Road Test - 2004 Infiniti QX56

We had the opportunity to 'wheel the QX56 on paved roads, dirt roads and a rocky trail. On the infamous, twisty Hana Highway, it exhibited surprisingly agile handling, especially considering the vehicle's beefy size and weight. The willing 5.6L engine yanked us quickly out of the tight corners and even though it was clear the engine was working in the upper rpm, engine noise wasn't unpleasantly invasive in the cabin thanks to NVH upgrades.

Like the Armada, the QX56 has large A-pillars, and as with our experience with the Armada, we found them to be visually intrusive. On a rough dirt road connecting Hana to Makena, we were again impressed by the SUV's handling. Even on washboard-type surfaces, the rearend stayed planted through the tight corners and the steering felt smooth and confidence-inspiring.

Near Kaupo we found a two-track trail scattered with a few small rocks and gulleys. With the transfer case in 4-Low, we took a jaunt up the trail and found that while the Active Brake Limited Slip system does work well, it takes a bit of time to activate. We also had to institute a spotter because of the low-hanging running boards and the not-so-hot departure angle of 22.5 degrees. On the plus side, the 8 inches of wheel travel at each corner offered decent flex and helped keep the tires in contact with the trail. In comparison to other luxury SUVs, we'd rate its trail performance as average, but we'd rate its on-road performance as above average.

So the bottom line is this: Do we think that the new Infiniti QX56 is destined to be a player in the crowded luxury SUV segment when it debuts in the spring of 2004? To that we say, are there coconuts on Maui? We definitely think the QX56 brings a lot to the table, especially considering the fact that the QX56 will be offered at a base MSRP of $50,000, including destination and handling charges. That figure puts it on the low end of the pricing in the fullsize luxury SUV category.