By KBB.com Editors
Conceived in the bigger-is-better school of SUV design, the 2010 Infiniti QX56 takes its job as a full-size luxury hauler very seriously. Available in a single upline trim level, this body-on-frame design is based on Nissan's Titan pickup platform but shares styling and engineering basics with its cousin, the Nissan Armada. In addition to a powerful V8, rear- or four-wheel drive configurations and class-leading towing capacity, the 2010 QX56 features a plush cabin with standard seating for seven or eight. An abundance of luxury appointments makes this mammoth Infiniti the only import-badged luxury SUV with the scale, features and capabilities to compete directly with big domestic models like the Cadillac Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon XL and Lincoln Navigator L, while fending off other international nameplates, including the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GL 450 and the Lexus LX 570.
If your personal priorities in an SUV skew towards a stylish, comfortable, featured-packed interior and you need the power to tow serious payloads, the QX56 would be well worth considering.
Despite a recent facelift, the 2010 Infiniti QX56's styling might be too similar to the Nissan Armada for the tastes of some buyers of premium SUVs. It's big, it's thirsty and, despite a fully independent suspension system, it lacks the handling precision of many unit-body designs. With its second- and third-row seats up for passengers or down for cargo, the QX56's usable storage space merits only so-so marks among the jumbo-hauler segment.
No major changes for 2010.
Driving Impressions With its fully-independent suspension tuned for comfortable cruising rather than quick responses and a well-isolated and well-appointed cabin, the 2010 Infiniti QX56 can make short work of even the longest...
trips. Both rear-drive and four-wheel-drive versions have excellent ride compliance and feature automatic rear load leveling. The 5.6-liter V8 provides sufficient muscle to cope with in-town traffic or freeway overtaking and, while the QX56's tall profile and curb weight of nearly three tons can elicit considerable body roll during really brisk cornering or transition maneuvers (as would be reasonably expected of such a vehicle during such driving), its standard and driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) package provides reassurance, particularly during slippery conditions. Despite its size, the QX56's steering feels fairly direct and its big ABS brakes are more than capable. Those who engage in moderate off-road rambling will like the available All-Mode part-time four-wheel-drive system that can instantly dole out power to each wheel as traction dictates and offers a dual-range transfer case with electronic shift-on-the-fly capabilities.Premium Bose Audio
The standard system is a 12-speaker Bose Surround Sound package that includes a Burr-Brown Digital Audio Converter and a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive that delivers outstanding fidelity and clarity in AM/FM/CD/MP3 formats – as well as for the optional rear-seat DVD Mobile Entertainment System.
Power Third-Row Seat
This feature lets you reconfigure the rear passenger and cargo compartment at the push of a button. Either or both sides of the 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat will automatically fold flat for cargo or move back up into their people-hauling positions to best accommodate changing requirements.
The 2010 QX56 interior is a notably handsome domain punctuated by yards of rich leather and warm wood accents. The newly restyled dash houses more legible instrumentation in a user friendly layout while including a premium Bose sound package and enhanced capabilities for the standard navigation system. Other standard items include a heated steering wheel, lockable glovebox and wood-grain accent trim. Space is plentiful in the front seats and second-row captain's chairs. While the third-row 60/40-split bench seat is still best accessed and occupied by younger or smaller folks, its power-fold feature adds convenience and simplifies expanding the cargo capacity - which is as much as 97.1 cubic feet with both second- and third-row seats folded down.
ExteriorThe 2010 Infiniti QX56's dominating and prominently angular presence has been somewhat softened over the years, although its abundance of chrome remains intact. While it's true the major sheetmetal pieces carry over and remain common with its Nissan Armada cousin, both the front and rear soft fascias on the QX56 have more refined contours. Complementing the look are revised grille and headlight treatments crowned with a cleaner-looking one-piece roof rack. The QX56's large upright glass area provides good driver sightlines and its well-proportioned doors and power tailgate facilitate people access and cargo loading. Both rear-drive and four-wheel-drive versions share the same 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels wrapped in 265/60 Michelin all-season SUV tires.
Beyond a powerful V8 and five-speed automatic transmission, the 2010 Infiniti QX56's outstanding features include xenon HID headlights, front dual-zone automatic and rear climate control, full leather trim, power front seats, fold-flat second-row captain's chairs, power-folding 60/40-split third-row bench seat, power liftgate, Bose audio system with Music Box hard drive with XM Satellite Radio, navigation system with rear-view backup camera and NavTraffic, remote entry and start, power-adjustable pedals and four 12-volt power outlets. Also in the mix are stability-enhancing Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), advanced anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), a limited-slip differential and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.
