Car Lines
by Larry Mason
2001 Infiniti QX4

Journalism | New Car Reviews

If you recall my previous evaluation of the Infiniti QX4, you'll know that I (along with many others) complained primarily about the engine that powered it. Well step forward a couple of years into the new generation QX4 with an all-new 3.5 liter V6 (based on the wildly successful VQ series of engines that power the Maxima) and the QX4 has finally woken up and come alive.

Infiniti likes to differentiate the QX4 from its competition with the "Monoframe" constructed platform. Essentially there are two trains of thought on SUV chassis. One way is to build a body on frame design that's well suited to serious offroad adventures yet a bit harsh when it comes to ride and comfort - the other way is to build a unibody construction that's well suited for comfort but lacks the toughness of body on frame. Infiniti's answer is to combine the unibody with frame rails that are welded to it to create the "Monoframe" design. Ideally, you get the best of both worlds here.

Granted, most of the offroading you'll find people doing in these luxury SUVs is driving over the fairway at the local country club. However, if you do ever get stuck in snow or deep gravel and mud, rest assured the QX4 is also quite capable.

The new engine pumps out a strong 240 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. With a curb weight of 4,352 pounds, the QX4 jumps off the line with verve like never before. When conditions deteriorate, the All-Mode 4WD system will get you out of most any troubling situation. It leaves the driver with a supreme amount of confidence that he/she will make it to their destination without the need to even lift a finger to engage the system. In a previous new vehicle launch tour I worked on, the system worked so well, that even if you buried the wheels axle deep in the sand, the QX4 would make it out every single time.

Driving the QX4 on the highway you'll find a very compliant ride that is typically described as "car-like". NVH engineers worked tirelessly to harmonically balance the exhaust system to eliminate any undue noise and vibration that would emanate from the exhaust pipes back to the muffler. If you look underneath the vehicle, you'll be able to see the balancing weights hung onto the pipes! You'll also find a lack of wind noise that is sometimes tough to achieve in SUVs based on their rolling brick profiles. In any case, let's get back to driving. There's a bit too much acceleration squat and brake dive, but the QX4 corners with minimal body lean. Other safety systems that aid the driving experience besides the All-Mode 4WD system include ABS that incorporates a "G" sensor. This helps the QX4 in snowy or gravel road conditions to stop quicker by way of the computer temporarily disengaging ABS to enhance low-speed braking. For example, you don't want ABS to operate if you can lock the wheels and build up a snow pack to help stop the vehicle.

Step inside the QX4 and you'll be treated to Bird's Eye maple wood-tone trim, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, and numerous other luxury accouterments. However, Infiniti dropped the ball when it came to cargo ergonomics. If you want to lower the rear seats, not only do you have to remove the headrest, but you also have to flip up the bottom seat cushion. Plenty of luxury appointments come as standard equipment including Bose® 150-watt, 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/cassette and in-dash 6-disc CD changer with integrated clock, steering wheel mounted cruise control, Homelinkâ, eight-way power adjustable leather driver's seat, and reclining leather rear seats.

The question often comes up about paying the premium price when one could get a Nissan Pathfinder instead. Perhaps that's true, but I'll guarantee you that you won't be able to get the luxury features and "Total Ownership Experience" unless you go with the Infiniti brand. The base MSRP is $35,550. This particular model came to $41,025 thanks to the addition of the Navigation system ($2,000), sunroof ($950), sport package (that includes limited slip differential and heated front and rear seats - $900), premium package (17" wheels, driver's memory seat, steering wheel mounted audio controls, wood-tone and leather steering wheel $600), and two-tone paint ($500). That's very competitive with all the other brands out there. So if you're looking for an SUV that's not the size of a tank, gets good gas mileage, has plenty of power and is quiet, you owe it to yourself to test drive the new QX4. Once you do, you'll have that car-like ride with the confidence that you can take this baby almost anywhere.

Is there a car review, or comparison test you would like to see? Send your suggestions, comments, and questions to:
Larry Mason