Many claim that the 2012 Infiniti QX56 is the one of the best SUVs of its type in the market. It can’t be beat for people who want a truck-based, eight seat, luxury SUV.
The Infiniti QX56 comes in only one trim and is available in either two or four wheel drive.
Engine
It has a 5.6 liter V8 engine that delivers 400 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 413 lbs-ft of torque. The engine is married to a seven speed automatic transmission that reviewers gave high marks for seamless shifting. It gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $60,000.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98 l) | MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Length: 208.3 in. (529 cm) | Wheel Base: 121.1 in. (307.5 cm) |
| Height: 75.8 in. (192.5 cm) | Width: 79.9 in. (203 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5595 lbs (2538 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 49.6 cu ft (behind 2nd) | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: 32 Valve V8 DOHC | Displacement: 5.6 Liter |
| Horsepower: 400 HP | Max RPM: 5800 RPM |
| Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 8500 lbs (3856 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:QX56 AWD | MSRP: $63,100; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
Performance
Reviewers were impressed with the 2012 QX56’s agility, especially since it’s such a large SUV. It retains a high degree of maneuverability even though it’s a behemoth and powerful. Some reviewers claim that the steering is surprisingly light, but this wasn’t a flaw – it was simply odd to feel it in such a large vehicle. The braking was also considered good and adequate.
Exterior
Reviewers weren’t enamored of the QX56’s looks. Though it’s not as tank shaped as other SUVs, its curves make it conspicuous and reviewers weren’t sure whether this was a positive or negative.
Interior
Reviewers loved the roominess of the QX56’s cab, especially since all three rows are spacious enough for grown ups. The material are suitably luxurious and of high quality. The features sophisticated and plentiful that include a driver’s seat that can be power-adjusted ten ways and a passenger’s seat that can be power-adjusted eight ways. Both seats are upholstered in leather and heated. Even the seats in the third row recline.
The QX56 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to cargo room. There’s 16.6 cubic feet of space with all the rows of seats up, but when the third row is folded that becomes 49.6 cubic feet of space. When the second and third rows are folded down, there’s 95.1 cubic feet for storage. The seats are also easy to fold.
On top of this, there are enough places to stow small items. Other standard features are a top-notch Bose audio system, a tri-zone climate control, a 360 degree exterior camera and a navigation system that can deliver up to the minute traffic info. Some reviewers complained that there was a bit of a learning curve when it came to operating the controls, but most reviewers and test drivers really like all aspects of the QX56’s interior.
Safety
Interestingly, the Infiniti QX56 has not been evaluated for safety by neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But it comes with many safety features, including driver and passenger air bags, child safety locks, 4 wheel disc brakes and traction control.
Reliability
J.D. Power has given the 2012 Infiniti QX56 a three out of five predicted reliability score. It has a 60,000 mile or four year warranty and a 70,000 or six year powertrain warranty, as well as a seven year rust perforation warranty.
Pros
Reviewers loved the way the SUV handles and its high tech features. They especially loved its cavernous interior.
Competition
Though reviewers found little fault with the QX56, they did suggest that if a driver wants a little less heftiness and muscle they might want to look for a luxury crossover like the Audi Q7 (MSRP $46,250; 16 city / 22 hwy). The Q7 costs less that the QX56, but it’s not nearly as powerful.
The Cadillac Escalade (MSRP $63,170; 14 city / 18 hwy) and the Lincoln Navigator (MSRP $57,775; 14 city / 20 hwy) are two vehicles that can be compared to the QX56.
Overall Rating
74 out of 100
What others say:
“The QX56 is a completely different vehicle from the one Infiniti built prior to the 2011 model year, and the differences in interior space and comfort are noticeable. It’s a bit shorter and lower than before, and the refinement’s a magnitude better than the prior version, too.”Car Connection
“Though big, QX56 feels relatively nimble for its size, at least on the highway and suburban streets. Straight line stability is good, and the steering offers reasonable feel for such a large SUV. Braking control is fine.”Consumer Guide
“The QX is a very large and plush full-sized SUV. It has a quiet cabin and a steady and supple ride, but handling is ungainly.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Infiniti QX56 is a smooth, luxurious ride befitting the expectations that you would have of a high-end SUV. Road noise is something you won’t have to deal with from the cabin.”KBB
“Plentiful features, both standard and optional; powerful V8 with high tow capacity; handles great for its size…Cramped third-row seats; moderate ride harshness.”Edmunds
