Manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, the Infiniti QX56 gets a 5-hp boost and drops Lakeshore Slate and Serengeti Sand from its exterior color options list. Otherwise, the QX56 remains unchanged, with the four-door luxury SUV seating seven with the optional second-row buckets, or eight with the 60/40-split bench. Drivers get a 10-way adjustable power seat, while passengers enjoy 8-way power, and both are heated.

With its 320-hp, 5.6-liter engine, almost 90 percent of the 393 lb-ft of torque it produces has been made available below 2,500 rpm. Combined with a special tow/haul mode that revises shift patterns, this means a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds for rear-wheel-drive and 8,900 lbs for four-wheel-drive versions. Its five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission comes with a variable lock-up torque converter for better power delivery under several conditions and greater fuel efficiency.

Riding on a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, it comes with an auto-leveling rear that compensates for heavy loads. The 4WD trim includes skidplates for the oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank, as well as a trailer hitch and harness plug, although this Tow Package is an option for the Base trim. 20-inch chromed wheels cover four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and active brake limited-slip.

Moving around the outside, you’ll find HID headlights and halogen foglights, a one-piece roof rack, dual power-folding heated sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals and driver’s-side auto-dim, color-keyed running boards, and a remote-operated power liftgate. Interior features include a heated steering wheel with audio controls for the 12-speaker Bose audio system with a 9.3GB hard drive, a rearview monitor system, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and a driver memory system that governs the pedals, sideview mirrors, driver’s seat, and steering wheel.

All QX56 trims come with a navigation system including a 7.0-inch touch-screen that utilizes Birdview Lane Guidance and XM NavTraffic, although an XM subscription is required for that feature. A DVD player with an 8.0-inch monitor is also standard.

Special mention should be made of Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, which uses laser sensors and throttle and brake actuators to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and adjust speed accordingly to maintain following distance.

Safety features include dual-stage front airbags, roof-mounted curtain side airbags, front-seat-mounted side curtain airbags, and front-seat active head restraints.