Premium large SUV; Built in USA |
|
|
Good condition price range: $12,700 – $39,000* |
2004 Infiniti QX56
2004 Infiniti QX56
2004 Infiniti QX56
2004 Infiniti QX56
Pros: |
|
Cons: |
|
Though it doesn’t trounce the competition any more than Armada does in its field, QX56 is a capable big rig. Engine performance is laudable, but it trails key rivals on third-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. Both suffer the usual giant-SUV woes–especially poor fuel economy–but the Infiniti boasts a more upscale aura. Quality gaffes in some test models suggest caution, but Nissan and Infiniti have good reputations for mechanical reliability.
Overview
Introduced for 2004, Infiniti’s large sport-utility vehicle was a slightly restyled premium version of the Armada wagon from parent-company Nissan. Seating up to eight, the QX56 came standard with such features as a power liftgate, wood/leather interior trim, 18-inch chrome wheels, and xenon headlights. It shared Armada’s 5.6-liter V8 but had 315 horsepower–10 more than Nissan’s SUV.
A five-speed automatic with tow/haul mode was the sole transmission. The QX56 could have rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that included low-range gearing. The AWD system could be locked in rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel High, or 4-wheel Low; an “Auto” setting selected 2WD or 4WD as needed. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and automatic load-leveling rear suspension were standard. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 pounds.
Infiniti’s SUV seated seven with second-row bucket seats, or eight with an available second-row bench. Second- and third-row seats folded flat. Front side airbags, curtain side airbags for all three seating rows, and a tire-pressure monitor were standard. Every QX56 had xenon headlights, a power liftgate, and wood/leather trim.
Also included were heated front and second-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, a navigation system, and rear-obstacle detection. Options included satellite radio, DVD entertainment, and radar cruise control that was designed to maintain a set following distance. Also available was a camera that displayed a rear view on the navigation screen when the transmission was shifted into Reverse. Big-SUV competitors included the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Denali XL, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Yearly Updates
2005 QX56 Little changed in the QX56’s second season, but the rearview camera for parking assistance was now standard equipment. |
2006 QX56 Newly standard power-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors incorporated turn-signal lights. A wireless cell phone connection also became standard, and the formerly one-piece third-row bench was now split 60/40. |
2007 QX56 QX56 carried over unchanged. |
2008 QX56 The 2008 Infiniti QX56 got freshened exterior and interior styling. The third-row bench now came equipped with a standard power folding feature. Newly standard were 20-inch wheels and keyless access and starting. Freshened interior styling included real aluminum and wood trim. |
2009 QX56 QX56 was largely unchanged. |
2010 QX56 The 2010 Infiniti QX56 was largely unchanged for the final model year of its design. |