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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  2005 QX56 review - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By George Smith Jr. - November 16 - 8:50 am

  Vehicle is excellent. Very smooth on the road and very responsive around town. Really like the rear back-up camera. It is something all cars should have. Around town gas mileage is a little slim, but road milage is fine. Liked the way the rear two rows of seats fold away. Having owned three Lexuses before this purchase, Im very impressed with Infiniti. This car is bigger than the Lexus 470 and is better quality than the Cadillac Escalade

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  Infiniti QX 56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Jeff Centers - October 21 - 4:46 pm

  Vehicle is a pleasure to drive. I own numerous German autos and this one is comparable in quality, features, and especially comfort, at half the price. The power band is awesome, the transmission silky smooth, and the driver controls are well placed. Brakes could be better, and it has a pretty good blind spot on the driver side but you learn to accommodate. Overall it was a great purchase and I am proud to drive and be seen in it. It definitely turns heads everywhere we go.

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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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  suv king - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By alberto puig - September 23 - 4:53 am

  compare the prices around the others monsters on the market and youll find out it is a lot of truck for the money

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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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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Sarah - September 3 - 3:56 pm

  I just for the QX56 two weeks ago and it is a joy to drive. After driving a QX4 and a Toyota 4Runner, both of which were fine, the QX56 is the car Ive waited for. The ride is smooth and firm for such a big vehicle. I love the power of the V8 and the fact that I can take just about anything (and anyone) wherever I need to go. With only one child and one dog, my husband thinks Im nuts to drive such a big SUV, but I love how safe I feel. This is the 4th Infiniti weve owned and we cant imagine buying any other brand of car.

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  The Fortress - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Tommy - July 25 - 9:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle last year and I love it. Sure the gas mileage isnt that great, but if you spend that much money on a vehicle and all you do is worry about the gas mileage then maybe you shouldnt buy one. The power is unbelievable for an SUV of this size. I highly recommend the QX56.

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  Rattle and shaking NOT a luxury at all ! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Harry - July 22 - 9:53 pm

  Since I bought this car it has been a house of pain Rattling is so bad you can never imagine. It has been to dealership 4 times still NO FIX. Dealer is a nice team but they cannot rebuild the whole car. Now less than a year new AC broke, Breaks are gone, Back spoiler broke and flew on Highway If you love engine, wait til it starts giving you a hissing snake noise. DVD/TV interrupt with Audio. Remote on TV does not work. I have lost my patience and ***PLEASE DO NOT BUY IT NO Matter which couple of things you may like in this vehicle **** OR wait till Infinity fixes it all Do not be impressed by NEW Buyers Comments, They do not know what they got into..

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  Big, Beautiful & The Best - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By BD - July 15 - 12:20 pm

  This is my second Q and the difference between the two is substantial - previously owned a 2005. Infiniti has introduced to the market the quintessential SUV: style; comfort; luxury ride; quiet; technology; driving pleasure; smooth power; outstanding price point. I tested and researched all SUVs and literally there is no comparison. Those in the market for a SUV, all they have to do is test drive the Q and they will say the same. The Q56 has no rival and should be the SUV of the Year!

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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