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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  Cant find anything I dont like - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Lauren - February 3 - 4:03 pm

  After looking at the Lexus, Cadilac and GMC SUV trucks I ended the search at Infinity. It has been the best decision I have ever made, and I put 150,000 miles on my Chev suburban. The drive of the QX is quite, smooth and luxurious. I have not had any problems with the mechanics or finishes of the inside or out. The GPS is very user friendly, the sound system wonderful. Working with Infinity has been very easy and their system of loaner cars makes normal maintenance a breeze. The seats are so easy to manuver and the configuations give you alot of flexability. Gas mileage is the only drawback.

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  My Favorite Truck EVER - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Tracey - February 3 - 12:43 pm

  Ive driven luxury SUVs for years - this truck by far is my favorite. The second row legroom is comparable to an airplane seat in first class. The Navigation is system is the easiest one Ive used to date. The truck has phenomenal pickup and has an unbelievably small turning radius for its size. Parkings a breeze with the rear view camera and beeping alert. The interior is luxurious, yet understated. There is nothing "over- the-top" or flashy about this vehicle unlike many of its comparable counterparts on the road today.

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  Brand New and Love it!!! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Hauss - January 19 - 2:36 am

  Just purchased the QX56 for my wife and we are loving it. IF you want BIG, this is what you need. This thing is HUGE, but drives like a much smaller vechile. We pondered over this or the Denali, and Im glad of the decision. This rides better, looks better and runs better, and Im a Chevy man from way back.

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  2005 QX56 The Best and Ive owned em all - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By jswojcik - December 26 - 3:26 pm

  My QX56 is fantastic. Ive owned SUVs since they were called trucks, and this baby is no truck. It handles well, rides well and has torque to spare when you hit the pedal getting into traffic. Very roomy and comfortable we have the dual entertainment screens for the kidss in the seat backs....a blessing. Tires and Rims look great and the body style stands out.. I have owned Yukons, Jeeps, and the odd pickup and I can honestly say this QX56 is a winner. We looked at an Escalade and it was just an overexpensive Yukon with plastic wood glued onto the same Yukon stuff. Even the seats were the same...for 65K??? QX56 get one....you will be very happy.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Bailey, Esq - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th SUV and 2nd Infiniti - its by far the best full-sized luxury SUV now on the market! If you remove the headrests from the front seats, move them all the way forward and recline them, they form a long couch with the seats in the 2nd row.(My Infiniti QX4 also did this, and its a great feature.) The QX56 offers the ultimate in comfort, luxury, space, design, and drive. Better interior than the Escalade, which has a dated dash and no back-up camera. Better seat configuration and legroom than the competitors. Also, Infinitis service is great, and their warranty is a bit longer than that of their competitors.

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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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  "06 QX56 Vastly Superior to 04 - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By William Staats - November 29 - 6:06 am

  I previously owned a 2004 QX56 which had two significant problems and a few minor ones. Yet it was really comfortable and absolutely great to drive on the highway. After a year and a half, I traded it in on a 2006 model, and Ive been extremely happy in every respect with the new model. Obviously, early manufacturing problems and quality control issues have been resolved based on my experience. My dealer experience, although limited to scheduled maintenance visits, has been superb. The 06 QX56 is great on the road--powerful and comfortable. The interior is very well done. Gas mileage on the road is inverse to my speed. At 70 mph, I get 19.2-19.5 mpg.

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  2010 QX56 - Best Bang For The Buck! - 2010 Infiniti QX56
  By gtkillerbee - November 26 - 5:26 pm

  I own my own business, so I have had a 2004 Z71 Avalanche, 2006 Z71 Suburban, 2008 Landrover LR3, and it was time for something new. I was also looking for something different, and kind of in between (size-wise). Went and test drove a 2010 QX56 and liked what it offered (207" long, so smaller than Suburban, but larger than LR3), fits nicely in the garage, and still has loads of room inside, plus nice ride & all the bells & whistles. With the $7K worth of mfg to deal incentives, and new 2011 model arriving late summer (which will be smaller like LX570/LC), the deal was too good to pass up. Nothing else out there w/ all this + warranty, for the money ($53K OTD). Get em while they last.

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  QX56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Ron Martinez - November 13 - 5:46 am

  Great car. I really like the style. Great handling for the size. Needs better quality for interior. Overall great car!!

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  This puppie rocks! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By QX56_Owner - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Got one a couple of days ago. Previously owned BMW X5 but was looking for something bigger and still fun to drive. Test drove both Escalade and Qx56 and chose QX56 because of superior handling, fresher interior and newer exterior image.