DecodedCars2009 Infiniti QX56
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4X4
- Engines
- 5.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 12 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 207.5 in
- Curb weight
- 5,913 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 28% below the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Infiniti QX56 is a SUV - offered with a 5.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 124-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,913 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 18 highway), 28% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $5,850 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 QX56 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 QX56 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4X4 | 207.5 in | 78.7 in | 78.7 in | 123.6 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,913 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX56 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -28% | $5,850 | 635 |
| QX56 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -21% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Infiniti QX56 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Infiniti QX56 (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Volvo XC60 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System · Mar 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V074000 · 340,000 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56 VEHICLES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE MAY INACCURATELY DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS SOME FUEL, TYPICALLY ABOUT ONE QUARTER TANK, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
- Risk
- THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW IMPROVED SENDER CARD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 2, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V072000 · 179,383 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARTIALLY DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET.
- Risk
- THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2009 Infiniti QX56 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Infiniti QX56 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 156,193 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Infiniti QX56. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other QX56 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Infiniti. How we calculate this →