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2005 Infiniti QX56 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Infiniti QX56 Review:
2005 Infiniti QX56 Review
Infiniti's large SUV is a slightly restyled premium version of the Armada wagon from parent-company Nissan. QX56 seats up to eight and comes standard with such features as a power liftgate, wood and leather interior trim, 18-inch chrome wheels, and xenon headlights. It shares Armada's 5.6-liter V8, but has 315 hp, 10 hp more than the Nissan. A 5-speed automatic with tow/haul mode is the sole transmission. QX56 offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and automatic load-leveling rear suspension are standard. It seats seven with 2nd-row bucket seats, eight with an available 2nd-row bench. Both the 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold flat. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags for all three seating rows, and a tire-pressure monitor are standard. Also included are heated front and 2nd-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, navigation system, and rear obstacle detection. Also standard is a TV camera that displays a rear view on the navigation screen when the transmission is in Reverse. Options include satellite radio, rear DVD entertainment, and radar cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. QX56's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Nissan Armadas.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are really super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.
Our Best Buys is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.
Our Best Buys is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.
News
A few interior tweaks are rumored for the 2006 QX56, though it's unclear what's involved. Otherwise, this bruiser won't change much in the next year or two.
2005 Infiniti QX56 Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test QX56 averaged 12.9 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2005 Infiniti QX56 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/29/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 4-door wagon | $48,350 | $44,421 | $700 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base 4-door wagon | $51,350 | $47,171 | $700 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
5.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-inflation monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls and manual rear controls, power steering, power tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd-row bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, pedals), 3rd-row folding bench seat, wood and aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer w/rear controls, analog clock, tachometer, navigation system, rearview camera, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, power liftgate, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rack, running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
7-wire trailer harness, load-leveling rear suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/70R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,600
|
$1,379
|
|
Requires power sunroof.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$345
|
|
Requires monthly fee after 2nd month.
|
||
|
Radar cruise control
|
||
|
Base
|
$800
|
$689
|
|
Requires power sunroof.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,200
|
$1,034
|
|
2nd-row split folding seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Mud guards
|
||
|
Base
|
$210
|
$
|
|
|
||
2005 Infiniti QX56 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Infiniti QX56 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 123.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 206.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 77.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5631 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 61.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 28.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.6 /341 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 315 @ 4900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 390 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Infiniti QX56 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Infiniti QX56 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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