Used 2011 Infiniti QX56 for sale 

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is offered in only a single trim format with an option for an RWD or a 4WD drivetrain and an option to seat either 7 or 8 occupants. It boasts of a tastefully designed interior that includes leather and wood trims all around the cabin alongside loads of technology and creature comforts to justify the $60,000 price tag. 

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Since there are no trims to choose from, there is nothing really to decide, but opting for the 4WD setup would be a sensible choice as it adds a bit more practicality to the large SUV by increasing its capabilities in substandard conditions. The SUV comes with a variety of comfort and luxury features in its standout trim.

The Infiniti QX56 is powered by a large 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces a whopping 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It powers the rear wheels as standard with an option for a 4-wheel drive drivetrain and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

With the grunt under its hood, the QX56 powers to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and crosses the finish line at the end of the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, and can tow as much as a truck. 

The Cadillac Escalade has marginally more power and torque than the Infiniti QX56 but is substantially more expensive as well. Even then, the Infiniti is faster and has a marginally higher tugging power. The Lincoln Navigator, although is the cheapest one here, but has around 100 horsepower lesser than the other two, and hence is the slowest in the acceleration tests and also has a lower towing capacity.

The large capacity V8 engines are notorious for being gas guzzlers and the Infiniti QX56, though more efficient than before, it is still just on par with the competition. The EPA rates it for 14 mpg around the town while the highway driving is rated at 20 mpg. The overall combined fuel economy is rated for 16 mpg and employs a 26-gallon gas tank, which together translates to just over 400 miles of combined city and highway driving range.

All the three SUVs here have almost identical fuel economy figures, with the only exception being the lower highway fuel economy figures of the Cadillac. The Lincoln employs a larger fuel tank and hence has a longer driving range than the other two. While Escalade and QX56 offer a combined range of 416 miles, Navigator outperforms and offers 448 miles combined.

The cabin of the Infiniti boasts of premium soft-touch leather or wood trims all around, and the quality of materials and the build quality is top-notch too, with no squeaks and creaks from anywhere. There is ample amount of space for all passengers, except for the third row, which is best suited for kids only.

The optional remote second-row seat folding control is a nifty little feature that might not be used every day but will be really handy whenever it is used. The cargo capacity with all seats upright is almost as much as a midsize sedan and the rear two rows can obviously be opened up when needed to fit in as much cargo as one might need. 

The Infiniti falls behind in terms of legroom at the front but offers the most spacious second row of seat. The Lincoln Navigator offers the best balance between cabin space for occupants in all three rows and cargo-carrying capacity. The Infiniti has the lowest cargo capacity while the top honor goes to the Cadillac Escalade, but it also has the most compact third row of seats. Major interior features include- 

• 10-way power driver seat w/driver seat memory
• 8-way power passenger seat
• Heated front leather bucket seats
• Second-row leather captains chairs w/tip-up easy entry for third row
• 60/40 split power fold-flat leather 3rd-row bench seat w/recline
• Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
• Front dual-zone auto climate control and Rear air conditioning w/rear controls

How is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 SUV’s infotainment system?

Infiniti has confirmed that the center console of the QX56 would fit in a Nintendo Wii and can be connected to the infotainment system to keep the kids occupied and entertained on the long family drives. It has the capability to play three DVDs at the same time, one at the front and two for the rear seat passengers with the optional rear-seat entertainment system. It also packs in all the latest technology and features that one can expect in a luxury SUV at this price point. Few key infotainment features include- 

• DVD based Entertainment system w/2 rear screens
• 13-speaker Bose audio system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth wireless technology
• XM NavTraffic w/real-time traffic info
• NavWeather w/rear-time weather & 3-day forecast
• 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive

The exterior design of the QX56 was never its strong point, and even with the new design language, it is uninspiring. The headlamps are a bit smaller and do not line up with the front grille, which although large looks awkward.

The hood too is curved in nature and rises up from the center and gives it a weird look to the front of the SUV. The 9.2-inch ground clearance on offer is pretty good to tackle a bit of off-road with the available 4WD system. 

The Infiniti QX56 and the Lincoln Navigator are both almost identical in terms of length but the Infiniti offers a longer wheelbase. It is also wider and lighter than the Lincoln. The Escalade is the most compact in this comparison and is also the lightest one here. All three have a similar ground clearance of over 9 inches, which is more than enough for most buyers in most conditions. Major exterior highlights of the SUV are-

• Auto on/off high intensity (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights
• Integrated front halogen fog lamps
• Power folding heated pwr mirrors w/integrated turn signal & mirror memory
• Power rear liftgate
• Tinted power sliding moonroof w/sliding sunshade
• 20-inch forked 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels

Considering the fact that Infiniti QX56 is a large premium SUV and would not see high sales numbers, both the government and private, the NHTSA and the IIHS have not crash-tested it for the 2011 model year and probably won’t even in the future. That being said, the available long list of safety features and aids is pretty extensive, and all of them being standard, just adds more value to the car. Few standout safety features include-

• Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) w/brake assist
• Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and Traction control system (TCS)
• Around View monitor w/front/rear sonar system
• Tire pressure monitor system
• Driver/front passenger dual-stage airbags w/occupant classification sensors
• Driver/front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags
• Three-row roof-mounted side-impact curtain airbags w/rollover sensor

The Infiniti QX56 may not be the most handsome or imposing SUV in the market, but it does offer a lot of value with a strong performing engine that is equally frugal for its size, plus, the cabin pampers you with all the leather and wood trims and abundant features and creature comforts. So if you are on the lookout for a large premium SUV and stunning looks aren’t on top of your priority list, the QX56 does make a strong case for itself.