These are heady days for vehicle manufacturers. The economy continues to roll, and Americans can't seem to get their hands on enough SUVs. This has translated into big bucks for company coffers. To squeeze even more profit from consumers (Wait, did I say that? I'm sorry. I meant to say, "To create new viable markets"), manufacturers have been rolling out luxury SUVs.
Some of these vehicles are dedicated luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and BMW X5. Another popular route is to take an existing SUV, add upscale equipment, stick on a different badge, and elevate the price. Examples would be the Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and Infiniti QX4.
Debuting in 1997, the QX4 was one of the first luxury SUVs out of the gate. It's been a successful venture for Infiniti. The QX4 received an award that year from J.D. Power &Associates, ranking the QX4 the best compact sport-utility vehicle in initial quality. It also tied with the Lincoln Navigator in 1998 for the same award.
The QX4 is based on the Nissan Pathfinder. The easiest way to spot the difference between the two is to look for the QX4's larger square fog light assemblies and the unique three-spoke wheels. But certainly there has to be more than just shiny wheels to justify a $4,000 premium over a loaded Pathfinder, right?
Of course there is. The QX4's main advantage over the Pathfinder is a standard feature called All-Mode 4WD. Basically, this is an improved version of the Pathfinder's four-wheel-drive system. A dial on the QX4's dash allows the driver to select 2-Hi, 4-Hi, 4-Lo, and All-Mode 4WD. All-Mode takes advantage of a computerized electronic control unit and a specialized center differential to distribute up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the front wheels as road conditions warrant.
In our quick drive of the QX4, we fiddled around with the different settings. It didn't snow or rain while we were in possession of the vehicle (Hey, we're based in Los Angeles; what do you expect?), so we took it to an off-road park for some simple fun. This park has plenty of gravel roads that allow the safe examining of handling characteristics. From a standstill, we left the vehicle in 2-Hi and then stomped on the throttle. This resulted in an impressive dust plume, but it also left the QX4's rear tires spinning and its tail seriously out of control. Next we turned the dial to 4-Hi and repeated the process. As expected, traction was considerably better, given that the engine's torque was now being distributed to all four wheels. Then we put the QX4 into All-Mode. And to be honest, we couldn't tell the difference between it and just regular 4-Hi. The truck had the same traction either way.
But that doesn't mean All-Mode is a useless feature. It should prove its worth if the QX4 encounters road conditions that are constantly changing. A standard four-wheel-drive system shouldn't be left in 4-Hi for extended periods of time as it prematurely wears out driveline components. So if road conditions are both good and bad, trying to change between 4WD and 2WD in anticipation is almost hopeless. All-Mode is a perfect solution, as it applies power to the correct wheels much quicker than a human driver could do by operating a 4WD system himself.
The QX4 interior comes standard with leather seats, automatic climate control, and front and side airbags for the front passengers. The front seats are comfortable, but they lack adjustable lumbar support. The rear seating area for adults is somewhat cramped. Sharp eyes will also detect switchgear that can also be found in lesser Nissan products like the Frontier pickup truck. Otherwise, the interior is a good place to spend time. A Bose 150-watt CD-equipped audio system provides good sound quality. With the rear seats folded, the QX4 provides 85 cubic feet of cargo, which is very competitive for this class.
On the road, Infiniti's luxury SUV benefits from a nicely weighted steering system and good brake pedal feel. The rear brakes are drum, but we didn't notice any lack of stopping power. The 225/65R16 tires will howl in discontent when the vehicle is pushed though corners, but otherwise the ride is quite acceptable.
The biggest negative with the QX4 is its 3.3-liter V6. This engine lacks both refinement and power, especially when compared to the mills found in vehicles like the Lexus RX 300 and the V8-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee. The QX4's engine simply doesn't provide enough grunt for a vehicle that weighs 4,275 pounds.
Hope is on the way for 2001 and 2002. Infiniti reports that a revised 2001 QX4 will receive a stronger 24-valve V6 engine. We've also heard rumors that the QX4 will go further upscale in 2002, gaining size and a V8 engine based on the one found in the Q45.
The QX4 is a competent vehicle, but it has been outclassed recently by other luxury SUVs like the RX 300, Grand Cherokee and Mercedes ML320. You might even consider the Nissan Pathfinder if you don't think you would have much use for the All-Mode 4WD system. A Pathfinder could be ordered with nearly all of the equipment found in a QX4, and it still would cost thousands less. Our recommendation for the QX4 is to wait until the 2001 or 2002 model arrives.
