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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  The Ultimate SUV experiance - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By vegas Dan - March 30 - 5:36 pm

  For my family This is by far the Best SUV ever created! And it is still under-priced compared to The lexus counterpart. And we were also excited to know that Nissan will not have a body style similar to this in Northern America.

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  Best SUV Ive ever bought hands down! - 2010 Infiniti QX56
  By infiniti happi - March 4 - 8:30 pm

  Infiniti qx56 has all that I wanted in one vehicle, looks, ride, power and much more. Sure the gas mileage is low but at least I am safe, my family is safe, I have everything I want in this vehicle. I am hooked...

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  This one stands out from the rest - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By AMEDESU - March 1 - 4:26 am

  I didnt know too much about the infinitis. Then, i started seeing commercials, ads, and some around town. I was over the "sporty" suv look. I wanted something classy and different. I looked into the infinity qx56 and i fell in love with it. I loved it so much that i had all the extras that you can imagine put on for me.. 22"Rims, 2 part grill, 3 tvs. I went for it! I get double takes on my car all the time and compliments on it! Infinity of montclair dealership team was great! Thank you for buying my car of my dreams honey! Dr. Michael & emma lawrence

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  75000 miles and still great! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By BogeyMan - February 15 - 11:33 pm

  After 4 1/2 years and 75K miles, this vehicle cannot be beat. We drive locally, long distance, in snow, heat and traffic. We couldnt ask for a better ride, fit finish and overall reliability. All we do are regular oil changes, tire rotations and scheduled maintenance and this truck runs great. We had an unfortunate experience hitting a VERY large deer once, and had we been in anything else, the deer would have been in our laps. We were safe, the deer escaped, and all we had to replace was the front grill and hood. Insurance covered it. Even all the toys (DVD system, Navigation, Sirius, power lift gate) remain in great working order. We love this SUV, and the paint still shines like new!

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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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  Greatest SUV Ive ever had!!! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By silveradohd - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Folks, I test drove the following: Lexus 470, mercedes M500 and G500, Range Rovers, Lincolns, Escalade, Hummer H1 and H2, VW Toureg, and QX56. I enjoyed the QX56, Toureg, and H2 in that order. The rest didnt feel right to me. I have had my QX56 for one month and 1100 miles and absolutely love it. I had it at my ranch doing off road chores and the low range was excellent (not offered on some of the luxury boats) I got 18.7 round trip in mileage in the first 1000 will get better as things break in somewhat. For record I have owned a Escalade and two H1s and never again will own another of them.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Larry I. Smith - February 3 - 12:23 am

  Great style and comfort. Im impressed with the ride and electronic features such as Nav. and rear video monitor. Very spacious and fun to drive.

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  Comfortable ride, even with glitches - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Payson - January 20 - 1:36 am

  This new SUV is a lesson in comfort and style on the inside. But Infiniti is still working out the 1st year glitches. AFter a few months the SUV shook violently every time brakes were applied. The Infiniti service team discovered the QX56 has the same exact brake system as the G35! The brakes are way too small for this heavy truck. Big design flaw. Brakes had to be totally replaced early on, but with the same small system which is doomed to fail again. Overall it is fun to drive, handles remarkably well for such a big SUV and is very comfortable. I just suggest waiting until Infiniti gets the kinks worked out.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By JR69 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Really love my QX.....! Exterior and interior are very nice and also comfortable. Both functional and easy on the eye. As per any large vehicle mileage isnt so great but my last car only got about 17 miles per gallon so 14 from the truck isnt so bad. Only issue I have is a little ear pressure when driving with windows all closed.

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  Better Quality than a Chevrolet / GMC - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Shawn - January 7 - 8:26 am

  Thus far the ride, craftmanship and luxury features are better than the 2001 Suburban and 2004 GMC Yukon XL that I previously owned. We are really enjoying the QX56.