2005 Infiniti QX56 Review

The Infiniti QX56 delivers class-leading capabilities among the full-size luxury SUVs. The QX56 comes with one of the most powerful V8s in the class. It boasts the top tow rating. And it offers serious off-road capability, an area where Nissan has a lot of experience. The QX56 is based on the full-size Nissan Titan pickup and Armada SUV.

The Infiniti QX56 is the perfect choice for pulling a boat or a horse trailer while hauling seven passengers in luxurious comfort. It offers seating for seven or eight and is rated to tow 8,900-9,000 pounds. Nissan's 5.6-liter 32-valve engine generates more torque than the V8s in the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The Lexus LX470 and Toyota Sequoia can't compete with the Infiniti's towing capability.

Out on the highway, the QX56 is smooth and quiet, benefiting from a four-wheel independent suspension and a smooth five-speed automatic. It feels responsive and sure-footed on winding roads. Yet it's capable off road; its four-wheel drive-system features a low range, and skid plates are available. It comes standard with latest in electronic stability control, traction control and ABS technology, all of which can help you maintain control in emergency handling situations, and the available all-wheel-drive system further improves handling stability in slippery conditions.

The QX56 is as luxurious as the best of them. Its opulent cabin is lathered in leather and stuffed with technology. It comes standard with a navigation system, an optional feature on many vehicles. Introduced as an all-new model last year, the Infiniti QX56 gets more standard equipment for 2005, including its RearView camera, which projects a picture of what's behind the vehicle onto the navigation system monitor.

The QX56 may be the best tool this side of an 18-wheeler for clearing slower traffic out of the left lane. Spying one in a rearview mirror closing rapidly will inspire most drivers to err on the side of survival and get out of the way. It's not any one aspect but the combination.

Perhaps it's the waterfall grille visually surrounded by large expanses of metal. Or the high headlights. Or the huge black intake vent embedded in the bumper above the grille. Whatever, as assembled the QX56's front end embodies massiveness.

The side view broadcasts a similar message. Here, for once, and for this message, the more tire the better. On most vehicles, the popular practice among stylists is to wrap ever thinner tires around ever bigger wheels, with an eye to communicating sportiness. However, in this class, where mass and perceived hauling capability is the measure, tires that look like they belong on a truck are preferred. And the QX56 delivers (with 70-series tires on 18-inch wheels).

Squared off, clearly defined, barrel-like fender blisters add heft to the quarter panels. The arched roof over the passenger compartment pushes the D-pillar rearward, shrinking and reshaping the rear quarter windows in conflict with the somewhat organic outline of the front and rear door windows. Nissan's signature rear door handle is placed awkwardly on the C-pillar. The running boards seem more cosmetic than functional, but manage to pull bodywork down below the midline of the wheels, again adding to the impression of mass.

From the rear, the QX56 succeeds in presenting a strong stance. Substantial tires, widely spaced beneath a body that starts out broad at the lower reaches and then gradually tapers in towards the top suggests solidity and road-hugging stability. The QX56 comes with LED tail lights and brake lights that light up quicker and brighter than traditional bulbs.