2000 Infiniti QX4: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This luxury version of the Nissan Pathfinder has seen little change since its 1997 debut, though standard front side airbags were among several updates for "1999 1/2" when Pathfinder got a more visible makeover (and optional sidebags). QX4 follows suit with a facelifted "2000 1/2" model that's due next March featuring a new 3.5-liter version of the familiar Nissan/Infiniti 3.0 passenger-car V6.
Until then, this sport-utility vehicle continues with its truck-based 3.3-liter V6, specific styling, and Nissan's All-Mode full-time four-wheel drive. The last has four settings selected by a dashboard switch, including an "Auto" position that allows using 4-wheel drive on dry pavement and a 4WD-Low mode for severe off-roading. Pathfinder, by contrast, still offers only on-demand 4WD intended just for slippery surfaces.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive. Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner. If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.