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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  Problems with QX56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Jim Heine - May 20 - 5:56 pm

  The road performance is fine. The shortfall lies in the dash- poor heating and defroster times, too complicated to find proper settings for climate controls. Have had several minor breakdowns with basic functions ie windshield wipers,mirror motors. Probably would not buy again- Im a 3X infinity buyer.

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  Shake, Rattle and Rattle - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Larry Foles - April 10 - 5:23 am

  This car has a great drive train but rides rough, rattles and the wheels vibrate like crazy. The dealership says it was design so tight that you will feel more of the road. If the road is not a good road then you will feel it in the steering wheel. Im trying to get them to satisfy me but not getting anywhere. This car needs work.

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  wish I purchased foreign - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Ivette - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the QX56 when I drove it and loved the way it handled so we purchased it. I should have known this SUV was not a good thing when I noticed the armrest on the second row were unraveling. Since then we have had a squeak in the sunroof/DVD section that is unbarable. Its been in the shop 3 times for that.The navigation system stopped working after 1 1/2 months.The back roof panel has fallen down, the radio dial popped out above the DVD screen, the flat tire waring light comes on and there are no flat tires.The brakes and rotors replaced twice in 11600 miles.Been in shop for 48 days so far (still in shop).Parts always on back-order.Dealers been great/Infiniti has not!!!

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  Unreliable - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Katie - May 24 - 9:36 pm

  I am very unhappy with this car. First the brakes are recalled and then the hatchback broke on the day we needed to pack for camping. The electrical goes out randomly. The car thinks the emergency brake is on when it isnt and it then skids when I come to a stop. I feel very unsafe driving it. I do love how big it is. I do love the DVD for the kids. I love the automatic lift for the hatchback. The navigation screen is totally useless. I love the back up camera. I will not be able to buy another car without it. We are breaking our lease early to get rid of this car.

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  Too many problems - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By carl j - September 30 - 12:10 pm

  This could be a great car, but when you pay $55k for a luxury auto and then have the rattles, shakes, and bad brakes it doesnt matter how nice everything else is. I thought it would be worked out for 2005. Now I am suffering along with the 2004 owners. I wish I had never purchased this vehicle. It has taken a lot of time and energy to get Infiniti to make the fixes on this thing and it is still not better. I would rather be driving a common Tahoe or Sequoia. I may look good on the outside but I am too embarrassed to have friends, coworkers, clients etc ride in it. If you really want one, I advise to wait a few years and then reevaluate very conservatively or buy a 2004 for cheap.

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  Unreliable car, multiple problems - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By H.H. - September 17 - 3:10 pm

  This car has been very disappointing! Innumerable services required for multiple flaws (the major one being faulty design flaw for brakes requiring service every 3 months), as well as repairs for the rear hatch, sunroof, navigation system, back-up camera, and rattling DVD console. Have had car 12 months and in for service 13 times. Multiple complaints with this car are common (esp. re: brakes), so beware! Like the size it affords for a family, but it has been an incredible inconvenience. Research the internet on the problems with this vehicle and consider waiting to purchase until the manufacturer has worked out the kinks! Also beware our average is 12 MPG!

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  stay away from the qx 56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By steve - July 14 - 5:33 am

  we purchased this un tested piece of junk in july 2004, the dealership was very accomodating, but the car has been in the shop 4 times for the back up sensor , twice the front brakes had to be changed within 10,000 miles, the front end bottoms out on the wheel wells, "twice to repair that" the car has been in the shop on 10 different occasions, for a total of 31 days, infinity doesnt want to know any thing " the clowns in california not the dealer" stick to american send this scrap metal back to japan where it belongs

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  Lemon - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Lemon - February 6 - 9:13 am

  After reading all the other reviews im starting to belive that i was just sold a lemon. My drivers seat is comfortable although the other 6 are not. In the Winter i cannot get into the car because my handles become frozen shut (From Long Island - not cold temps). This Suv is absolutely top 5 for fuel guzzlers. Also, the wood pieces fall out of the doors when you close it. Like most other SUVs when opening the windows its like taking off in a plane (these windows are by far the worst at of all the suvs in its class).

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  Just Sold - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By HappyNow - May 23 - 11:06 pm

  I was greatly disappointed with my QX56. The car rattled the entire time I had it, 10 months. The overhead console had to be replaced. There were rattling issues with the front end.... I sold this SUV at a loss, but I was happy to get rid of it. I wish i had read these reviews before i bought this suv. To think i traded my lexus lx470, i wanted more room, for this big rattler.

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  Infiniti Consumer Affairs? - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By bummed - November 9 - 10:00 am

  With 1500 miles, airbag sensors needed to be replaced in passenger seat. Horn honks at random times. Called Infiniti Consumer Affairs and have been put through the ringer! Obviously an electrical glitch somewhere, vehicle has been in the shop for 2 weeks! Very disappointed with Infinitis support on a $65,000 vehicle! Buyer Beware!