1997-2000 Infiniti QX4: Road Test

Claims that a QX4 drives like a car rather than a truck are essentially accurate. The luxury wagon's firm suspension absorbs bumps better than many competitive SUVs. You also enjoy relatively low noise levels, plus confident cornering ability with good grip and little body lean. But don't be misled: The QX4 does not ride like a luxury sedan. Also, the V6 engine sounds and feels rough when worked hard. Unfortunately, that's exactly what is needed to provide decent passing power. Acceleration is adequate in any case, aided by an automatic transmission that shifts smoothly, but sometimes hesitates to kick down into a lower gear for passing or merging. Gas mileage is not a bonus. We averaged only 12.5 miles per gallon in a mix of city and freeway driving, reaching a high of 15.2 mpg on the highway. Step-in is high even with the standard running boards. Rear access is complicated by back doors that are narrow at the bottom and don't open to an angle close to 90 degrees. Once inside, all-around head and leg room are adequate for four adults (but not five), though rear passengers have virtually no under-seat foot space. Cargo room, on the other hand, is plentiful even with the 60/40 rear seat in place. Conversion requires swinging the cushion forward and removing the headrests, but the seatbacks then lie flat to create a long, wide deck. The driver can expect good visibility and a convenient, easy-to-understand dashboard layout. Standard dual power front seats combine with a tilt steering wheel for easy tailoring of the driver's position to suit just about anyone.

Value for the Money
Considered in terms of value, the QX4 does not look particularly competitive against such rivals as the Mercedes-Benz ML320, which is roomier and rides more smoothly; or the very carlike Lexus RX 300. In fact, a well-equipped Nissan Pathfinder delivers just about as much as the QX4 for markedly fewer dollars, either new or used.