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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  Best SUV yet! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Sharondez - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Always had a large suv but wanted somthing more luxurious and solid, saw the tv commercial for QX and i knew i had to have it. Mine came with a wheel package on it, (Someone did it after shipping to dealer) there was no comparison when it sat next to the others had to have it. Just be careful if doing it after market make sure your tire sensors will still be able to read the tire pressure, was told some may not be able to.

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  To many bugs - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Karlsson - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in 2007 and since then have had to many bugs in the car like, backup camera failure, seat belt tensioner replacements, airbag light blinking,air pressure leveler failing, brake problems, rear hatch opening by its self, front axle joints making noises, tire air valves failing and so on. I spent like over 5000 big ones already on a car less than 5 years old.

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  Nice Vehicle but Limited Music System - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By Dave - February 6 - 6:20 pm

  This is a great vehicle if you need / want a large SUV and dont mind the poor gas mileage. My only major disappointment was to discover the only method of getting a song onto the hard drive is to rip it directly from an audio CD. Anyone who has spent the time to move their music collection to a computer understands the amount of time this requires and would find it ludicrous to have to do this again in a car one CD at a time. In addition, the Compact Flash slot will only read up to 500 songs regardless of the size of the CF card (A cheap 4 gigabyte CF card will hold approx 1000 songs). These issues limit the usefulness of the music system, but if that is not important, the car is great

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  QX56 for Mom - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By QX56 for Mom - February 4 - 1:53 pm

  Plenty of room for family of 5 with room for the friends. Handles suprising well for such a large vehicle....No big suprises about the gas milage. Hey, have a large family need a large vehicle, better be able to affor the gas.

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  The Best of the Best - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By Jeff C - February 1 - 7:06 pm

  I owned a 2004 (first year model) and had several problems with it. I finally decided to get a new one to take advantage of all the modifications and upgrades. Boy were there a lot of them. From the much more luxurious interior (more wood grain) to folding mirrors with directional signal, heated steering wheel, larger DVD screen, power rear seat, larger wheels.... and the list goes on and on. They did everything right and I am in love with my 2008.

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  What a beast! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Usually German - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. The luxury is typical of Infiniti. The exhaust note of that low end torque is very nice. If rides very smooth. My only complaint is that the front end feels heavy so some women might not like the steering.

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  What a disappointment! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By jmu - January 23 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for 2 1/2 months, and it has been in service 23 days! 3/4 tires needed replacing, navigation system doesnt work, paint came off front bumper when washing with a cloth, wood panel fell out of side door, drivers electric motor in window didnt work....The service dept. has been awesome, but Infiniti wont stand behind the quality (or lack there of) of their vehicles. We paid $14K extra to go with the Infiniti QX56 instead of Nissan Armada because of the quality issues we read in the consumer reviews. At least Infiniti has provided us with a car while ours has been in service! Issues with the car still remain.

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  Great Value for the price - 2010 Infiniti Q56 - 2010 Infiniti QX56
  By jeth - January 15 - 1:53 am

  Recently bought a used 2010 Q56 with 10K miles on it. It is basically brand new. The 2011 is awesome but the older model now is a great buy if interested. Great comfort, technology options, fun to drive, solid SUV for my 2 boys and all their friends too. The Q56 was $10K-$15K cheaper than the Cadillac and Sequoia at 35K+ miles. The Q56 was super close in bling, comfort, technology, performance and gas mileage. The 2nd row buckets and 3rd row bench is much better than the Caddy. If you are looking for a great SUV that in my opinion equals GM, Toyota, Lexus but costs much less check this SUV out.

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  Great SUV but Handling and Brake Issues - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By time4akshun - December 31 - 9:10 am

  I have owned my QX56 for about 5 years now and love the size, love the navi, loive the back up camera, love the interior and love the entertainment system. Driving this car though, has always been a challenge. I have had constant alignment and suspension problems and the brakes...oh the brakes. This super heavy truck warps brakes yearly!!! I am on a final set hopefully, slotted and drilled but wish I didnt have to go aftermarket! You would think Infiniti would have matched their rotors to the weight of the car!! Questioning getting another although I love the styling.

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  Big, Bold, and Beautiful - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By krookey - December 17 - 5:00 am

  I bought this SUV for my wife after looking at the Mercedes GL, Lexus 460, and Escalade. The interior was superior to all competitors, more luxurious, and more confortable. Add 400 HP, silky, ultra smooth ride, and front seats that rival any lazyboy recliner, and it is a clear winner. I swear that the acceleration feels faster than my Porsche Cayman, and feels rock solid like my Mercedes. The tech features are cool, and can keep you entertained. Now for the exterior styling, I applaud Infiniti for taking a bold, new statement that stands out amongst the "Camery-Diseased", boring, SUV boxes that litter the road. Dare to be different, an identity, an Individual.