Teresa’s View
My grandfather would have shaken his head in wonder at the Infiniti QX56. As the proud owner of many early model sport-utes in the 1960s and ‘70s, Poppy used his barebones rigs for hunting and fishing. These were boat-pulling, stump-jumping, mud-covered trucks with little in the way of creature comforts.
He would’ve had quite a chuckle at the Infiniti’s dual-zone air conditioner, the 3-D navigation screen, the 10-speaker Bose audio system with available satellite radio and the optional DVD with wireless headphones. I think he would’ve appreciated the memory system for the seats, which recalls all 10 drivers’ seat adjustments and the position of the adjustable pedals. I do believe he would’ve liked the handy back-up system. Colored bars overlay the camera’s view from the rear of the vehicle, helping to judge distance and give guidance for parallel parking. With his fondness for long car trips, he would’ve appreciated the available cruise control system that maintains a set distance between you and the vehicle leading the parade.
The fact is, the QX56 is not made for hunting or fishing. As for off-roading, a Nordstrom parking lot is about as extreme as this luxury SUV will probably ever see. This is a sport-ute meant for hauling families in style. And I do mean style. The imposing exterior only hints at the delights inside. An interior of soft Sojourner leather with a choice of dark Macore or blond Apaya wood creates a tastefully elegant atmosphere.
The QX56 was introduced last year as a replacement for the QX4. It’s based on the Nissan Armada, which is built off of the Titan truck. Motivated by a powerful 5.6-liter V-8 that produces 315 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, power is not an issue. Gas prices are. The fuel rating is an estimated 13 mpg city/18 highway. Ouch. On the road, it’s sinfully quiet. Although the ride isn’t as smooth as a sedan, it is surprisingly light on its feet.
As impressive as the QX56 is, the low scores for mechanical and overall quality from J.D. Power and Associates are a disappointment.
What Is It?: The QX56 is a full-size luxury SUV. Available in two- or all-wheel drive versions, prices start at $50K plus destination charges.
Gadget Rating: 8.5 out of 10. A prodigious Gadget Central dominates the dash like a gaudy broach – definitely a styling misstep. The DVD controls flummoxed me, but my nephews quickly straightened me out. I’m starting to think advanced technology should come with a child to run it.
The Back Seat: The big rig is a traveler’s delight. There’s plenty of legroom and an array of seating configurations for up to eight passengers. According to Infiniti, the QX56 is the only vehicle in its class with standard third-row passenger side-curtain air bag protection.
Cheat Sheet: Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan.
So, Where Are Ya From?: It’s built in Canton, Miss.