2007 Infiniti QX56
Expert Review

There seems to be no stopping the continual introduction of big, fuel-thirsty sport-utility vehicles. Not even predicted record gasoline prices for this summer seem to be denting demand.

The latest of these behemoths is the QX56 from Nissan's upscale Infiniti luxury division. The QX56 replaces the lackluster QX4. It looks impressive because of its sheer size, not because of its bland styling. That's strange because the smaller Infiniti FX is one of the raciest looking sport-utility vehicles.

Was the stylist on vacation when the QX56 was created? Look at that blunt nose with the oversized grille. And the fixed glass behind the third side roof pillars seems to be an afterthought.

Strong Engine
It's a mystery what "QX" stands for, but this truck gets the "56" part of its name from its large 5.6-liter V8, which is hooked to a responsive 5-speed automatic transmission and produces a large amount of neck-snapping torque for towing such things as your big favorite boat. No problem.

Fuel economy of the QX56 is not something to be talked about in polite company, although the same can be said for the economy of its rivals. This Infiniti gets an estimated 13 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway with rear-wheel drive and 13 and 18 with all-wheel drive.

None of these big guys are cheap. The QX56 costs $47,700 with rear-wheel drive and $50,400 with all-wheel drive, which is a good system with low-range gearing that's worth the extra money to get additional traction. After all, a high 5,360-pound vehicle that is 206.9 inches long needs all the traction help it can get.

NBA-Style Room
The QX56 can hold up to seven adults with its standard second row "captain's chairs" or up to eight with an available second row bench seat. The third-row seat is easily reached, and there is seemingly enough room for an NBA starting team—although it helps to have NBA agility to get in and out of this 78-inch-high truck.

The cargo area is large, and second- and third-row seats fold flat for more cargo space. The power-operated tailgate has a convenient glass panel.

Despite the popularity of huge sport-utes, it's unlikely that the QX56 would have seen the light of day if it weren't based on the Nissan Armada, which is the automaker's first entry in the lucrative full-size SUV market.

In turn, the Armada is based on Nissan's Titan pickup truck, which is among the new crop of big Japanese pickups designed to steal sales from American full-size pickups, such as the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado.

Impressive Drive
But nevermind all that because the QX56 doesn't drive awkwardly despite its size and weight. It has remarkably good steering, handling and braking for such a big fella. Helping out here are chrome wheels fitted with big 18-inch tires, traction and anti-skid control systems and anti-lock brakes.

Providing a smooth ride are a long 123.2-inch wheelbase and a car-like independent rear suspension with an automatic load-leveling feature.

Being an uptown Infiniti model, the QX56 has a church-quiet interior stuffed with Sojourner leather seat material and thick Tuscano carpeting. There's wood trim on the center console cover and steering wheel and aluminum accents on the steering wheel trim and instrument panel finisher. Still, some may complain that the interior contains too much plastic.

The interior design is subdued in almost a British luxury vehicle manner and might make occupants feel wealthier than they are. Gauges are easily read and there are straightforward controls, along with loads of comfort and convenience equipment.

Standard are power front seats, heated front and second-row seats, power adjustable pedals, an elaborate Bose audio system and navigation and rear-obstacle detection systems.

Options include satellite radio, rear DVD entertainment system and a cruise control system that maintains a set following distance from a vehicle ahead. There's also an optional RearView Monitor system that uses a camera to provide a view of what's behind the QX56, with a picture projected on the truck's navigation system monitor.

Safety Items
There's also plenty of safety stuff, including front-seat side airbags, head-protecting side-curtain airbags for all three seating rows and tire pressure monitors.

The QX56 is a solid new attempt by Infiniti to be competitive in the large luxury sport-utility market. Now if something could only be done about that styling.