2004 Infiniti QX56

Big trucks should have plenty of cargo capacity and this one does?the interior volume is 188.4 cubic feet.

Big trucks should have plenty of cargo capacity and this one does. The interior volume is 188.4 cubic feet, the 8,900 pound towing cap is tops, and even the roof rack supports 200 pounds. You can fold the front passenger seat and accommodate a ten foot ladder. The rear lift gate is power-operated. Along with all that space, and the aforementioned aluminum trim, a DVD-based Nav system, with a 7-inch screen is standard; the front bucket seats (driver's 10-way; passenger's 8-way) are supportive. Both the first rows are electronically-heated; they both recline and the second and third rows fold flat; second-row legroom is reportedly best in class; even the pedals are power-adjustable. There's a Bose audio 6-speaker system as standard with 10 speakers. Quiet is assured with masses of sound-deadening, thick glass and triple door seals.


The QX56 has every conceivable safety inclusion: including supplemental airbags, side-impact bags for rollover protection and LATCH tethers for kid (probably the grandkids) seats. A rollover sensor analyzes roll rate and angle; if it's close, or in the unlikely case that the QX56 actually flips, seatbelt pretensioners and side-curtain airbags will deploy. The powerful brakes incorporate all the alphabet soup we expect in a luxury vehicle: ABS, EBD, VDC, ABLS, and there's a tire-pressure monitoring system, too. There aren't a lot of options, because there's not much more you could want. Aside from the Smart Vision Package (RearView monitor and Intelligent Cruise Control), there's an optional power sunroof, the Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment system, and satellite radio.


Infiniti has a good bead on the QX56's prime target—he's most likely a married male with a median age of 48, a median HH income that's just over $200K, although it could approach $350K: he's got college age children and/or he's close to emptying his lavish nest. Baldwin uses phrases like confident, adventurous, tasteful indulgence, trendsetting, premium and progressive, with a skew toward men (and their wives) who are rewarding themselves for their hard work. Infiniti hopes to sell 15,000 units annually, in what's seen as a fast-expanding category. By packing the QX56 with every conceivable creature comfort, amenity and safety feature, they're off to a fine start. (www.infiniti.com)