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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  this car is off the fershesie - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By winonesoon - August 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned. the inside is so much nicer than the Navigator, escalade, and toyota seqoua. I love the ride it is very smooth and you can barely hear anythong outside, the engine is very quiet for its size. I have gotten alot of compliments on how nice it is. I love the rear view camera the intelligent cruise control and the electronic rear end door. It is the best car ever made I love it. I have had it for a while now and i havent had one problem with it . This car has my vote.

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  Much Better Than Expected - 2007 Infiniti QX56
  By RODO - August 2 - 8:20 pm

  I inherited this 4WD Beast when my Mother passed away. Not the SUV I would have purchased, but I am overly impressed. We named it the QE2, a great road vehicle, solid as a rock, very comfortable, 18mpg and my Suburban does NO BETTER, and NOWHERE NEAR the truck this one is. QUALITY ALL THE WAY. I highly recommend this truck.

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  Im in love! - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Luz - August 1 - 9:43 am

  I got the Infiniti QX56 - 4WD from my husband as a gift. I drove a Lincoln Towncar before I got my Infiniti. But I just feel in love with the QX56. I love the style, the power, the features and the head turning this vehicle gives. This is the first time I own and drive an SUV and I love it. The price is excellent for all the features this great car has to offer!!!

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  2 yrs later- wed still buy again - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By keg97 - July 17 - 9:06 am

  We cross shopped tons of large SUVs (MB GL450, Armada, Toyota Sequoia & Land Cruiser, GMC Denali, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX570, ) and this was the obvious choice. The 08 interior upgrade is dramatic and makes this truly feel like a luxury SUV. Lots of technology/luxury (HID lights, keyless start, HDD Navi, Front/Rear Sonar, intelligent cruise control, rear Camera, heated steering wheel, power 3rd row seat etc.) that make this truck feel like a million bucks. The interior is very flexible. We have the bench seat and 2 car seats and can still get 2-3 adults in the 3rd row. We take several trips/year from VA to HH, SC and can get 16/17 MPG even w/Thule box on top. No issues with reliabilty

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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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  Love it! - 2007 Infiniti QX56
  By nanny - June 20 - 9:26 am

  I purchased my vehicle in Jan 07 and have 3700 miles on it. This car is a dream to drive. I had driven a van or suburban for 25 years and wanted something different. I test drove the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade but didnt care for them. The Lexus was just too small. I went ahead and purchased the QX56 even after reading some very bad reviews because I talked to several owners of the QX56 and they loved theirs. The main problems I read were with the brake system. Mine brakes just fine. I feel very safe in this solid vehicle. I get approx 14 mpg in town and 17 to 18 on the hwy. West Houston Infiniti is great. I wouldnt recomend Clear Lake - not very friendly.

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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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  its big but practical - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By maybeso - May 3 - 7:23 pm

  Great truck; practical interior with the folding rear bench and middle chairs; drives nice--firm suspension and no-slop steering; engine is STRONG; dash design a little quirky but the quality is much better than the domestic competition.

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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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  Best of the luxury Beasts - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By gdatlanta1 - April 3 - 3:40 am

  Bought this SUV loaded for my wife 4 months ago. We use it for a family of 4. The technology has been great and the power & Luxury is what I wanted in a big SUV. We looked at the big Lexus(less power,room,higher price). The Benz GL(less room,higher price, new BodyS coming soon).The X5(horrible reliability-I own an 08 550 now-nothing but trouble).The Range Rover(higher price, lowest resale, terrible reliability). Escalade(poor fit and finish, resale value poor). We have received more complements on the interior of this vehicle from friends who own competitor SUVs than I can mention. We wanted the fit and finish of a Lexus and the driving characteristics of the German models. We got it.