2008 Infiniti QX56 Overview

2008 Infiniti QX56 Overview

Overall User Score

4.5⁄5

Based on 8 reviews

For the 2008 model year, Infiniti's full-size SUV, the QX56, receives its first exterior redesign since its launch in 2004, as well as some upgraded interior features. In addition, the automaker offers QX56 buyers three years of complimentary (i.e. free) XM satellite radio service and XM NavTraffic service.

Exterior upgrades to the QX56 include a new grille, new front and rear fascias, updated fog lights, a new roof rack, and new 20-inch chrome wheels.

Inside, the QX56 continues to display its luxury pedigree, with leather seating for all three rows, heated front seats with power adjustment (10-way for the driver, eight-way for the passenger), a heated steering wheel with illuminated audio controls, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system with a 9.3-gigabyte built-in hard drive that can store nearly 3,000 songs.

Interior upgrades for 2008 include redesigned gauges for the instrument cluster and a larger eight-inch screen for the optional DVD entertainment system. There's also a greater use of wood trim to add to the interior's luxury feel, as well as a standard power folding rear bench seat. With a second-row bench seat in place instead of captain's chairs, the QX56 can seat eight passengers. Naturally, the large vehicle offers plenty of interior passenger and cargo space.

Power for the QX56 remains unchanged, in the form of a hefty 320-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine that ably moves the big SUV. Of course, the downside of such a large engine, and such a large vehicle, is that gas mileage suffers miserably (in the neighborhood of 13 mpg when driving around the neighborhood). But for those buyers seeking a large luxury SUV, the 2008 QX56 not only meets the requirement, but exceeds it in just about every way.