Some of these vehicles are dedicated luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and BMW X5. Another popular route is to take an existing SUV, add upscale equipment, stick on a different badge, and elevate the price. Examples would be the Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and Infiniti QX4.
Debuting in 1997, the QX4 was one of the first luxury SUVs out of the gate. It's been a successful venture for Infiniti. The QX4 received an award that year from J.D. Power &Associates, ranking the QX4 the best compact sport-utility vehicle in initial quality. It also tied with the Lincoln Navigator in 1998 for the same award.
The QX4 is based on the Nissan Pathfinder. The easiest way to spot the difference between the two is to look for the QX4's larger square fog light assemblies and the unique three-spoke wheels. But certainly there has to be more than just shiny wheels to justify a $4,000 premium over a loaded Pathfinder, right?
Of course there is. The QX4's main advantage over the Pathfinder is a standard feature called All-Mode 4WD. Basically, this is an improved version of the Pathfinder's four-wheel-drive system. A dial on the QX4's dash allows the driver to select 2-Hi, 4-Hi, 4-Lo, and All-Mode 4WD. All-Mode takes advantage of a computerized electronic control unit and a specialized center differential to distribute up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the front wheels as road conditions warrant.
In our quick drive of the QX4, we fiddled around with the different settings. It didn't snow or rain while we were in possession of the vehicle (Hey, we're based in Los Angeles; what do you expect?), so we took it to an off-road park for some simple fun. This park has plenty of gravel roads that allow the safe examining of handling characteristics. From a standstill, we left the vehicle in 2-Hi and then stomped on the throttle. This resulted in an impressive dust plume, but it also left the QX4's rear tires spinning and its tail seriously out of control. Next we turned the dial to 4-Hi and repeated the process. As expected, traction was considerably better, given that the engine's torque was now being distributed to all four wheels. Then we put the QX4 into All-Mode. And to be honest, we couldn't tell the difference between it and just regular 4-Hi. The truck had the same traction either way.
But that doesn't mean All-Mode is a useless feature. It should prove its worth if the QX4 encounters road conditions that are constantly changing. A standard four-wheel-drive system shouldn't be left in 4-Hi for extended periods of time as it prematurely wears out driveline components. So if road conditions are both good and bad, trying to change between 4WD and 2WD in anticipation is almost hopeless. All-Mode is a perfect solution, as it applies power to the correct wheels much quicker than a human driver could do by operating a 4WD system himself.
The QX4 interior comes standard with leather seats, automatic climate control, and front and side airbags for the front passengers. The front seats are comfortable, but they lack adjustable lumbar support. The rear seating area for adults is somewhat cramped. Sharp eyes will also detect switchgear that can also be found in lesser Nissan products like the Frontier pickup truck. Otherwise, the interior is a good place to spend time. A Bose 150-watt CD-equipped audio system provides good sound quality. With the rear seats folded, the QX4 provides 85 cubic feet of cargo, which is very competitive for this class.
On the road, Infiniti's luxury SUV benefits from a nicely weighted steering system and good brake pedal feel. The rear brakes are drum, but we didn't notice any lack of stopping power. The 225/65R16 tires will howl in discontent when the vehicle is pushed though corners, but otherwise the ride is quite acceptable.
The biggest negative with the QX4 is its 3.3-liter V6. This engine lacks both refinement and power, especially when compared to the mills found in vehicles like the Lexus RX 300 and the V8-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee. The QX4's engine simply doesn't provide enough grunt for a vehicle that weighs 4,275 pounds.
Hope is on the way for 2001 and 2002. Infiniti reports that a revised 2001 QX4 will receive a stronger 24-valve V6 engine. We've also heard rumors that the QX4 will go further upscale in 2002, gaining size and a V8 engine based on the one found in the Q45.
The QX4 is a competent vehicle, but it has been outclassed recently by other luxury SUVs like the RX 300, Grand Cherokee and Mercedes ML320. You might even consider the Nissan Pathfinder if you don't think you would have much use for the All-Mode 4WD system. A Pathfinder could be ordered with nearly all of the equipment found in a QX4, and it still would cost thousands less. Our recommendation for the QX4 is to wait until the 2001 or 2002 model arrives.
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