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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qx56 - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By richguzman - May 9 - 2:00 ami think its about we have another choice in full-size suvs, lexus better watch out..
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Great Suv - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By critical - May 4 - 10:00 amAfter owning a Lexus GX470 any new suv would have to be almost perfect, The QX56 is great. In my opinion it is SLIGHTLY less refined than the lexus, but more powerful and much roomier, it has a luxurious iterior that is modern and comfortable. I think it looks great too. For a huge suv it seems to drive more like a mid size, I also think its much better than all full size rivals.
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Probably the top dog for large SUVs - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By FatDog - April 21 - 2:00 amI bought a full-loaded QX56 with rear camera and DVD entertainment system. I still think its probably the best large SUV between $50K-60K. Its definitely much better than its American competitors (i.e., Escalade and Navigator). I like the exterior, very "pimpy" but not too obnoxious. The interior, however, is not as sophisticate as I would like it to be. The interior needs another round of makeover to make it superior than Nissan Armada. Otherwise, I am fairly happy with my purchase.
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The search is over!! - 2008 Infiniti QX56
By EDEMESA - April 8 - 6:40 pmI test drove all the SUV in the same categories. After 3 mos. of searching I finally made my decision. Infiniti QX56 is the one. I searched for the roomiest third row seat, roomy 2nd row seat and all the gadget that I experienced in driving all competitors in the same categories I found that QX56 has it all.
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QX56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
By sophea - April 6 - 6:53 pmBeautiful car with powerful engine. The leather interior cannot measure up to Lexuss although the design is far better.
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Love this car - 2008 Infiniti QX56
By Love this car - March 27 - 4:10 pmI purchased this 2008 Infiniti over the summer and have had a few months to drive it. I love it. We looked at EVERY SUV in this category and for the comfort, technology and price nothing can compete with it. I feel like I am in a living room with every option available to me. The third row is a dream to use and to sit in. The 1st/2nd row has a ton of room. I love that the navigation can be used while driving because it is a voice navigation. The voice also understands me! It is really an amazing vehicle.
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Best Most Versatile Large Luxury SUV - 2010 Infiniti QX56
By Travis - March 23 - 5:53 amI have always owned sports cars and this is my first SUV due to the fact I now have 3 kids, 2 car seats and a booster seat. I am very picky when it comes to cars and I test drove every large luxury SUV on the market, Escalade, Denai, Sequoia, etc... I wanted something luxury on the inside, that could haul lots of people and gear, plus I like AWD for safety and wanted something I could go off road with that actually has a locking differential with true 4x4 high and low. This truck has it all, its rugged off road, can tow 9000 lbs, crazy technology and luxury and being my first SUV this thing handles and rides better that any large luxury SUV. This truck is the best kept secret out there!
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New model glitches - 2005 Infiniti QX56
By jmack - February 20 - 11:16 pmLove the Q56. Has everything we wanted. Plenty of interior room, great design, lots of flexibility, extremely comfortable, handles like a luxury sedan. No buyers remorse here.
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Awesome - 2008 Infiniti QX56
By George - February 13 - 9:40 amI am loving my new QX. I got it at the start of the new year. It has been great. I have 4 children and they fit very well. The 3rd row has theater seating so seeing the DVD is no problem. The ride is very smooth. It is as close to a sedan as any full size SUV I have been in. It has power to spare. Passing on 2 lane highways is a breeze. The cabin is very quiet despite the big 20in wheels. It has been great on the snow traction with the variable 4 wheel drive.
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King of the SUVs - 2004 Infiniti QX56
By neo2222222222222 - February 12 - 2:00 amThis SUV is great. It has everything you need. It has it all. Get one and experience it for yourself.
