2005 Infiniti QX56: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.