2011 INFINITI QX: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 INFINITI QX was fully redesigned, led by a new platform and a new 400-hp 5.6-liter V8 paired with a 7-speed automatic. It also received a new exterior and cabin, a stiffer frame, better fuel economy, and substantially upgraded standard technology.

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About the 2011 INFINITI QX

2nd generation QX56 in the US (2011-2013), first year of the redesign.

Infiniti positioned the QX as a full-size luxury SUV for families who needed real towing strength and three-row space without giving up premium materials and high-end tech. The core promise was commanding size, strong V8 power, and a richly equipped cabin rather than a stripped entry model. Against rivals, Infiniti emphasized its standard luxury technology, roomy interior, and genuine trailer-towing ability wrapped into one upscale SUV.

The QX56 made up the entire 2011 QX lineup, positioned as a richly equipped three-row luxury SUV for family travel and towing. Its leather cabin had heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-folding third row, while the standard tow hitch supported an 8,500-pound rating. An 8-inch navigation screen, a 360-degree parking camera, and 13-speaker Bose audio were also standard.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A new direct-injection 5.6-liter V8 produced 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, up from 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft. A new 7-speed automatic replaced the previous transmission. Fuel economy improved from 12 to 14 mpg city and from 18 to 20 mpg highway.

Styling

The redesign brought an entirely new exterior and a newly designed three-row cabin.

Safety

Hill Start Assist was added, and the braking system received revised hardware with a hydraulic brake booster.

Tech

Standard equipment stepped up to an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, a 360-degree parking camera with front and rear sensors, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

Structural

The QX moved to a new platform with a stiffer frame. Maximum towing changed from 8,900 to 8,500 pounds, cargo capacity from 97.1 to 95.1 cubic feet, and rear legroom from 32.2 to 28.7 inches.

2011 INFINITI QX specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 INFINITI QXQX560 in stock
Engine	V8, 5.6 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 7-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	4WD
Fuel Type	Gas
MPG City	14 mpg
MPG Highway	20 mpg
Horsepower	400 hp
Torque	413 lb-ft
Max Towing	8500 lb
Trunk/Cargo	95.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	28.7 in
Seats	8
Doors	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Active Lane Keep Assistance
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Cooled Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Third Row Seat

How the 2012 INFINITI QX compares

The 2012 INFINITI QX56 is mostly a carryover from the redesigned 2011 model. Its main change is Blind Spot Intervention added to the Technology Package, along with smaller audio and second-row upgrades in other packages.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2011 INFINITI QX fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2011 QX began the second-generation QX56 in the U.S., with a new platform, stiffer frame, redesigned exterior and cabin, new V8, and new 7-speed automatic.

What engine does the 2011 INFINITI QX have?

The 2011 QX56 has a direct-injection 5.6-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Is the 2011 INFINITI QX more fuel-efficient than the 2010 model?

Yes. Its fuel economy increased to 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, compared with 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway for 2010. INFINITI described the combined improvement as 14%.

What major technology became standard on the 2011 INFINITI QX?

The 2011 QX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, a 360-degree parking camera with front and rear sensors, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

How much can the 2011 INFINITI QX tow?

The 2011 QX is rated to tow up to 8,500 pounds and has a Class IV hitch with 7-pin wiring. That rating is 400 pounds lower than the 2010 model’s 8,900-pound maximum.