Much in the same way Infiniti's decision to use real aluminum trim on the center stack, tucked under the shroud like a frame
 |
| The Infiniti division upped the leather quality of the QX compared to the Armada, now dubbed Sojourner leather. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
topping off the unique orange-backlit instrument cluster, and elsewhere throughout the cabin, makes all the difference. The luxury division upped the seats to Italian-designed Sojourner leather, a higher quality than that in the Armada, while the brand's requisite oval clock replaces the Armada's digital unit. While using the same dash-level cutout as the Nissan, Infiniti's navigation system display is slightly more integrated. But that's after the aforementioned items, that's where the differences between the QX and Armada end. Everything else is more or less identical, including the steering wheel (excepting the wood inserts), the audio and cruise controls integrated into the stalks, column switches, dash switches such as those for the liftgate, power-actuated pedal adjusters, and park distance control buttons located at the lower left near the driver's door. The 4WD dial on the dash is also identical to the Armada; as are all the air vents, not made of the plastics quality expected in the premium class either. The auto
 |
| Much of the interior, including the center stack and shiftgate, are identical to the Armada. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
shiftgate is finished in an aluminum-like plastic but otherwise is exactly the same unit as on the Nissan, and the center stack just above, in its entirety, is the same. This includes the audio system, which incidentally is extremely good and integrates an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and the automatic heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The HVAC system is also identical, which I have to admit was a bit of a letdown. It works well, with large enough dials for use with stubby fingers or even gloves, but just like in the Armada the fitment of all the pieces feel loose and hardly robust enough to weather the test of time. Maybe this will not be an issue in later years, but even so, they just don't feel up to the quality levels expected in an Armada let alone the upscale QX56.
