2002 Infiniti QX4

When it comes to spending quality time in a midsize SUV, few players in today's market can rival the experience provided by the Infiniti QX4. Sharing the same basic MonoFrame structure as the rugged Nissan Pathfinder from which it was spawned in 1997, the somewhat pricier but far plusher QX4 has been winning over the modestly well-heeled ever since with its distinctive blend of competence, comfort and convenience. Beneficiary of an image-emboldening facelift and major powertrain upgrading in 2001, Infiniti's entry-lux sport-ute makes do with a host of lesser—but nonetheless welcome—refinements and seven new exterior colors this time around.

Exterior updates include HID headlamps, foglights with integrated turn signals, body-color cladding and either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.

Excluding destination fees, price of entry for the QX4 starts at $34,150 for a rear-drive version and $35,550 for one fitted with the trick All-Mode 4WD system, as was our test vehicle. In either case, the tariff brings a magnum load of standard features headed by leather upholstery, dual power front seats, climate-control air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, tilt steering column, xenon HID headlamps, fog lights, front/head/front-side airbags, disc/drum brakes with ABS, HomeLink universal transceiver, and a 150-watt premium Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system with a new RDS capability and faster-operating 6-disc changer. Rather heavily optioned with the Premium Package (17-inch aluminum wheels, 245/65SR17 all-season tires, wood/leather steering wheel with redundant audio/cruise controls, driver-seat memory), new-for-2002 distance-sensing Intelligent Cruise Control, power moonroof, heated front seats, navigation system, chrome wheels, and a rear wind deflector, our QX4 commanded $42,195, including $545 in destination fees.


Centerpiece for all QX4s is a potent 3.5-liter DOHC V-6, a motivator it shares with the Nissan Maxima and Pathfinder as well as with the Infiniti I35. This compact, all-aluminum gem makes 240 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. As such, it stands in stark contrast to the outdated and egregiously underpowered 3.3-liter, 170-horse/200-lb.-ft. SOHC V-6 that had occupied the QX4's engine bay until the 2001 upgrade.

The all-aluminum 3.5-liter Nissan V-6 is well-tested: This 240-horse engine also powers the Maxima, Pathfinder and I35.

Although the sole transmission remains an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic, with significantly more firepower on tap, the QX4 is dramatically transformed, regardless of whether it's a rear-drive base model or has the trick All-Mode 4WD system. Based on technology introduced on the high-performance Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe, All-Mode is a full-time/driver-selectable system that allows the QX4 to instantaneously transition from normal rear-drive to all-wheel drive when switched into the Auto setting. That ability to seamlessly ship power on demand to the wheels that can best use it enhances both its overall handling competence as well as its basic fuel efficiency. Unlike most car-based systems—including the Skyline's—this version of All-Mode also incorporates a low-range transfer case, for when wanderlust beckons you to travel the path less taken.


Complementing this first-rate drivetrain is a full-coil suspension that strikes a very livable balance between comfort and control. MacPherson struts up front are matched with a live rear axle located by four trailing and one transverse control link. Anti-roll bars are used to trim the package at both ends, while directional control is provided by a power rack-and-pinion steering system. That combination allows the QX4 to be driven fairly aggressively on road as well as off.