2004-2008 Infiniti QX56: Road Test

Takeoffs are fairly strong in the QX56, which weighs several hundred pounds more than Armada. It's definitely no neck-snapper, but even passing sprints are reasonably brisk for a big, heavy SUV. The handy tow/haul mode complements an alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission. An overly-sensitive throttle pedal on one test example caused unseemly leaps away from a stop. Fuel economy sinks to mediocre level. A test QX56 averaged only 12.9 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Infiniti recommends premium fuel, too. Although the QX56 rides a tad smoother than Armada, with a more absorbent suspension, rough roads and patchy pavement still induce shuddery jiggle at highway speeds. That's typical of body-on-frame trucks with big wheels and tires. Still, the QX56 smothers most small bumps and stays reasonably flat over large swells. One test example suffered suspension creaking over low-speed bumps. Handling is big-truck ponderous and even clumsy, especially in close quarters, but a QX56 is capable on winding roads--within its limits. Expect very good straightline stability, though some testers said steering lacked sharp on-center feel. Steering feels firm, in any case, but reacts slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior is generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Stopping power also is good, though some testers have complained of excessive pedal free play. Extra sound deadening makes QX56 a bit quieter than Armada, but engine roar is still noticeable during full-throttle acceleration. Tire thrum intrudes somewhat on coarse pavement, but wind rush and road noise are subdued. Upscale compared to Armada, the QX56 has an abundance of controls, not all of which are optimally arranged or identified. Some are mounted on horizontal surfaces, others on vertical panels. Central audio and navigation controls mimic those of other Infinitis, take a little time to learn, and the three-knob climate system isn't as simple as it looks. Easy-to-read gauges and the navigation screen are well placed, but can wash out in certain light conditions. While Armada's cabin is plain, aluminum and wood accents give the QX56 more upscale ambience, befitting a luxury SUV. Still, some knobs have a cheap, hollow feel. Big-rig step-in height is not fully offset by standard running boards. Front occupants ride high on wide, supportive seats with ample head and leg room. The power-adjustable seat, pedals, and tilt steering wheel aid driver comfort. Despite generally good visibility, helped by jumbo mirrors and unobtrusive headrests, a tall stance hides nearby objects. Rear-window tinting is heavy, so standard rear-obstacle detection and the available rearview camera are helpful. Running boards also help mitigate lofty rear-seat step-in, but not the high-mount outer door handles that are shared with Armada. Second-row space is bountiful, but seats are ordinary in shape and support. They tilt up for third-row access, which is tight for adults. Adults probably will also dislike the third row's hard, flat bench seat and limited space. The load floor is high, as in Armada, but QX56 includes a handy power liftgate. Only grocery-bag space is available behind the third-row seat, plus modest under-floor storage. The third-row backrest flops down to extend the load deck. Folding the second row requires rotating cushions, then dropping seatbacks, but no headrests need be removed. The right-front seatback also folds for extra-long cargo. Raising third-row seats requires crawling into the load area or climbing into the second row. Numerous bins, pockets, and beverage holders provide great small-items storage.

Value for the Money
Though it doesn't trounce the competition any more than Armada does in its field, QX56 is a capable big rig. Engine performance is laudable, but it trails key rivals on third-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. Both suffer the usual giant-SUV woes--especially poor fuel economy--but the Infiniti boasts a more upscale aura. Quality gaffes in some test models suggest caution, but Nissan and Infiniti have good reputations for mechanical reliability.