2006 Infiniti QX56

The Nissan Armada-based QX56 was introduced in 2004, and continues for a third year of production with a few minor changes.  For 2006, Infiniti's full-size SUV gains a standard Bluetooth feature, power-folding exterior mirrors, and a split-folding third row seat.  The QX is still in its first generation of production, and there are no changes planned for the near future.

The QX56 competes with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator.   The full size SUV seats seven or eight passengers (depending on the second-row configuration), and offers 20 cubic feet of cargo space (over 61 cubic feet with the seats folded).  

Reviewers have praised the QX56 for comfort, security, and performance. It's roomy, spacious, and has Infiniti's trademark sleek solidity. A 5.6-liter V8 engine delivers 315 horsepower and has the power to tow up to 9,000 pounds. And when it comes to safety, the '06 QX56 has an array of standard safety features, including ABS with traction control, front and rear anti-roll bars, side impact bars, and front, side, and overhead curtain airbags.

Key luxury and convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate controls and manual rear controls, a power tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and second-row bucket seats, a ten-way power driver seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, a memory system for the driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, pedals, wood and aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, keyless entry, a Bose AM/FM radio with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a navigation system, a rearview camera, and a universal garage door opener.

So what's the downside of this cushy SUV? A high sticker price puts it beyond many drivers' price range (and with Mercedes, Lexus, Audi, and Cadillac all competing for its market share, you've got to deliver a lot of bang for the buck). Gas mileage is, unsurprisingly for a big luxury wagon like this, pretty dismal: 13 mpg city, 20 mpg highway are the EPAs estimates.

The 2006 Infiniti QX56 is offered in rear-drive and four-wheel drive versions, but you're probably not going to take this big boy on any off-road adventures. Still, if money is no object and safety is your main concern, the Infiniti QX56 might be the choice for you.