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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  Needs Improvement - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By cjaynes - January 10 - 11:36 am

  Beautiful car poor performance. The vehicle has terrible vibration in the roof. Since my purchase in June 2004 I have had several problems such as brakes, seats, handling, vibration, dvd, and back hatch. Dont waste your money. Infiniti clearly needs to work on the quality if they are going to compete in the luxury suv market. I want to get rid of mine but wouldnt want some other poor sucker get it.

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  Used & Pleased - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Black Bullet - January 9 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased used 2004 corporate lease with 77k miles in excellent condition. Read most Edmunds reviews prior to purchase and some of the negative reviews I have not seen. I will confirm that the DVD monitor button rattles when in use. The back door rattles only when one hits a moderate jolt, but so far we love it. Lots of room with four captain chairs, powerful engine.

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  Love my QX56 - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By mcheadle - January 5 - 10:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for about 2 weeks and it is amazing. Pure luxury! A pleasure to drive. Awesome interior. Handles extremely well. Love the GPS and backup camera. Roomy and comfortable.

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  LOVE MY QX56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By qx56 - December 30 - 3:30 pm

  I have been thrilled with this great SUV. I am a widow with 4 children and I am a Realtor. I have never had any problems with it and it out performs my former suburban. It is the best vehicle I have ever had for the Minnesota winter driving. Lots of room for hauling and lots of entertainment for the kids!

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By s doughty - December 29 - 5:10 am

  we have had nothing but problems with this car. Brakes have been replaced 3 times already, cruise has never worked, front window gets stuck continuely, dvd replaced twice, and the car is now beginning to rattle at various spots. We are trying to use the lemon law to get our money back.

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  Lap of Luxury - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By Lap of Luxury - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased, but drove it home 200 miles and we absolutely love it. I have owned a lot of vehicles; everything from a porsche 911 turbo to a Ford F250. Everthing is based on personal perception, but I have read reviews from the pros that say the qx is massive, hard to park, and sucks gas...I dont agree in the least when you consider capability. We got 19.5 on the hwy doing 80 and loaded down. The qx is silent inside (test drove porsche & acura; both had a lot of road noise). The build quality,interior materials, etc. are fantastic and what you get for the $ is a bargain + you wont see yourself coming and going....the dealers arent getting a lot of these...love, love, love it.

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  good, but my M45 is better - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By kingman - December 1 - 11:03 am

  Outperforms any comparable SUV by a county mile, extremely comfortable on long trips, 19mpg is a complete fiction, more like 13. Looks improve dramatically with custom wheels (mine are 22"). Hard to adjust a/c comfortably, though its powerful, same with stereo system. DVD system is complicated. Have had problems with shuddering during braking, but Infiniti service is first class - they try very hard to please

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Yoyo - November 23 - 3:06 am

  Great vehicle to drive, obviously a great drive as it is an Infiniti. Well made with great power and amenities.

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  very nice - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By atorreon - November 16 - 5:48 am

  very nice lux suv...great size and comfort. if you are looking from a great family hauler and can handle the 12mpg than choose this. the qx is loaded with several things other brands are just starting to do...a great example is the rearview camera which cadillac/gm/others dont do

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  Everything Done Right - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By JB - November 10 - 2:13 pm

  We are extremely happy with the QX. After looking at everything out there, (and I do mean everything), we chose the QX for its blend of comfort, performance, quality, features and style. There are other vehicles out there that do some of the individual aspects better, but none that impart the thoughtful implementation that makes this vehicle the whole package. Everything is well thought out and very well executed. After living with it for awhile, you realize that all the "little things" are just right, and everything works together in harmony for a delightful driving experience. Exceptional value for the money.