes a good automobile. I think because of the newness of this vehicle there are a lot of problems that need to be adjusted. I have had 2 blow out tires. Ive had shaking when I apply brakes. (Rotors were recalled in the middle of winter - thats scary) Problems with Heat turning on and off, problem with seat warmer.
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My 12th SUV and the best yet - 2006 Infiniti QX56
By L Crosthwaite - March 29 - 9:40 amAfter comparing other SUVs in this class, It was a easy choice. Each of the competitors have some features that are good, but, Infiniti QX56 has the most features of all others for the price. Power is great. Ride and handling are very good. The interior is comfortable and good looking. You feel very safe in this vehicle. My Wife said she could be happy with others, but she would be real happy with the QX56. She loves her QX56
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Ice, Snow, Sleet Cant Stop Me! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
By Lorelei Krieger - March 1 - 9:00 amHaving lived in Chicago for most of my life, I was thrilled with the promise of milder winters. Memphians love to bragg about their lack of winter-like weather, and I was more than willing to experience this first-hand. Chicago can be brutal. Even so, knowing that owning a powerful Suv equipped to handle the worst road conditions was not necessary here in the sunny south, it was love at first site. My first road trip was to Florida, and she performed beautifully. So what if she never had to prove herself in two feet of snow. Well, God decided to answer some ones prayer for a white Christmas in Memphis. Two days before, it started out with sleety rain that soon turned in
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DREAM SUV - 2005 Infiniti QX56
By CSTEP - February 23 - 3:36 amI purchased this vehicle at Inifiniti of Memphis, my hometown and I reside in Arkansas near the Oklahoma border (about 5 hours)and on my trip home, I felt like I was a first class passenger flying in a JET. I have driven several different SUVs and my choice was between this vehicle and the Cadillac Escalade. I must say that the escalade is beautiful on the outside like the Inifiniti, but the inside cannot compare. The Cadillac is not only outdated inside, but has a pimpish image and this is not what I wanted. When you say Infiniti it says class, luxury, technology and performance.
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Love it except Brakes and Vibration! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By Graces Mom - February 16 - 2:50 amMy family loves this SUV. It is VERY comfortable and it is VERY fun to drive. However, I just wanted to add to every person that has already said something about the brakes. We have also had the brakes serviced several times for rotor problems (shaking). Its VERY ANNOYING because our dealership is one hour away and they wont pick up the vehicle to service it. Its hard to love a car so much and have such a terrible time with the brakes. We are considering exercising the Lemon Law because brakes are a safety issue. Maybe Infiniti will perk up then? The vibration in the roof is awful too. I noticed several people are experiencing that as well.
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Q for quality - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By dik - February 15 - 10:00 amBest truck i have ever driven
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big suv from infinti - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By abruzz - February 15 - 10:00 amwe just purchased the infiniti qx56....i call it our man-sized suv...we own an infinti qx4, and i would have suvs drive next to me that seemed 2 feet taller....now i see eye to eye or look down on all of them....the suv handles very well for a big boy...the only problem is that you really need to keep both hands on the wheel when driving in curves..the suv seems to want to take off if you dont....inside and out the qx56 is awesome!!! i highly recommend this suv.
