2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD Review By John Heilig

THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig

Model: 2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD

Engine: 5.6-liter V8
Horsepower/Torque: 400 hp @ 5,800 rpm/413 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 121.1 in.
Length x Width x Height: 208.3 x 79.9 x 75.8 in.
Tires: P275/50R22
Cargo: 16.6 cu. ft. (behind third row)
Economy: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway/15.8 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 26.0 gal.
Curb Weight: 5,855 lbs.
Sticker: $78,140 (includes $990 destination charge, $10,950 in options)

The Bottom Line: Four words describe the Infiniti QX56 – large, powerful, comfortable and smooth. The QX56 is all these and more, but at a price.

Coming to the Infiniti QX56 from a compact car must be shocking. As it was, the car I had the week before the QX56 was a m id-size SUV, so the shock wasn’t too severe.

Still, the QX56 is a biiig vehicle. It’s wheelbase is 121.1 inches and it’s 208.3 inches in overall length. That’s more than 17 feet long. A lot of modern garages aren’t big enough for the QX56. But, if you can afford the $78,140 price tag, you probably have a big enough garage.

Inside that 17 feet, though, is comfort and convenience. There are three rows of seating, and unlike the situation in many three-row SUVs, the third row is accessible and reasonably comfortable. There are 16.6 feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, but that row, and the second, folds down to turn the QX56 into an enclosed pickup truck with a heap of room. We had to lower the third row a couple of times and it was easy – they’re powered – and worthwhile. That power switch on the left side of the cargo area can also recline the seats.

The front seats are individual buckets with good side support. They’re also heated and cooled. There’s a deep console between the seats with a sliding top/arm rest. In the center console is a small cubby with a USB connection and a place tom put your iPod. A small cubby to the right of this holds your keys, which aren’t necessary because of the push button start/stop.

The second row also consists of a pair of bucket seats. They are heated, but not cooled. Bummer. There’s excellent legroom in the second row, and a nice console between the seats. The third row is essentially a flat bench, but they also offer decent legroom.

For entertainment we had a Bose 13-speaker Premium Sound System that had all the options – AM/FM/XM/CD/USB/SAT. The heating system worked well in some late spring cool weather plus a couple of hot spells.

For rear seat entertainment there are 7-inch color monitors behind the front headrests with wireless earphones

The liftgate is powered and can be operated remotely.

We took the QX56 on a long Interstate-plus-local-roads trip. Handling is good on the winding roads, despite the high aspect ratio. I wouldn’t suggest the QX56 as a sports car, but it isn’t bad for what it is. The QX56 is surprisingly maneuverable for such a large vehicle.

With a 5.6-liter V8 delivering 400 horsepower, there’s no loss for oomph. If I want to go, I just flexed my right foot a little and off we went. It was that simple.

Of course the downside is crappy fuel economy, but as the saying goes, “If you can afford the car, you don’t worry about fuel economy.” On the highway we made good use of the blind spot warning system.

Driving forward is fine, but it’s also pretty good when you shift into “R.” The rear view camera’s image comes on in the infotainment screen. Not only do you get an image of what’s behind you, with wheel turning lines to assist you in figuring out where you are going to go, but you also get a “top down” view of the vehicle to assist you in putting the QX56 between parking lines at a mall lot.

Styling of the QX56 is great. The view out the windshield is nothing but flowing curves over the fenders.

For easier entry and egress there are assist handles over every door, running boards, and assist hand les on the A and B pillars. The side profile is squarish, especially at the rear.

If there’s an option available, the QX56 probably has it. You pay a price, but the overall effect is great.

© 2012 The Auto Page Syndicate