2005 INFINITI QX56 Trims and Specs

A standard rearview camera makes up the only major addition to the 2005 Infiniti QX56. This rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury SUV holds three rows of seats, fitting up to eight passengers if you replace the standard heated leather captain's chairs in the second row with a bench seat. This seat folds and can be removed, while the third row folds flat, expanding cargo space to 61 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folds down.

A 315-hp, 5.6-liter DOHC V8 and 5-speed shiftable automatic sit under the hood, delivering 390 ft-lbs of torque. Clocking in at 206 inches in length, the 2005 QX56 can be difficult to maneuver, but standard safety features include 18-inch wheels, traction and stability control, a tire-pressure monitor, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, automatic headlights, xenon lamps, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags for all rows. Adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the car in front of you, is available as an option.

Oozing luxury, there are plenty of bells and whistles to keep passengers happy, such as leather upholstery, 10-way and 8-way power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, heated seats in the first two rows, intermittent front and rear wipers, automatic climate control, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the 6-CD changer and Bose sound system, driver's memory settings, remote entry, a garage-door opener, navigation system, and heated mirrors. Second-row passengers also have climate and audio controls. Leather and real wood trim dress up the interior.

Outside, you'll find running boards to help with access, and a standard roof rack adds more cargo options. The QX56 is also set up to tow a trailer up to around 9,000 pounds. Options include satellite radio, a DVD player with wireless headphones, and a sunroof. A good engine with great pickup, lots of interior space, and luxury style all appeal to owners of the 2005 QX56, but serious brake wear and interior rattling cause problems.

Drivers of the 2005 Infiniti QX56 AWD can choose between three different settings: Automatic, Full-time, or 4LO all-wheel drive. The default setting is rear-wheel drive, but even in this mode torque can be distributed between all four wheels. AWD models also come with skid plates to better handle rough roads. Otherwise, the QX56 AWD is the same as the rear-wheel-drive version. A 5.6-liter, 315-hp DOHC V8 and 5-speed shiftable automatic fuel the full-size luxury SUV, which rides on 18-inch chrome wheels.

Traction and stability control, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a rearview camera, tire monitor, automatic xenon headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglights, and six airbags (including side curtain bags for all three rows) supplement the extra security of the AWD. The cruise control feature can be upgraded to intelligent cruise control, which maintains a fixed distance from other cars. The SUV holds up to 61 cubic feet of cargo with the second and third rows folded nearly flat, and the front passenger seat can fold to accommodate long objects. Captain's chairs or a bench seat are available for the second row, depending on whether you want to seat seven or eight passengers.

With driving comfort in mind, the 2005 QX45 AWD comes standard with heated leather seats in the first two rows, a 10-way power driver's seat and power pedals with memory settings, an 8-way passenger seat, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, as well as rear climate and audio controls, a 6-CD changer, four power outlets, cupholders for each row, a garage-door opener, remote entry, a security system, intermittent front and rear wipers, navigation system, and leather and wood trim. The cargo area features a power liftgate, and the power rear quarter windows bring some air to backseat passengers. A roof rack is also standard. There's not much left to add, but to keep the kids happy, there's an optional DVD player and satellite radio. A power moonroof is also available.

Drivers looking for a comfortable, luxurious way to transport family are happy with the 2005 QX56 AWD. It handles adequately in tough weather conditions, and the V8 is plenty powerful. Frequent brake repair seems to be the biggest complaint, along with its 13/18 mpg and annoying rattling from the dash.