Click here for the Ride&Drive Index!

Let me put my cards on the table at the outset. This vehicle disgusts me. It's so big you won't be able to enter some parking garages. It's so thirsty, the Saudi princes must grin from ear to ear every time one is sold. In my view it is socially irresponsible to produce such a vehicle in this day and age. Or buy one.

Having said that, it's not a bad vehicle if you accept it on its own terms. Nissan builds a solid product and the QX56 is no exception.

As an all-new model for 2004, the QX56 receives only minor enhancements for the 2005 model year. Designated QX56 for its 5.6-liter, 315-horsepower V8 engine, the QX56 adds the RearView monitor as standard equipment on all models for 2005 and active head restraints for the front passenger position.

The QX56 was designed for luxury SUV buyers who are looking for something new and different. The exterior styling of the QX56 projects a very powerful presence, beginning with its large hood, Infiniti-style chrome "waterfall" grille and taut, barrel-shaped sides. The jewel-like xenon headlights are located low in the fenders, which, combined with the integrated halogen fog lamps, help give the QX56 a strong resemblance to the elegant front end design established by the original Infiniti QX4. The large 18-inch tires are placed close to the edge of the wheelwells, enhancing the taut, athletic stance, while the standard 7-spoke chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and chrome wheel lip moldings — connected visually by the standard body side cladding and running boards — complement the QX56's look.

The QX56's opulent interior is equal to that of Infiniti's cars.

The standard seating configuration includes fold-flat, second-row captain's chairs with integrated armrests, removable second row center console and fold-flat 3rd row bench seat. A fold-flat second row bench seat is also available, providing eight-passenger seating if desired.

The third row seats are elevated (higher than the second row) to provide a better forward view and to help facilitate easier conversation with forward occupants. The seat's fold-flat design provides easy operation and easy access, along with cargo hauling flexibility and spontaneity. In addition to ample headroom, the third row provides passengers with individual side storage bins and cupholders.

There is also ample storage space behind the third row seat. With the second and third row seats folded down, the cargo area is nearly flat. Additionally, with the front passenger seat in the fold-down position, it is possible to carry long items with the rear liftgate closed.

Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock and memory function are standard, part of the Auto Driving Position memory system that includes memory for pedals, outside mirrors and driver's seat.

The QX56's full-length overhead console features individual map lights and ventilation for each passenger. The optional DVD Family Entertainment System includes a flip-down console-mounted monitor, as well as storage compartments for the system's two wireless headphones and remote controller.

Other standard interior features include four 12-volt power outlets, rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct, driver and front passenger one-touch auto up/down power windows; rear auto-down power windows, twelve cupholders and bottle holders (some with capability of holding up to 64 oz. bottles), standard HomeLink Universal Transceiver and rear area ceiling/floor-mounted cargo tie-down points and cargo net.

The standard 5.6-liter DOHC V8 produces 315 horsepower at 4,900 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM through the use of advanced design features such as aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps, single-stage timing chain and, for precise control, an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle. The EPA fuel economy rating is 13 city/18 highway, which is pretty bad in our book.

The QX56 also comes with a standard five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission is geared specifically for use in high torque situations and includes an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for smooth shift quality.

A gated floor shifter provides enhanced shift control when towing. The transmission's tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling. The QX56 has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds for RWD and 8,900 pounds for AWD. Furthermore, nearly 90 percent of the engine's torque is available below 2,500 rpm — where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving. Towing capacity is, in fact, the most impressive thing about the vehicle. If you regularly tow a heavy trailer, you might actually be able to justify the purchase of one of these behemoths.

An advanced rear auto-leveling air suspension is also standard on every QX56, helping provide better handling stability and ride comfort when towing or hauling cargo.

The QX56 is available in two drive configurations – rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive model featuring an all-wheel drive system with RWD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear. The two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time all-wheel drive and 4LO.

The QX56's AWD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand). Under normal driving conditions, AWD QX56s operate in rear-wheel drive mode. All AWD QX56s include heavy-duty skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

All QX56s are built on a durable fully boxed, high-strength steel F-Alpha frame and features standard Dana front and rear axles. The combination of comfortable ride and responsive handling comes from the 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars.

The 2005 QX56 also features standard engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), 7-spoke 18x8J chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/70R18 SUV tires and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with standard warning lamp (in gauge cluster) and warning display. A standard 28-gallon fuel tank provides an excellent driving range.

Option's include Infiniti's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, which allows the QX56 driver to maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead. Using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56's braking system, a laser signal measures the distance to the vehicle ahead, then automatically adjusts the QX56's speed to maintain a pre-selected following distance. The company warns that the system is not intended for congested areas or city driving and will not brake to a complete stop. Ever since Mercedes announced it would introduce a similar system several years ago (and then didn't) I have regarded the concept as a job security plan for lawyers. You just know such a system is going to invite abuse — and litigation. Oh, well.

The QX56 comes in one model, in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes the 5.6-liter V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension with auto-leveling rear, leather-appointed seating, advanced Bose audio system, navigation system, RearView monitor and much more.

Options and packages include the Power Sunroof, 2nd-row Split Bench Seat Package, Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System and Intelligent Cruise Control.

Our test vehicle carried a final sticker price of $52,100. This included $700 in destination charges and $400 for the XM Satellite radio. This is America. You get to choose. R&D