Acceleration

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.1

QX56 weighs several hundred pounds more than Armada. It's no neck-snapper, but getaways and passing sprints are reasonably brisk for a big, heavy SUV. Too-sensitive throttle pedal on one test example caused unseemly leaps away from a stop. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.

Fuel Economy

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
2	2

Test QX56 averaged 12.9 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.8

A tad smoother than Armada, but rough roads still induce shuddery jiggle--typical of body-on-frame trucks with big wheels and tires. Still, QX56 smothers most small bumps and stays reasonably flat over large swells. One test example suffered suspension creaking over low-speed bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3.4

Big-truck ponderous, especially in close quarters, but QX56 is capable on winding roads within its limits. Very good straightline stability, though some testers say steering lacks sharp on-center feel. AWD can be locked in rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel High, or 4-wheel Low; "Auto" setting selects 2WD or 4WD as needed.

Quietness

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6

Extra sound deadening makes QX56 a bit quieter than Armada, but engine roar still noticed in full-throttle acceleration. Tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement. Wind rush subdued.

Controls

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.6

An abundance of controls, and not always optimally arranged or identified. Some 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. Gauges and navigation screen well-placed, but can wash out in certain light conditions. Where Armada's cabin is plain, aluminum and wood accents give QX56 more-upscale ambience befitting a luxury SUV. Still, some knobs have cheap, hollow feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	8.1

Big-rig-steep step-in not fully offset by standard running boards. Occupants ride high on wide, supportive seats with ample head and leg room. Included power-adjustable seat, pedals, and tilt steering wheel are boons for driver comfort. Generally good visibility, but tall stance hides close-by objects. Rear-window tinting heavy, so standard rear obstacle detection and available rearview camera helpful.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.7

Running boards help mitigate another lofty step-in, but not the high-mount outer door handles or narrowish entryways shared with Armada. Bountiful 2nd-row space, but seats ordinary for shape and support. They tilt up for 3rd-row access, which is tight for adults. Adults likely will also dislike 3rd-row's hard, flat bench seat and limited space.

Cargo Room

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7.8

High load floor, as in Armada, but QX56 includes handy power liftgate. Only grocery-bag space behind 3rd-row seat, plus modest under-floor storage. Third-row backrest flops down to extend load deck; 2nd row requires rotating cushions, then dropping seatbacks, but no headrests need be removed. Right-front seatback also folds for extra-long cargo. Numerous bins, pockets, and beverage holders, so great small-items storage.

Value within Class

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4.6

Though it doesn't trounce the competition any more than Armada does in its field, QX56 is a capable big rig. And it costs little more than a loaded Armada. Both suffer the usual sumo-SUV woes, especially poor fuel economy. But the Infiniti boasts a more upscale air, longer warranty, and the promise of superior customer service.

Total Score

4WD w/nav. sys.	Class Average
57	55.1

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		23
Average Score		55
High Score		64