Used 2007 INFINITI QX

Infiniti’s mammoth QX56 plays in the same league as the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Lincoln Navigator L. You won’t find anything of this size from Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or even Land Rover, making the QX56 the only real import alternative to the large domestic luxury choices. Based on the Nissan Armada, the QX56 is given enough chrome, leather, wood and power accoutrements to satisfy the most demanding luxury SUV buyer. Beyond its luxury features the QX56 actually has a utilitarian side, offering seating for eight, a 320-horsepower V8 engine and a tow rating of 9,000 pounds (8,900 on the four-wheel-drive model).

On the road the big Infiniti is surprisingly agile and easy to maneuver. The V8 provides plenty of pickup, with instantaneous response from the drive-by-wire throttle and a nice throaty growl from the specially-tuned exhaust. The ride remains smooth at all times, and our fully-loaded test vehicle had Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), the benefits of which can be appreciated on sharp curves.

The QX56’s steering feel is heavy yet direct and, although the long front hood might seem to make maneuvers difficult, having the front wheels pushed to the outermost edge of the vehicle allowed us to accurately "dock" the QX, even in the tightest parking spaces.

The QX56 touts a massive interior with three rows of seating and an abundance of headroom. Heated leather captain’s chair seating in both the first and second rows is tastefully executed, as is the use of orange gauge lighting and real Blond Apaya wood on the dash, console and steering wheel. Though thorough in its execution, the QX56’s interior is not as polished as it could be. Some of the plastic trim pieces just don’t seem to fit in with the rest of the interior. Vehicles such as the Lincoln Navigator and Land Rover Range Rover have raised the bar for luxury SUV interiors, and the QX56 needs to rise with it.

The QX56’s enormous chrome grille and the huge 18-inch wheels should go over well with the hip-hop crowd. Bright xenon headlamps are standard, as are chrome mirrors with built-in puddle lights. Both the taillights and high-mounted center brake light employ LED lighting. We know many will not care (or remember), but in profile the QX56 reminds us of an oversized 1961 AMC Rambler Cross Country Wagon.

Fold-Flat Captain’s Chair Seating
Fold-flat captain’s chair seating makes it easy to go from crew cabin to cargo hauler.

Optional Rear DVD System
The optional rear DVD entertainment system makes passengers feel like they are flying in first class.

The QX56 comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with front and rear controls, limited-slip rear differential, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), removable second-row storage console, xenon headlamps, keyless illuminated entry, fog lights, automatic headlamp control, power rear liftgate, dual heated power mirrors with memory, power rear vent windows, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, RearView Monitor, power adjustable pedals, heated leather seats, 10-way power driver’s seat, eight-way power passenger seat, traction control, tire pressure monitor, cruise control, Vehicle Dynamic Control and a rear wiper/washer. The standard audio is a 265-watt Bose system with 10 speakers, a subwoofer and an MP3-compatible six-disc CD changer.

Options include full-time four-wheel drive, DVD entertainment system, power sunroof, SIRIUS or XM Satellite Radio, Intelligent Cruise Control and a split folding center-row seat (a no-charge replacement for the captain’s chair seating).

Though the QX56 offers only one powerplant, it’s pretty impressive. The big Infiniti V8 has huge torque reserves and never feels strained, even when the vehicle is fully loaded.

5.6-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
393 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD)