2011 INFINITI QX56 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$58,700 to $61,800

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(26 reviews)
2011 INFINITI QX56 Preview summaryImage

A new look will greet those bent on kicking the tires of the 2011 Infiniti QX56. Front, rear, inside, and topside all get some sexy exterior curves, added cabin refinement, and more user-friendly doo-dads, giving this big SUV a jolt of much-needed distinction. Meanwhile the V8 powerplant also gets a tweak or two, with direct injection for some 80 extra ponies and 20 additional lb-ft of torque, and variable valve timing for (marginally) better fuel economy. Offered in only one Base trim level, the seven/eight passenger QX56 is delivered in the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, with on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD) available – at a significantly heftier price.

Roomy and refined, brawny and bodacious, the 2011 QX56 offers passengers a more high-end cabin atmosphere, while its durable construction ensures added safety and the oomph to tow up to 8,500 pounds of trailer. Based on Nissan’s U.S.-deprived Patrol SUV, this top-shelf Sport Ute remains one of the few body-on-frame heavy haulers still standing, and competes with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade in the somewhat oxymoronic, but no doubt lucrative, luxury SUV market.

Powering this behemoth is the newly beefed up 5.6-liter V8 engine, now under the auspices of a standard seven-speed auto-manual transmission with hill-start assist. Expect some 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque out of this beast, but, beware that with an estimated 14/20 mpg, a familiarity with area gas stations will be required.

A self-leveling suspension system remains standard for the 2011 QX56, while the part-time 4WD system features electronic hi-lo gear selection, auto-locking hubs, and a center-mounted, limited-slip locking differential.

In keeping with its upscale image, the 2011 QX56 pampers owners and passengers with a plethora of standard appearance features and creature comforts. Outside, 20-inch alloy wheels and step running boards complement a trailer hitch and wiring, power sunroof, power liftgate, roof rack, and skid plates to produce a refined silhouette. Inside, leather upholstery, multi-level heated, power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain's chairs, power-folding third-row seats, remote power door locks, heated, reverse-tilting power mirrors, power-adjustable telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, keyless ignition, universal remote garage door opener, three-zone air conditioning, simulated aerial camera technology, three-zone climate control, leather, alloy, and wood dash and cabin trim, and memory for driver's settings give off an air of technical sophistication and luxurious comfort.

Three options packages, the Deluxe Touring Package, Technology Package, and Theatre Package offer such additional amenities as Hydraulic Body Motion Control for added stability in hard cornering, heated second-row seats, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, radar-guided Intelligent Cruise Control, blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning systems, and dual 7-inch rear-seat DVD monitors. Meanwhile standalone options, including illuminated kick plates, second-row bench seats (for eight-passenger capacity), a vehicle alarm impact sensor, and a heated steering wheel, are also available.

Safety-wise, the 2011 QX56 is delivered with standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, active front headrests, turn-signal-integrated exterior mirrors, front fog/driving lights, HID headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a post-collision safety system. The well-regarded blind-spot warning and lane departure systems are available with the Technology Package.

Outright value is cited as one of the major reasons owners chose the 2010 Infiniti QX56, though the understandably dismal fuel efficiency of this outsized trailering machine diminishes its luster a bit for some. Iffy front brakes, inadequate front seat support, and a frustrating lack of separate iPod-nav-audio interface also leave some owners cold. Looks, over-the-top standard features, a roomy and comfortable cabin, plush ride, and confidence-inspiring bulk, however, have virtually all owners praising their QX56. The 2011 version, due this summer, should be even better.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2011 INFINITI QX56

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User rating:
by Beau D
Nov 22, 2023
I own 2 QX56 vehicles and extremely satisfied with both. That’s why I’m looking for another one Nov 22, 2023
by Silver P
Nov 21, 2023
Love the SUV. Had everything we need and has had no issues or problems. We did replace the Battery, since it was getting weak and old. Nov 21, 2023
by Randy B
Aug 01, 2023
Love this vehicle, still looking for the right one, prefer a darker color...Aug 01, 2023

2011 INFINITI QX56 Pricing

Original MSRP
$58,700 to $61,800
Price range
$9,355 to $10,922
Average price on CG
$9,355
YoY price change
$10,218 to $9,355

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Polyphenol air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.94

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: captains chairs

Roof

Moonroof: tilt · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 19.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 40-60 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class IV · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Polyphenol air filtration · Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.94

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: body color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 19.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 40-60 split bench

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class IV · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Polyphenol air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.94 · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: captains chairs

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 19.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 40-60 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class IV · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Polyphenol air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.79 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.94 · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: body color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 19.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.5

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 40-60 split bench

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class IV · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 7

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

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