Infiniti QX56

[TomCLR]

I'm helping my parents research new cars. They're looking to buy a full-sized luxury SUV. The top prospect right now is the Infiniti QX56. They've decided against the Cadillac Escalade as it is fairly aged, and the Lincoln Navigator is a bit more money than they want to pay. We know the QX56 is basically a slightly modified Nissan Armada, but it seems to have a lot of nice features, and cheaper than both the Escalade and Navigator. Is there anyone here with prior knowledge of the vehicle have any positive or negative comments about the QX56? I've looked around the net, havent come up with too much for or agaist it. Any suggestions for other full-sized SUV's are appreciated too.

Thanks.

[SVT2888]

I dont know much about it just know that when MT tested it for SUV of the year they complained alot about the interior materials. They rattled way too much for a lux truck. I think they didnt think it was worth it over a regular ARMADA.

[Tiger]

1. GMC Yukon Denali
2. Land Rover LR3

IMHO the Infiniti QX56 is a poor rebadge (mags agree), less attractive than the whitebread edition Armada, and priced beyond the competition.

[cyboexpo2002]

The biggest complaint I've heard about the QX56/Armada brothers are a lack of body rigidity and "twisting" .. which of course could be the reason why it rattles and is noisy. Unfortunately the television program I was watching didn't go into a lot of details but they did comment on a cheap interior for the price but did like the space in it. I personally like the front a lot less than the Armada (ok I think the face is ugly), but apart from seeing it in traffic I've yet to see the inside (nevermind ride in it). I'm basing my knowledge off several car magazines /tv programs, and we all know to take that information with a grain of salt. My advice is to go and actually look at it and test-drive it. Although personally with a much cheaper and more attractive brother vehicle, I would take a look at the Armada too. Unfortunately I don't have any alternate full-size SUVs in mind.

[TomCLR]

I did actually take a test drive of the QX56 a month ago. The interior seemed to have quite a bit of plastic, though I felt it was much nicer than the Escalade's. Did not notice any rattling, but maybe that might occure with age. Seems like the cheaper interior been it's main problem. I haven't driven the Navigator yet, but I did test drive the Escalade EXT. Even though the Armada/QX56 might look ugly to some, it is quite different, looks-wise, than any other SUV of it's size, and that may be a pro or con depending on your taste. I think I may go test drive the Armada just to see how it compares to the QX56.

[mgescuro]

1. GMC Yukon Denali
2. Land Rover LR3

IMHO the Infiniti QX56 is a poor rebadge (mags agree), less attractive than the whitebread edition Armada, and priced beyond the competition.

Oh gosh yeah!!! Either choice would be excellent!!
QX56 is sizeable, but is a rebadge. You can wait for th enext Escalade .. about a year or so.

[pagemaster]

1. GMC Yukon Denali


IMHO the Infiniti QX56 is a poor rebadge (mags agree), less attractive than the whitebread edition Armada, and priced beyond the competition.

Are you kidding me. The Denali Yukon is the saddest rebadge of a regular Yukon I have ever seen especially when you could get the full time 4wd with lo range in the cheaper Yukon.

I sat in the QX56 and I must say it felt a little cheap. I personally would go for the Toyota Land Cruiser and if you want the ultimate prestige in my mind it would be the Lexus LX470 or the Range Rover but those trucks are little pricier.

[Vintalage]

Nissan is going to revise the interior next year for 2006. It's best to buy an '06.

[TomCLR]

Vintalage, where did you hear that? I remember reading about there being some changes to it in 2006, but it didnt specify what.

[Vintalage]

Vintalage, where did you hear that? I remember reading about there being some changes to it in 2006, but it didnt specify what.

I read it on the Fresh Alloy forums. Listed all the changes for the QX56.

[jro4566]

The 2004 QX56s were horrible, trust me. Infiniti fixed most, if not all, the rattles for the 05 model. I still visit my Infiniti dealer once in awhile to chat with some friends and I was able to sit in an 05 a couple months ago. Much difference with the materials I can honestly say.

[TomCLR]

Vintalage, I looked over the forum, I didn't see anything on changes for 2006. Do you happen to have a direct link to the post?

Thanks for the heads up on the difference from the 2004-2005 models, RC. I was unaware that there was any big difference between the two years besides some minor option changes.

[Vintalage]

I'll look for it.

[Vintalage]

Found it. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthre...b=5&o=&fpart=1

About 80% of the features listed will be incorporated in the '06.

1. Needs Intelligent Key
2. Make the Vision Package Standard
3. Make 3rd seat 60/40 and power
4. Add lumbar support to passenger’s seat
5. Add air conditioned seats
6. Add power telescopic steering wheel to power tilt
7. Needs more wood accents
8. Drop the light colored wood and use only darker wood
9. Add turn signals to outside rearview mirrors
10. Add power retractors to outside rearview mirrors
11. Needs larger wheels or at least an option for them
12. A/C controls hard to understand and use
13. Add “Bluetooth” technology
14. DVD needs to be relocated to the rear or preferably to the overhead
15. Add 2 more sets of headphones
16. Get rid of the plastic on the dash and the overhead
17. The front overhead piece is large and obtrusive and unnecessary
18. We need a better color pallet
19. Michelin Tires…perceived as higher quality and have a softer ride
20. Make sunroof standard like all other Infiniti products
21. Rework trailer hitch so that it is not visible and is uncovered only when in use
22. Q45 style console cover that will open from either side
23. Add retractable cover over console storage area
24. Add power headrest (non active headrest)
25. Rain sensor wipers
26. Radio speakers in third seat area
27. Improve overall quality (squeaks, rattles, etc.)

[TomCLR]

Thanks. That is interesting, although nothing mentioned there is said to be a for sure deal, it's definitely some food for thought. Might want to put off buying one til an official (or close to it) list of new/updated features is released, hopefully that's soon.