2008 Infiniti QX56 [ 2007 ]

#5

in Luxury Large SUVs

Based on analysis of 38 QX56 reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $52,450 - $55,500
Invoice: $48,180 - $51,021
MPG: 12 City / 17 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.9
Performance:7.9
Exterior:5.6
Interior:7.7
Safety:NA
Reliability:6.0
Pros
  • Powerful V8 engine
  • Surprisingly nimble for its size
  • Comfortable interior with plenty of passenger room
Cons
  • Exterior styling that many find strange, bulky
  • Less cargo room than competitors

Infiniti QX56 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Infiniti QX56 ranks 5 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 38 published reviews and test drives of the Infiniti QX56, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The QX56 delivers strong V8 power and a spacious and comfortable interior, but receives some criticism for its awkward exterior styling, and some down-market cabin fittings.

The 2008 Infiniti QX56 is, according to our analysis, an unremarkable-looking SUV that offers comfortable seating for seven or eight and a powerful, refined ride. Despite its somewhat bland exterior, the QX56 ranks in the top half of the class for its performance and reliability.  As sales of large SUVs continue to slide, buyers should be in a strong bargaining position.  However, the QX56 is near the bottom of the class when it comes to gas mileage, so anything saved of the sticker price will likely be spent at the gas station. 

  • "Instead of heavy breathing and hey-lookit-me decoration, the Infiniti delivers impeccable manners behind a forgettable face." Car and Driver
  • "The 2008 model year marks a redesign for the full-size Infiniti QX56, with new exterior features, interior enhancements and a range of new standard amenities and technology." Road and Track
  • The QX56 "might be the most luxurious, comfortable and stylish SUV on the road today." Forbes

QX56 Performance - 7.9 (Good)

Our analysis shows the 2008 Infiniti QX56 is a powerful SUV that moves well for its size. The Chicago Sun-Times says the QX56 "has remarkably good steering, handling and braking for such a big fella."  To find out just how divergent the QX56's performance and size are, read our full performance review. continue

QX56 Exterior - 5.6 (Mediocre)

Despite minor tweaks for 2008, reviewers aren't terribly impressed by the QX56's exterior, earning it a mediocre score. AutoWeek thinks, "The crooked roof-line gives the SUV the look of a cap welded askew on the back of a pickup -- which it is, sort of."  Other reviewers are less kind.  To find out what they say, read or full exterior review, or check out our QX56 photos for yourself. continue

QX56 Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The spacious interior of the 2008 Infiniti QX56 offers the comfort, luxury, and cargo room expected of an SUV in its class, and interior restyling for this year has improved quality.  "There's seemingly enough room for an NBA starting team to stretch out," writes the Chicago Sun-Times, "although it helps to have NBA agility to climb in and out of this 78-inch-high vehicle."  To find out if space alone is enough to impress reviewers, read the full QX56 interior review, or check out our QX56 interior photos. continue

QX56 Safety - NA

The 2008 Infiniti QX56 gets good scores in government crash tests.  The QX56 is equipped with many of the same safety features as others in its class. continue

QX56 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Infiniti QX56 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The QX56 is covered by a four-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. continue

Review Last Updated: 7/11/08