More important than the numbers is the pull off the line. With a purposeful application of the throttle the QX snaps to
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| The QX56 large 18-inch rims and P265/70R18 tires connected to a fully independent suspension setup. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
attention, and instantaneously charges forward leaving most everything behind in its substantial wake, including about 10 bucks worth of tailpipe fumes. To be fair, most of the attributes that make the Infiniti a better performer also enhance
fuel economy, but at 18.1 L/100 km (13 mpg) in the city and 12.1 L/100 km (18 mpg) on the highway (4WD version), if driven in the manner just mentioned its 105 liter tank will be empty in no time. The throttle doesn't have to be so forcefully applied in order to take advantage of the QX56's agile handling, however, as it likes to remain in higher gears and use its torque to push it through the corner. And it will corner, more impressively than you might dare to attempt - which might be smart considering all the news over SUV rollovers lately. Such criticism is more about accidence avoidance mind you, something that any top-heavy sport utility will find more difficult than the average car if driving at highway speeds. For regular high-speed handling the QX is superb, negotiating both long sweeping highway bends and short, tight back-to-back "S" curves with confidence inspiring agility. Of course, it's still an SUV so mass, velocity, gravity and all the other 11th grade physics properties still
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| The Infiniti out-tows its domestic competitors with a capacity of 3,992 kg. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
apply, but considering its shear hulking bulk, it's a pretty athletic piece of machinery. The QX56 large 18-inch rims and P265/70R18 tires connected to a fully independent suspension setup, which is quite the opposite of what underpins the Escalade at least - the Navigator is fully independent too. While the Caddy gets standard 17-inch wheels on P265/70R17s, and an independent suspension up front, but a conventional truck-like solid rear axle out back, considered better for towing and hauling heavy weights, and appreciated by off-road enthusiasts, but not for everyday driving.
So if a fully independent setup is not as good for towing, how does the QX measure up? Ironically the Infiniti out-tows its domestic competitors with a capacity of 3,992 kg (8,800 lbs). The Cadillac takes second at 3,856 kg (8,500 lb) and the Lincoln a close third at 3,810 kg (8,399 lbs).
