2008 Infiniti QX56

The QX56 was introduced in 2004 and is Infiniti's full-size SUV, based on the Nissan Armada. The QX56 competes against the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

Power for the QX56 comes from Infiniti's 5.6L V8, rated at 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft or torque. Available in rear or electronic four-wheel drive, the QX56's power is sent to the pavement via a five-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti calls its 4WD system All-Mode 4WD, which acts like a traction-sensing all-wheel drive system when the dash-mounted switch is set to Auto. The button also allows for 2WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low settings when the driver sees fit. This model also rides one inch higher than its rear-wheel drive counterpart.

Towing for the near-6,000lb SUV is rated at a maximum of 9,000lbs for the rear-wheel drive model and 100lbs less in the 4x4. Without a trailer in tow, the SUV's fuel economy is rated at 12mpg in the city for either model, while the 18mph highway rating is only 1mpg better than the 4x4's EPA rating.

Being a premium full-size SUV, the QX56 comes standard with an impressive list of features, including a power rear lift gate, a heated steering wheel, 7-inch touchscreen navigation system and 20-inch rims.

The seven-passenger SUV features buckets in the first two rows, though the second-row seats can be replaced with a 3-person bench as a no-cost option, bringing up the seating capacity to eight.

Apart from the option of a towing package on the 2WD model, the two models share the same options packages. There is just a DVD entertainment system for rear seat passengers that involves an 8-inch LCD screen popping down from the ceiling as well as Infiniti's Technology package, which includes an active cruise control and a front parking assist system.

There are no audio system upgrades offered, as the standard issue set-up should please most. The Bose-tuned system features 12 speakers including a subwoofer and a 24-bit Burr-Brown DAC. The CD player has the ability to transfer MP3 files to the 9.3-gigabyte built-in Music Box hard drive. A compact flash card slot is an alternative source for digital audio file playback. XM Satellite radio is included, though requires a monthly subscription.