Given its expansive roster of standard equipment, the QX56's list of extras is minimal. That list includes an available no-charge 60/40 split-folding second-row bench in place of the captain's chairs and removable console, Intelligent Cruise Control with front proximity sensors, the Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System (rear-seat DVD package with eight-inch flip-down screen and dual wireless headsets) and a tow package (standard with four-wheel drive).
Motivating the 2010 Infiniti QX56 is an all-aluminum 5.6-liter V8 that employs numerous friction-reducing design elements. Fitted with efficiency-enhancing variable valve timing, the engine makes a stout 320 horsepower and an even more formidable 393 pound-feet of torque, 90 percent of which is on hand from just 2500 rpm. Backing it is a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic transmission with a convenient tow/haul feature. The four-wheel-drive QX56 also is fitted with an electronically controlled shift-on-the-fly dual-range transfer case with 2HI/4HI/4LO modes and can tow up to an 8,900-pound trailer. While slightly less than the 9,000-pound rating of its rear-drive kin, both represent class-leading figures. The four-wheel-drive version has EPA fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, while the two-wheel-drive model is rated at 12 and 18 mpg, respectively.
5.6-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
393 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 (2WD), 12/17 (4WD)
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Infiniti QX vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 20 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy King Kasagama (MD) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,450
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Luxury Vehicle that can do it all!"
Cons: "Gas Gas Gas!!!! But I cant complain...Lrg SUV"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I recently purchased this vehicle and can not stop gushing. I was able to get fair price on a pre certified QX56 that has all three packages and the 22 inch wheels. This luxury vehicle has the power, speed, handling, and moxy that I value. I would recommend this truck to those that can afford. Those that can't......get it anyway. It is worth it's value and then some."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Infinit to win it (MD) on Sunday, March 10, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsPros: "Unique look, price, nice interior, 22 rims, & big"
Cons: "Gas, Gas, Gas, more stylish grill"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I've owned several large SUV's, my QX56 if the best vehicle I've ever purchased to date, I,plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time, I was looking at the escalade, but fell in love with the QX56, it' has a very unique look, and the interior is one of the best, the 22 inch rims, are a grown mans look, won't put chrome on this one, the price was okay, not too many inexpensive large SUVs and this one is priced more reasonable than the other ones I looked at, on my way to clean my baby, and detail the interior, I'm in love."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By BERT (UT) on Tuesday, October 02, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000
overall rating 1 of 10rating detailsPros: "They look nice"
Cons: "Don't Live up to the price you pay!!!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"2007 QX56 starter broke off?? Causing major damage to the bell housing, felx plate, torch converter, and other misc parts total $4,000 in repairs. Infiniti will not cover under the power train warranty because the "failed Component" caused the damage to the power train. Give me a break. I paid $55,000 dollars for this quality vehicle that is a total piece of garbage. It's been 3 weeks and my truck is still not fixed. This story is a lot longer, just not enough space to list all the horrible things about this company."
15 people out of 20 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By James (OH) on Thursday, September 20, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "A stunning vehicle that turns heads"
Cons: "Cant really think of one"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Last year, I researched all the big SUVs. The only one that had everything I wanted; reliability, stunningly good looks, tech that made sense and some sense of value. I found all of that in the QX. It has much of the luxury you would find In the range rover, but FAR better reliability. The large Benz was too stiff and cold. The large Lexus is actually pretty small inside and the third row is a joke. Overall, the QX has the best attributes of the Lexus, Mercedes, Escalade and the Range rover. I would highly suggest this SUV."
13 people out of 13 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By busymom0423 (TX) on Saturday, March 17, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great Value with lots of options"
Cons: "Dash is very plastic. Lots of rattles"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"This is a great family luxury vehicle with lots of included options. The only issue we have is it rattles from plastic rubbing on plastic on the interior. Third row seat is large enough for adults with easy access."
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Jason (FL) on Saturday, March 17, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfort, ammenities, look and ride quality"
Cons: "fuel mileage (but what can you expect)"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"The vehicle performs flawlessly and will haul everyone plus their stuff. Great over the road vehicle as the outside noise is minimal and the comfort is second to none. Only issue I would include: the leather around the steering wheel wears quickly so if you would like to keep it looking perfectly new, buy something to wrap the steering wheel. Great SUV, will buy again and would recommend to anyone who is not worried about fuel mileage!"
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
advertisement
why ads?advertisement
why ads?near Honolulu