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2004 Infiniti QX56 Road Test

Go Big or Go Home

Nissan, and its Infiniti luxury division, has grown exponentially over the last few years, in both sales and model numbers. But after riding around in one of the automakers new full-size truck models, which include the Nissan Titan pickup, Armada sport utility and Infiniti QX56, its easy to see that the Japanese company has grown in other ways too.

What massive machines, among the largest in their respective classes. The Titan dominates in the light half-ton pickup crowd, while the Armada and QX dwarf class leaders such as the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. OK, maybe dwarf is an exaggeration, but it is larger than these SUV mainstays. Of course, we should leave the entry-level brands behind, other than to mention the Infiniti model is marginally larger than the Nissan, and I mean marginally when I say that. Exterior dimension comparisons put them both at an identical 206.9 inch length, while the

With the Titan pickup, Armada sport utility and Infiniti QX56, Nissan has made a big splash in the market with its massive new lineup. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

QX56 is a nominal 0.04 inches wider at 78.8 inches, and 0.08 inches taller at 78.7 inches. Its wheelbase is actually shorter than the Armadas by 0.04 inches.

Compared to its Lexus LX rival, however, the QX is a gargantuan leap up the utility scale - that is if size truly does matter. No one will question the LX when it comes to off-road capability, being based on Toyotas legendary Land Cruiser, but Infinitis flagship ute is quite capable off-road and for towing and hauling volumes of people and gear the QX is the clear leader.

While the Infiniti QX dwarfs the Lexus LX 470, it is also larger than full-size SUV mainstays Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

When it comes to towing the QX dominates with an impressive 8,800 pound capability, comparing favorably over the LX 470s 5,000 pounds. The same goes for load carrying capacity, with total volume of 6,063 pounds compared to the Lexus 5,533 pounds.

Dimensionally, on the outside that is, the LX 14.4 inches shorter, 2.4 inches narrower, 5.9 inches shorter, and rides on a wheelbase thats 11.0 inches smaller. That said the Lexus curb weight is only slightly lower at 5,401 pounds compared to the Infinitis 5,631. The extra 229 pounds doesnt make the Infiniti feel more

When comparing size and price, the QX56 is going up directly against Cadillacs Tahoe-based Escalade or Lincolns Expedition-derived Navigator. (Photo: Infiniti)

substantial, however, as probably more to do with the Lexus much higher $64,475 sticker price than any solidity issue.

With the fact that you can get into a $47,400 QX56 for $17,075 less than an LX 470, maybe it doesnt make the best comparison vehicle. Also, dont expect the LX to last much longer in its current form, expected to ride on the next generation Toyota Sequoia platform just after it debuts in about a years time. More comparative would be Cadillacs Tahoe-based Escalade or Lincolns Expedition-derived Navigator. These enter the picture at $52,635 and $48,965 respectively, and offer a lot for the money.

So that we dont lose

The QX features a third row seat that folds flat into the floor to make loading cargo easier. (Photo: Infiniti)

track, purely from a pragmatic perspective the two domestic SUVs are quite accommodating. Each seat seven comfortably, just like the QX, and each includes a third row that folds flat into the floor to make loading cargo easier. Cadillac offers a longer wheelbase ESV version, which is basically a Chevy Suburbanized Escalade, but considering it is priced near $60K in base trim and nears $70K when fully optioned out, its not a fair comparison. Lincoln wins the ease-of-use award for this category, by offering the same power-actuated third row as is available in its Ford Expedition cousin. Neither the Cadillac nor Infiniti offer such a convenience booster. All come equipped with remote-controlled power-operated rear liftgates, although being that this feature actually

The Infiniti QX hardly deviates from its lesser priced Nissan relative, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. (Photo: Infiniti)

premiered in Chryslers Town & Country and is now available in more commonplace minivans makes it less exotic, and completely expected in top-trim luxury utes. Its convenient just the same, and still draws a small crowd of gaping onlookers when in operation.

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