2002 Infiniti QX4: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cruise control designed to maintain a set distance from other traffic is the main QX4 addition for 2002. QX4 is essentially a dressed-up Nissan Pathfinder; Infiniti is Nissan's luxury division. QX4 shares Pathfinder's 240-hp V6 and automatic transmission. It offers rear-wheel drive or Nissan's All-Mode 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Front side airbags are standard, as is ABS, though brakes are front-disc/rear-drum. QX4 shares Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control with Infiniti's flagship Q45 sedan. Employing laser sensors, the system is designed to automatically speed or slow the QX4 to keep a constant distance from cars ahead. Also new for '02 is a revised audio system, plus audio controls for the available leather and wood-grain steering wheel. The optional rear-seat video entertainment system offers a choice of VCR or DVD player. QX4's performance and accommodations are similar to those of the Pathfinder.

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 are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.