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By 
Bengt Halvorson, Editor
In order to bring you the most comprehensive review possible, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com have gathered some of the best reviews from reputable sources. Then, as TheCarConnection’s editors have drawn from their driving notes of the Infiniti QX56 to make the review especially insightful.
Likes:
- Attractive styling inside and out
- Very comfortable seats in front
- Excellent, full-featured entertainment systems
Dislikes
- Clumsy handling and lack of maneuverability
- Firm, choppy ride
- Impaired rearward visibility
- Questionable reliability
The 2008 Infiniti QX56 sport-utility vehicle, a more luxurious and ornately styled version of the big Nissan Armada, gets a revamp for the 2008 model year including a new audio and navigation system, fresh front and rear styling, and a power folding third-row seat. The QX56 returns with rear- or all-wheel drive models—oriented for on-road driving—both powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque, teamed to a five-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 9000 pounds.
The 2008 Infiniti QX56 isn’t as fast as the numbers make it sound—most notably, because it weighs about three tons—but the huge V-8 engine has enough torque to propel this hefty vehicle quite briskly. Handling is a low point, though; the steering is overboosted and light, and aggressive cornering is met with a disconnected feel for the driver and an ungainly wallow for passengers. Maneuverability is hindered by a large turning radius and poor rearward visibility.
The 2008 Infiniti QX56 has an unexpectedly stiff ride, considering the pronounced body lean in corners. The interior includes nice, supportive front seats, but the second row isn’t as comfortable as would be expected in a full-size SUV and the third row is cramped, though elevated to avoid help claustrophobia. And although the materials are slightly disappointing, the QX’s upright instrument panel is a nice combination of distinctively styled and user-friendly. For 2008, there’s a power-folding third row, steering wheel controls are now lit, and the gauge faces get a new style.
A very long list of noteworthy standard features help distinguish the 2008 Infiniti QX56. A 12-speaker Bose sound system is standard, mated to a 9.3-GB Music Box hard-drive system, which stores music files for playback in the vehicle. Intelligent Key is also standard, along with leather upholstery, a navigation system, a power tailgate, and a load-leveling rear suspension. Options now include XM NavTraffic and a DVD entertainment system with a larger, eight-inch screen.
Front side airbags, side head-curtain airbags, and electronic stability control are standard on the 2008 Infiniti QX56, along with anti-lock brakes. The QX56 has been tested by the federal government and earned five stars in frontal protection for the driver and four stars for the passenger. It hasn’t been tested for side-impact protection, or tested at all by the insurance-affiliated IIHS. Another cause for concern is that Consumer Reports has flagged the QX56’s reliability in a number of areas.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Infiniti QX56 misses the mark for a lot of practical reasons, but it can tow the Chris Craft in high style.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Infiniti QX56, also consider:
- Lexus LX 570
- Chrysler Aspen
- Lincoln Navigator
- Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade reigns near the top of the class of full-size luxury SUVs, with a good ride, surprisingly nimble handling for its size and weight, and a very responsive powertrain; plus, there’s its standout styling and street cred. The Lincoln Navigator has an especially roomy, well-designed interior, with distinctive materials; it also has good ride quality and reasonably good handling, but it lags the others with an engine that isn’t as powerful. The L X570 has the sturdy frame and world-class hardware from the Land Cruiser, but it’s especially expensive. The Aspen is a half-size smaller, though it isn’t nearly as maneuverable. However the Aspen is a relative bargain, with a price that’s many thousands less than the rest of these vehicles. Fuel economy is a low point for the 2008 Infiniti QX56, whose fuel economy ratings of 12 city and 17 highway for the AWD version rank it near the bottom of its class.
Buying Tip:
The QX56 has been discontinued for 2009—with low demand likely being one of the reasons. You should be able to get a good deal with the dealership on any remaining 2008 Infiniti QX56 models.
