INFINITI QX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

Last updated August 4, 2026

INFINITI QX

The INFINITI QX is a full-size, three-row luxury SUV known for strong V8 power, serious towing ability, and a richly equipped cabin. During this period it was called the QX56, before being renamed QX80 for 2014.

The QX has consistently mixed the utility of a large, truck-based SUV with the comfort and features expected from a luxury vehicle. Its lasting formula is a strong V8, three rows of seating, real trailer capability, and generous standard equipment. The 2011 redesign sharpened that identity with more power, better fuel economy, and upgraded cabin and parking technology.

Strengths

  • The V8 gives this large SUV easy highway power, with 400 horsepower in 2011-2013 models.
  • It has genuine trailer capability, with a maximum towing rating of 8,500 pounds in 2013.
  • The three-row cabin seats as many as eight people in 2013 models.
  • The cabin comes with upscale essentials such as leather seating, navigation, premium Bose audio, and parking cameras.
  • The 360-degree camera system makes low-speed maneuvering easier, and 2013 models add moving-object detection for extra parking awareness.

Who it's for

It fits families who need three rows, travel with plenty of people, or regularly tow a trailer but still want leather seating, premium audio, and useful parking technology. It also suits drivers who value relaxed highway power and rough-weather usefulness more than low fuel use or compact dimensions.

INFINITI QX lineup

The QX56 is the defining model in this lineup rather than one member of a broad trim ladder. Shoppers mainly distinguish these SUVs by model year and optional package content, not by separate trim personalities. The 2011-and-newer version is the one to pick for the redesigned cabin, stronger 400-hp V8, seven-speed automatic, and 360-degree parking camera, while 2009-2010 models represent the earlier 320-hp design. Within the newer version, package-equipped examples add distinctions such as more advanced driver aids, upgraded Bose audio, or rear-seat entertainment features.

INFINITI QX generations

From 2009 to 2013, the QX spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — QX56 arrived for 2011, following the 1st Generation — QX56 (2004–2010).

2nd Generation — QX56 (2011–2013)

This generation was redesigned from the frame up with new styling, a new cabin, and a stiffer structure. It also moved to a 400-hp 5.6-liter V8 and a 7-speed automatic, with an 8-inch navigation screen and a 360-degree camera system as standard equipment.

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2nd Generation — QX56 (2011–2013) INFINITI QX
2013

The 360-degree camera system gained moving-object detection, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors became standard.

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2012

Package updates added features such as blind-spot intervention, upgraded Bose audio, and heated second-row seats.

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2011New generation

Full redesign with a new structure, new exterior and cabin, a 400-hp 5.6-liter V8, and a 7-speed automatic.

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1st Generation — QX56 (2004–2010)

This truck-based three-row SUV used a 320-hp 5.6-liter V8 and a 5-speed automatic in its final years. The 2009 and 2010 models carried forward the version updated for 2008.

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1st Generation — QX56 (2004–2010) INFINITI QX
2010

Carryover year with only exterior color deletions.

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2009

Automatic speed-sensing door locks became standard; the rest of the lineup carried over.

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What's new by year

See what changed in a specific model year of the INFINITI QX.

2013 INFINITI QX2012 INFINITI QX2011 INFINITI QX2010 INFINITI QX2009 INFINITI QX

Frequently asked questions

What kind of SUV is the INFINITI QX?

The QX is a full-size luxury SUV with three rows, a strong V8, substantial towing ability, and a cabin that includes many comfort and technology features as standard equipment.

Are the QX56 and QX80 the same vehicle?

They are successive names for INFINITI’s largest SUV. The vehicle was called QX56 through 2013, then renamed QX80 for 2014. The name change did not mark a full redesign.

Is the INFINITI QX a hybrid?

No. The 2009–2013 QX covered here uses a gasoline 5.6-liter V8. The redesigned 2011–2013 version produces 400 horsepower and uses a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Does the INFINITI QX have three rows?

Yes. The QX has a three-row cabin, and later models seat up to eight people. It suits families that need more passenger room than a two-row luxury SUV provides.

Is the INFINITI QX good for towing?

Yes. The later QX56 combines a 400-horsepower V8 with a maximum towing rating of 8,500 pounds. The exact capacity of a used example depends on its year, drivetrain, and towing equipment.

What changed between the two INFINITI QX generations?

The 2011 redesign was the major dividing line. It brought a new platform, a 400-horsepower V8, a 7-speed automatic, a new cabin, an 8-inch navigation screen, and a 360-degree parking camera.

Is such a large QX difficult to park?

Its size still requires care, but redesigned 2011–2013 models have a standard 360-degree camera. Newer examples also add front and rear parking sensors, and 2013 models include moving-object alerts.

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