by James Raia

Created on: January 20, 2011

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is a completely redesigned and power-loaded edition of Nissan’s largest SUV, which originated in 1997 as a re-badged midsize Nissan Pathfinder.

The new QX56 is longer, wider, and lower than the previous model. Its only powertrain teams a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The seven-passenger (or eight passenger with an optional second-row bench seat) is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. It also includes a low-range gear for off-roading.

The Weekly Drive

For the past seven years, I’ve test-driven more than two dozen vehicles during a 400-mile round trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. High speed highway stretches along Interstate 5, winding, country state routes along highway 101 and the small, sometimes two-lane routes along routes 152 and 156, are all featured. Combined, it’s an ideal test drive arena.

The problem I’ve encountered and don’t like much is testing vans, large SUVs or trucks on the trip, particularly when it’s a solo voyage. What’s the point of powering through a solo trip in a family sized car like the QX56 that averaged 15.2 mpg? It’s just not right.

Nevertheless, the new Infiniti QX56 is a luxury SUV loaded down with a near-endless list of technological wonders and an interior design that includes optional leather seats and finely styled Burl trim. It’s no doubt a comfortable beast, and any journey in the SUV could only be more enjoyable if there’s company.

My weekly test vehicle was the four-wheel drive option with vast standard equipment and every available option package. Some equipment is great for the driver, like the navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information, rear-obstacle detection, and a surround-view camera that shows the entire circumference of the vehicle on the navigation screen. The theater package option includes a dual-screen DVD entertainment system, wireless headphones and a wireless remote control all great for second and third-row occupants.

Despite its luxury, the Infiniti QX56 can also be a workhorse. The only kinds of driving I haven’t done with test vehicles are towing and off-roading. The Infiniti QX56 had optional 22-inch tires and with its 5.6-liter, 32-valve V8, it has a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

Likes:

Wood and leather steering wheel. It’s classically beautiful,

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