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2007 Infiniti QX56 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2007 Infiniti QX56 Review
This SUV is a luxury version of the Armada from Infiniti's parent company, Nissan. They share a 5.6-liter V8; it has 320 hp in QX56, 317 in Armada. The transmission is a 5-speed automatic with tow/haul mode. QX56 comes with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and load-leveling suspension are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows and include rollover deployment. QX56 seats seven with 2nd-row buckets, eight with a no-extra-cost 2nd-row bench. The 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. All rear seats fold flat. Standard features include xenon headlights, power liftgate, wood/leather interior trim, heated front and 2nd-row seats, and power-adjustable pedals. QX56 also comes with a navigation system, rear obstacle detection, wireless cell phone link, and a rearview camera. Options include DVD entertainment and adaptive cruise control. QX56 performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Armadas.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
News
Q56 should see little or no change through model-year 2009, after which a redesigned model is due. The same holds for Nissan Armada. Sales of both these big SUVs peaked early and have been slow ever since--very slow with the recent spike in gas prices. Unless the market turns more favorable, the 2010 replacements are likely to be smaller and lighter, with a less hulking appearance--something akin to GM's latest big SUVs.
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2007 Infiniti QX56 Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Handling
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4WD Base Class Average
5 5.4

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 several test examples caused unseemly leaps away from a stop. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.
Fuel Economy

4WD Base Class Average
2 2.5

Test QX56s averaged 11.0-12.9 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

4WD Base Class Average
6 6.6

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 Base Class Average
4 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 Base Class Average
6 6.7

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 Base Class Average
5 6

Lots of controls, not all optimally arranged or marked. Some mount on horizontal surfaces, others on vertical panels. Central audio and navigation controls mimic those of other Infinitis, take a little time to learn. Three-knob climate system not as simple as it looks. Gauges and navigation screen well-placed, but can wash out in certain light conditions. Aluminum and wood accents give QX56 an upscale ambience befitting a luxury SUV. Still, some knobs have cheap, hollow feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Base Class Average
9 8.3

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 Base Class Average
7 7.1

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, as is seating space.
Cargo Room

4WD Base Class Average
8 7.3

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. Split 3rd-row backrests flop 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 Base Class Average
4 5.5

Though it doesn't trounce the competition any more than does the less-expensive Nissan Armada upon which it is based, QX56 is a capable big rig. And it costs little more than a fully optioned Armada. Both suffer the usual sumo-SUV woes, especially poor fuel economy. But the Infiniti version boasts a more upscale air than the Nissan, a longer warranty, and the promise of superior customer service expected of a premium brand.
Total Score

4WD Base Class Average
56 59.4
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
42
Average Score
59
High Score
70
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2007 Infiniti QX56 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/13/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base 4-door wagon $49,950 $45,888 $800
AWD Base 4-door wagon $53,050 $48,730 $800
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.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure 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 split folding bench seat, wood and aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and turn signals, 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, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, 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
Load-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/70R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, tow-hitch receiver, 7-wire harness, skid plates.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Tow Pkg.
2WD
$350
$302
Tow-hitch receiver, 7-wire harness. Requires power sunroof, DVD entertainment system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
Base
$1,600
$1,379
Requires power sunroof.
Satellite radio
Base
$350
$302
Requires power sunroof.
Adaptive 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
$120
$96
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2007 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. 77.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 5714
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. --
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. 320 @ 4900
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 393 @ 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
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
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
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