2007 Infiniti QX56 Review

The QX56 is a full-size luxury SUV that first debuted in 2004. Based on the Nissan Armada, the QX56 improves on its sibling with an array of luxury features. Despite its luxury heritage, the QX56 is as tough as they come, able to tow up to 9,000 pounds. Its power should come as no surprise, considering that it’s the first Infiniti to be built in the United States.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Infiniti QX56 is a big, powerful SUV that still manages to make a statement of sophistication. With enough room to seat the whole family comfortably, the QX56 is perhaps the ultimate luxury SUV experience. It lacks, however, a few standard luxury features that can be had in other models, for much cheaper.

What’s New For 2007:

The QX56’s V8 engine has been bumped up by five horses, along with a slight increase in torque. Midnight Blue is a new exterior color option. The QX56 comes in one fully-loaded trim, with your choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the QX56 2.5 stars for overall design quality. Problems affecting the QX56 include malfunctioning cruise control, engine noise, engine stalling, transmission leaks, and water leaks. No recalls have been issued. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 60,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The QX56 earned an average of 4.5 stars in government frontal crash tests. Other crash test data is not available. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, parking sensors, a rear-view monitor, tire-pressure monitoring, and stability control are all standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Tons of room
+ Fully loaded
+ Drives surprisingly well

Cons
– Mediocre crash test scores
– Expensive to fuel
– Somewhat poor value

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Acura MDX costs $2,000 less, has standard AWD, DVD player, third row seating, a moonroof, and gets four more miles to the gallon. But the QX56 has a larger eight-cylinder, as opposed to the MDX’s V6. The Land Rover LR3 costs nearly $2,000 less, has standard 4WD, a six-speed transmission, and more payload capacity. The QX56, however, has a slightly larger engine and standard navigation. The Lexus GX 470 costs $3,000 less, has standard AWD, moonroof, and a roof rack, but has a smaller engine with 60 less hp, less payload capacity, and lacks the QX56’s standard navigation.

What Others Are Saying:

“Surprisingly drivable for such a huge vehicle, the Infiniti QX56 includes essential technology, but filling its 28-gallon tank will hurt.” – C|Net

“Despite its urban glitz, don’t think that the QX56 is just a city slicker. The AWD version, complete with independent double wishbone suspension fore and aft, ten inches of ground clearance and computer-controlled, four-channel, four-sensor automatic brakes can handle most rough terrains, whether you find yourself there by accident or on purpose. However, given the fact that crashing through the underbrush isn’t the best thing for all that chrome alloy on the exterior, you probably won’t be taking it off-road too often.” – Forbes

“I fell in love with the QX 56 at this point but I still must emphasize this is not a vehicle for a city driver. It’s way too big and it would be a pig on gas in short haul conditions. This thing is at its best on the open highway where you can expect about 15mpg. It cruises nicely at 80 mph plus and is able to handle the roughest rural roads you’re likely to encounter behind the wheel of a $60,000 plus vehicle – trick ATTESA-ETS 4WD control system or no.” – About.com

Read more about the 2007 Infiniti QX56 at the Infiniti manufacturer web site.