Awesome SUV Falls Short on Mileage

2009 Infiniti QX56 2WD

model as tested $59,115

Test Drove 10/10/08–10/17/08
reviewed by Lori Hindman

The Infiniti QX56 is a full-size SUV that earns the title “awesome,” because well, it is. This thing was awesomely huge, awesomely powerful, awesomely luxurious and awesome in its awesomeness. The QX was so awesome that my own awesomeness was in awe of the QX’s awesome awesomeness — until, naturally, I found something to complain about. Then I felt better — awesome, in fact.

Driving the QX56 was just as awesome as looking at it. A huge 5.6-liter V-8 engine not only sucked up the gas, it moved this ride with awe-thority. The ride was smooth and quiet, and the turns were easy to make with very little of that roly-poly sensation that’s common in tall vehicles like this one. I was surprised, actually, by how agile the QX was. Even in tight quarters like parking lots or narrow neighborhood streets, the QX was quick on its toes and considerably less cumbersome than I’d expected.

What’s not awesome about the QX56? The mileage. I averaged just less than 12 mpg during my week in the Infiniti. I live in a hilly area, and that mileage was about average for an SUV of this size, but that doesn’t make it eco-friendly. If I had more kids or a boat to tow, I might be willing to overlook that. But for my family of four (plus dogs), the QX56 is just more awesomeness than we need.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore
Cargo/trunk space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

SENSE AND STYLE
Family friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove on): Good Times

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