Acceleration
"QX56 weighs several hundred pounds more than Armada. It's no neck-snapper, but getaways and passing sprints are reasonably brisk for a big, heavy SUV. Too-sensitive throttle pedal on several test examples caused unseemly leaps away from a stop. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb. "

Value
"Though it doesn't trounce the competition any more than does the less-expensive Nissan Armada upon which it is based, QX56 is a capable big rig. And it costs little more than a loaded Armada. Both suffer the usual sumo-SUV woes, especially poor fuel economy. But the Infiniti boasts a more upscale air, a longer warranty, and the promise of superior customer service."

Ride
"A tad smoother than Armada, but rough roads still induce shuddery jiggle--typical of body-on-frame trucks with big wheels and tires. Still, QX56 smothers most small bumps and stays reasonably flat over large swells. One test example suffered suspension creaking over low-speed bumps. "

Economy
Test QX56s averaged 11.0-12.9 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.

Noise
"Extra sound deadening makes QX56 a bit quieter than Armada, but engine roar still noticed in full-throttle acceleration. Tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement. Wind rush subdued."

Comfort - Front
"Big-rig-steep step-in not fully offset by standard running boards. Occupants ride high on wide, supportive seats with ample head and leg room. Included power-adjustable seat, pedals, and tilt steering wheel are boons for driver comfort. Generally good visibility, but tall stance hides close-by objects. Rear-window tinting heavy, so standard rear obstacle detection and available rearview camera helpful."

Comfort - Rear
"Running boards help mitigate another lofty step-in, but not the high-mount outer door handles or narrowish entryways shared with Armada. Bountiful 2nd-row space, but seats ordinary for shape and support. They tilt up for 3rd-row access, which is tight for adults, as is seating space."

Controls
"Lots of controls, not all optimally arranged or marked. Some mount on horizontal surfaces, others on vertical panels. Central audio and navigation controls mimic those of other Infinitis, take a little time to learn. Three-knob climate system not as simple as it looks. Gauges and navigation screen well-placed, but can wash out in certain light conditions. Aluminum and wood accents give QX56 an upscale ambience befitting a luxury SUV. Still, some knobs have cheap, hollow feel."

Cargo Room
"High load floor, as in Armada, but QX56 includes handy power liftgate. Only grocery-bag space behind 3rd-row seat, plus modest under-floor storage. Newly split 3rd-row backrests flop down to extend load deck; 2nd row requires rotating cushions, then dropping seatbacks, but no headrests need be removed. Right-front seatback also folds for extra-long cargo. Numerous bins, pockets, and beverage holders, so great small-items storage."