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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  Infinitis greatest luxury SUV - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Coach Raul - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The QX56 may be the best SUV on the road right now. Its big (the FX looks like a little kid next to it), its powerful, and it has all the luxury items that are expected of the Infiniti name. Traded in my 02 Escalade for it and never looked back.

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  RattleSUV - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By RattleSUV - December 25 - 8:16 pm

  The car has had enough rattles for 20 auto. It has been in service at least every month working on the rattle and front wheel rattle. Would never purchase another Infiniti again after this experience.

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  Yo Sappys 2004 Cobalt Blue QX56 4WD - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By yosappy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my junky 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette V6 Minivan with my New Infiniti 4WD V8 QX56 and I absolutely LOVE it! I test drove all the competitors, Lincoln, Lexus, Caddy & Acura before I bought my QX56 and nobody could touch this beauty. It is not only gorgeous, as attested to by the many very nice complements I receive wherever I drive it, by children and adults; but, it has excellent power to boot. I have 2 Sons who I have to haul to baseball, soccer, football and sleep- overs. So far, it does it all. I had to haul 2 large bookcases and many clothes, books and toys and I simply pulled 3 handles to put all the 3 rear seats down and I fit everything in.

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  The Best SUV on the Market - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By SUV Fan - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We test drove between 10 and 15 SUVs from the Range Rover to the Honda Pilot over a 5 month period, many of them 2-3 times. We also read reviews from Edmunds, the New York Times, and Consumer Reports. Our conculsion was that the QX56 is the best SUV on the market by any measure (including price). We have owned the car for over a month now and have not been disappointed. I look forward to driving it and feel almost refreshed after long trips. We are really surprised by the value you get with this car vs. the Range Rover, Lexus, Land Cruiser, Denali, etc. The QX56 has a great ride and the best features for a very competitive price.

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  Best SUV Out There - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By OL - December 15 - 11:03 am

  The title speaks for itself. I bought the QX56 for my lead-footed wife and she loves it so much she may just keep it (unlike the other 3 SUVs in the last 5 years). She has not one single complaint. Maybe Ill surprise her and buy her a new one if there is a re- design.

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  A Poetry - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By ALEJANDRO - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. Its my first luxury SUV and worth every penny spent.

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  THE BEST LARGE LUXURY SUV UNDER $60K - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By xxxACExxx - September 3 - 4:16 pm

  I got 3 kids and my wife doesnt want a minivan. The QX56 is a true LUXURY SUV and I think its the best deal out there for the price. If you are looking for a large luxury SUV for your family, I would suggest the QX56. It has all the bells and whistles included in the price except for nav and Tech Package. Not like other company with extra options can raise the price another 10K.

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  8 Person Luxury Vehicle - 2010 Infiniti QX56
  By JR - August 19 - 7:23 am

  The seating in this SUV is awesome. We like the 3nd row middle seat that folds down to let the kids in the back. With 4 kids and grandma it is extremely comfortable. We looked at the Mercedes GL, Audi, and Sequoia and found this truck a much better deal and a much nicer ride and comfort. The electronics are great.

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  qx56 suv - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By miaschele - August 15 - 10:13 am

  Wanted to downsize, had 4 surburbans and was leary of change. Love this car, ride is the smoothest, interior is spacious and so fun to drive.I drove all the other luxury SUVs and this car is my favorite by far and fairly priced compared to others. The lack of cargo space is hard to get use to but that is part of downsizing.

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  qx56 - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By hux - August 6 - 10:00 am

  we have had the qx about one month. i am writing this brief synopsis because this was one of the tools in doing my new car research. we test drove and looked at both lexus suvs ..the toyota landcruiser..acura mdx..and the escalade. we kept coming back to the qx56. why we bought it: in our opinion it had the most "bang" for the buck..high quality leather..roomy..auto liftgate (wife loves this) ..navi..powerful sound system..nice interior trim(we only liked the light wood) my biggest draw back: the exterior doesnt seem as "refined" as the toyota or lexus ..however this is growing on me