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2008 Infiniti QX56 Road Test

I normally wouldn't want anything to do with something as large as a full-size

Infiniti does an Escalade, and it turns out that the updated SUV is quite a good effort on their part. (Photo: Infiniti)

SUV because I don't have anywhere to park it overnight - they literally won't fit in my parking spot at my apartment's garage, never mind trying to maneuver it in the narrow confines. However, the timing couldn't have been better for my week with the QX56, as it included a long weekend of condo shopping in slushy, snowy weather. While we might have been able to squeeze our realtor into any ordinary sedan, we were also taking my dad and his wife to see our top picks, and with three senior citizens riding along, we wanted as big and comfortable a vehicle as we could find. We found it.

With generous seating for seven (although a back row that requires a bit of dexterity and flexibility to reach), the Q was indeed accommodating, and the seats were comfortable and supportive throughout a long weekend of driving from building to building, getting in and out of

The interior is quite nice. Indeed, it shares its roots with the Nissan Armada, but then again what truck in this segment doesn't share with something a little more common? (Photo: Infiniti)

the truck and trudging in and out of prospective homes. It was a test of endurance as much as a chance to view potential condos, and the QX56 was like a mobile conference room, with everybody settling into their choice of seats and plenty of space between passengers to give us all our personal bubble on the move.

As for the décor, I really don't think I could have asked for anything better, and I have to admit that it set a high standard for the condos we viewed, and judging from other SUVs on the market, an vehicle like this must be just as challenging to decorate as a new apartment. Infiniti, in my opinion, are the best in the business at designing interiors as one cohesive space, with the kind of delicate touches that make a top designer worth the money they charge. Starting with high quality, soft-touch plastics over most visible surfaces, the QX's cabin gets prominent swaths of wood on the doors, the center console and above the glove box, while the HVAC and radio controls on the center stack are finished in a matte metallic surfacing that offers a subdued sparkle and a nudge of quality with the push of every button.

Some would call it the Japanese Escalade, but in truth there is very little Japanese about this SUV except for its sumo-sized

Adaptive cruise control is a feature you won't find on any other vehicle in this segment. (Photo: Infiniti)

weight class. As to whether it's competitive with the Escalade, well, it was easily the match for the American icon except in the power department. In terms of the interior, the QX made the Escalade look like the overdressed pickup truck that it is, trumping the Caddy with a cabin that seems effortless in its luxury, right down to the softer leather, more convincing wood trim and immaculately stitched Infiniti logo in the seatbacks.

As far as the usual amenities in this class, the QX56 came complete with a power liftgate, power tumbling third row seats, hard drive-based navigation system (compatible with XM Traffic if you're a subscriber) with a large 8-inch touch screen, plus a premium Burr-Brown sound system with the ability to use almost 10 gigs of hard-drive space for music storage. The nav system was relatively easy to access, using either the touchscreen interface or interactive knob on the shelf just below the screen. Redundant controls for stereo and heating and ventilation fill out the center console, although the odd placement of the analog clock means you're likely to forget it's even there, which is a

Navigation system is a breeze to use, and the sound system is great. (Photo: Infiniti)

shame as it's an elegant and appealing timepiece.

If my interior impressions seem to dominate this review, that is something worth noting, as the QX56 did indeed overwhelm me with its hospitality and often made me forget about the lumbering beast I was driving. I don't necessarily condone driving large SUVs as a regular habit when a smaller vehicle would do, but I can fully understand someone with a family of five or more adult-sized members or people who travel with a large entourage seeking the accommodations that only something like a QX or Escalade can offer. Not only was it easier on tender joints and backs when getting in and out, it was also smooth on the road and as fully capable as a premium limo service.

Its 5.6-liter V8, offering 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque was up to getting this 6,011-pound behemoth off the line with gusto. Granted,

The standard stereo system includes high-performance speakers by Burr-Brown, and a clever integrated hard-drive for storing your tunes. (Photo: Infiniti)

it doesn't match the Escalade's 6.2L V8, with over 400 in both power and torque categories, and doesn't match it in the corners either, but the QX56 and its higher profile, cushier tires offer a less jarring ride that is better suited to shuttling clients to chichi events without wrinkling any big poofy dresses or hairdos. It can also tow almost 9,000 pounds if properly equipped, earning it a best in category rating.

As to its driving demeanor, steering reaction is predictable and the body leans progressively in the corners, letting you know when and how much to back off, and the brakes bite down and bring the lumbering beast back down from speed with control and efficiency. If you're looking for serious performance in your SUV, look elsewhere (or down Infiniti's lineup to the FX "trucks"), because the QX56 won't pretend to any handling prowess other than the maneuvers necessary to navigate traffic and rough roads with complete composure and ease. Stick a hybrid in it and it's a vehicle Lexus would be proud of, although I'm sure

A worthy competitor to the Americans. (Photo: Infiniti)

Infiniti reps will cringe at my using Lexus as the standard for comfort and a smooth ride. A traditional hybrid would kill its trailer-pulling advantage anyway.

Infiniti made a long list of upgrades for the 2008 model to keep it competitive feature for feature with anything in the class, but where it stands apart is its higher quality interior finish and smooth ride (assuming you don't slap a set of low-profile 22-inch rims on it).

While the QX56 is unlikely to be the sales success that the Escalade continues to be (Infiniti just came too late to the game), it is nonetheless a worthy competitor to the iconic Cadillac and similarly revered Lincoln Navigator, which was about the only thing going for Lincoln through the '90s. Thankfully, Infiniti has a few other vehicles in its lineup to keep it competitive and appealing to new customers, and the QX56 will impress anyone showing up at an Infiniti lot who likes their SUVs large and conventional.

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