The 2010 Infiniti QX56 debuted with mixed reviews. The starting price of $55,050 makes this SUV comparable to that of the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ($62,495) and the 2010 Lincoln Navigator ($54,400 – $59,465). All three received top safety ratings for frontal impact.
There is a lot that is Infiniti did right when it comes to the QX56. Most reviewers admire the luxurious interior, complete with leather and wood insets. One option reviewers appreciated was adaptive cruise control. This advance feature allows the driver to use controls on the steering wheels, which allows them to set a speed and following distance. When the QX56 approaches slower traffic, it adjusts its speed to match the car ahead without being misled by cars in other lanes.
Infiniti usually offers a pleasing amount of cabin electronics but some of these features, drivers have grown to expect, don’t make it into the QX56. While it offers a slot for Compact Flash cards, it lacks the more desired iPod integration. It does have an MP-3 compatible single-CD player, satellite radio, and a navigation system, with live traffic data. The feature called the Jukebox essentially turns the car into an iPod by allowing you to rip CDs to it. Then you can browse through the musical library. While many agree it is a nice feature, it is more time consuming that having a vehicle with iPod integration. The 12-speaker Bose system is better than average. The optional system includes an 8-inch ceiling-mounted monitor and a DVD player housed in the console.
At 20.0 cubic feet, the QX56 offers slightly more luggage volume than the Cadillac Escalade (16.9cu.ft) and far less than the Lincoln Navigator L Base (42.6cu.ft.) With the second- and third-row seats down, there is a large amount of space available for just about anything.
The large lavishness interior includes three rows of seating. With captain’s chairs in the second row, total seating is for six. The third row is power-folding and the power operated rear gate allows loading easy.
The QX56 offers lots of power with a 320 horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 engine. The high torque allows it to accelerate quickly and handle heavy towing loads. Although massive, reviewers were surprised at how easy the car was to control. They are equally displeased with the bump ride. Driver and passengers feel every bump and pothole in the road. It offers slightly more leg room than its competitors and higher maximum trailer weight but that comes with a trade off. It has a far bumpier ride than either the Escalade or the Navigator with a lower mpg rating.
The rearview camera also leaves something to be desired. Not as sophisticated as other models, it has a simple camera with overlay lines that give an idea of the distance of objects. Given the size of the QX56, one would hope for a surround-camera system from an Infiniti.
Infiniti is a widely reviewed brand. We found the most detailed coverage of the QX56 at CNET. Cars.com, allows a side by side comparison to its primary competitors, including the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. Motor Trend offers a comprehensive review of the QX56, including safety ratings, features, comparable vehicles.
