2012 INFINITI QX

After its complete redesign last year, the 2012 Infiniti QX is pretty much unchanged. A new Blind Spot Intervention system debuts as part of the Technology package.

The 2012 Infiniti QX is a solid choice for a large luxury SUV.

"Nothing succeeds like excess," Oscar Wilde said, and he could have been describing the 2012 Infiniti QX. That's because Infiniti's full-size SUV flagship is the quintessential cup-runneth-over by just about every measure you'd care to name.

Last year's complete redesign saw the QX move to its own unique platform (previous models were built on the platform of the Nissan Armada pickup), a move that improved its handling and overall refinement and put it on a more level playing field with the competition. Powertrain upgrades included a significant bump in horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission and a new full-time four-wheel-drive system.

The QX's seven- or eight-passenger interior is downright posh, with high-quality materials and a mind-boggling array of available technology, notably a Blind Spot Intervention system that not only sounds an alert if the QX begins to drift out of its lane, but also gently guides it back between the lines if the driver fails to take corrective action.

While all those improvements have created an impressive luxury SUV, the QX still has a couple of shortcomings, including controversial exterior styling and a third-row seat that's a tight fit for anyone over the age of 12. For some buyers, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV might be a better match for its extra space. And if you're looking for serious four-wheel-drive capability, you'll want to check out the Lexus LX 570 and 2012 Land Rover Range Rover. But overall the 2012 Infiniti QX56 remains a solid choice for buyers looking for an upscale full-size sport-ute.

Motivating the 2012 Infiniti QX is a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and features manual shift control with rev-matched downshifts. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) available as an option. Properly equipped, the QX is capable of towing up to 8,500 pounds and features a tow/haul mode for the transmission as well as an automatic-leveling rear suspension.

In Edmunds testing, the QX hustled from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.8 seconds. Not surprisingly, the QX is less impressive when it comes to fuel economy. The EPA estimates fuel consumption at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined whether the QX has rear or four-wheel drive, a figure that's better than average for this class of vehicle.

The 2012 Infiniti QX comes with a full complement of safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints.

The QX's ability to protect its occupants can be enhanced with the bevy of additional features in the Technology package. These include a lane-departure warning and prevention system, collision alert, brake assist (which applies the brakes to reduce damage if the driver does not slow the vehicle) and a blind-spot warning system.

In Edmunds testing, the QX came to a halt from 60 mph in only 123 feet, which is a figure we're more accustomed to seeing from a much lighter passenger car. For an SUV of this size, it's nothing less than outstanding.

With 400 hp on tap, the 2012 Infiniti QX has sufficient acceleration to satisfy even the most lead-footed drivers. Though there's a limit to how well a vehicle this size can handle, the sophisticated Hydraulic Body Motion Control system that comes as part of the Deluxe Touring option package does a good job of limiting body roll in corners, making the QX feel more confident than you might expect.

Unfortunately this upgraded suspension can only be had with the optional 22-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tires. While these rims may pump up the QX's street cred, over rough pavement they give the big truck a harsh ride that's unbecoming of a luxury model. On better surfaces, however, the ride smoothes out enough to leave occupants unruffled.

Inside its cabin, the 2012 Infiniti QX is every bit as luxurious as any high-end sedan. The collection of standard and available technology here is enough to make your head spin, though bright gauges, a huge 8.0-inch dash-mounted touchscreen and thoughtfully laid-out control placement makes everything more user-friendly than you might imagine. Particularly useful is the 360-degree parking camera system that stitches together images from four separate cameras to create a top-down view of the vehicle -- something that can be a huge help when negotiating tight spaces in this very large vehicle.

While the first- and second-row captain's chairs are the epitome of cushy comfort, the third row's lack of legroom limits its usefulness to younger kids. Behind the power-folding 60/40-split bench are 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 95 cubic feet with both rows of rear seats folded down.