Her and His Reviews
May 2011
2011 Infiniti QX56 4WD
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP:$72,560 as tested | MSRP:$72,560 as tested |
| Performance | |
| This 400 horsepower V6 beast-of-an-engine had no problem getting started in snow and ice storms. No worries in this vehicle, as handling and steering are ultra-responsive. | 5.6 liter, 400 horsepower V-8. The QX is a big, big SUV. But this engine does let it get out of its own way, despite its heavi8ness. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| At $4 a gallon, the 14 city miles or 20 on the highway will cost you a bundle, especially for those planning on a summer getaway. | Not real terrific. 14/20 with annual fuel costs of $2,625 based on 15,000 miles of driving yearly with gas at $2.80 a gallon. |
| The Car | |
| Well, who wouldn't feel comfortable in this car? It's impeccably designed, and has all the highest amenities conceived. Now, getting into this SUV is another matter entirely for those like myself with some vertical limitations, I had to hoist myself into the driver seat each and every time, such that my arm was tiring. Also, you cannot get the third child seat positioned in the back seat, so makes it a little tougher for some moms. That said, comfort is high, and I appreciate all the seat adjustments, as on my account, the maximiums' were required. | The QX56 gets to be its own SUV with this newest generation. Previously it didn't look much different from the Nissan Armada on which it was based. It has an exquisite interior, plenty of room, and loads of comfort, but�?��?�it is just too big for driving in anything but the most spacious of environments. It's the first Infiniti ever that I wouldn't buy for myself. |
| Safety | |
| A top pick for safety with the Infiniti Advanced Airbag system, and so much more. In the worst since storm of late Q1, the car (and it's enormous weight) made me feel safe and left no cause for alarm as the sleet came down. | Loads of equipment. Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System, side impact supplemental air bags, three point seat belts, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and vehicle dynamic control, etc. |
| Technology | |
| This is a man or woman's-cave on wheels. The car is amped up with great sound, and I get to listen to each exquisite note to everything from French Rap to Cat Stevens. Bluetooth allows for hands free talking and, of course, a great Navigation system. | Bose 13-speaker premium audio system, 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive, satellite radio, streaming audio via Bluetooth hands free phone system, Infiniti hard drive navigation system, with eight inch color touch screen display, etc. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| This big vehicle looks good, and drives well.. The aggressive design, grill and overall appearance align with the monster performance it delivers. | To put it politely, the styling is interesting. I'm hoping it's not indicative of where Infiniti is heading with styling. If it is, I predict challenges ahead. I've fallen in love with every single Infiniti introduced, but not this one. |
| Warranty | |
| 4 Years/60,000 mile basic limited warranty and, 6 years/70,000 mile power train limited warranty. | Four years, 60,000 mile basic limited warranty, six years, 70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, etc. |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| Human beings are a funny lot. Three years ago this summer, we swore we would swear off Hummers as they were simply too big, audacious looking and cost Americans too much at the gas station. Mmmm, not so in 2011 at $4 a gallon and under the brand name Infiniti. No one is balking at this vehicle. Yet. | Did you know that the QX56 is one of the best selling crossovers for families--with money, of course? That's what Infiniti sales figures and demographics show. Anyway, I'd love to see a smaller, sleeker, more economical QX56 that isn't so impractical for urban driving. |
