Infiniti QX4 (1997): Rugged, Elegant, Classy, and Gassy
04/18/97
Infiniti's new sport utility entry for 1997, which some car scribes are wont to describe as an upgraded Nissan Pathfinder, is a head turning attention getter which even comes in Black Obsidian (it's new color). From the semi-massive outdoorsy-like grill to the tailgate, this classy vehicle is at home in the grocery store parking lot or going through valet service at the local French Bistro.
The lines of the QX4 are more fluid than the Chevy Tahoe, and although it's fairly massive, it doesn't have the bulbous appearance of the Ford Expedition. It looks as if Nissan designers scored big with this one. The rugged appeal of the QX4 is highlighted by its aggressive 245/70R16 tires mounted on stylish 16 inch alloy wheels and topped off by a roof rack with adjustable cross bars.
INTERIOR
Like its stable mates in the Infiniti line, the QX4 features a striking interior and styling. Every QX4 offers leather seating surfaces; 8-way power seats; leather wrapped steering wheel, parking brake, and shift knob; wood toned trim; and an overhead console with temperature and compass. There's a choice of two leather appointed interior colors. Grey and stone beige. The initial orientation time needed to acquaint yourself with the control panel is limited. Everything is close at hand, with no hard to reach seat adjustments, cruise control switches, or heating and A/C buttons. It's so plush in the cockpit you'll almost forget you're in a 4X4.
On the safety side the QX4 has dual airbags, adjustable shoulder belts, 3 point outboard passenger seat belts, child safety rear door locks, and a keyless remote entry system.
With a spacious rear seating area and a large 38 cubic ft cargo area, there's one major disappointment: the front seat and the driver's comfort. If you are six foot plus in height or a plus size soccer Mom, you'll notice this drawback immediately. The four wheel drive selector stick is a pain in the leg. Positioned between the driver and the center console mounted shifter this control rod for getting down and dirty will get you down real fast. On a long trip the bar/shifter can become real annoying.
PERFORMANCE
Hey guys, show me the power. In their rush to get their oar into the sport ute niche and not really having enough time to design a model from the ground up, Nissan's wrench turners left a couple of ponies in the barn when they hitched up the team. When merging with freeway traffic or passing at speed, the tach needle races quickly to the red zone leaving the speedometer pin far behind as the driver waits for something accelerating to happen.
The vehicle is 5225 lbs and is powered by an anemic 3.3 liter V6 that puts out 168 hp at 4,800 rpm. In its favor, however, we must realize that one can't have everything in a 4X4, as this unit does have exceptional low speed torque for off-roading.
The only thing that moved faster on the instrument panel was the gas gauge. It's a guzzler with an EPA of 15 city, 19 highway. Like American Express says, don't leave home without your (gas) card.
The $36,000 QX4 offers buyers just three options: power operated sliding glass sunroof with tilt, heated front seats, and a limited slip differential.
Like all Infiniti models this vehicle comes with a 4-year/60,000 mile warranty and a 24 hour roadside assistance program.
SPECIFICATIONS Engine V6 SOHC 12 valve, cast iron block, aluminum heads. Horsepower: 168 hp @ 4,800 rpm Drivetrain Front engine/all mode 4wd Transmission: electronic automatic 4-speed Electrical Electronic Ignition Alternator: 90amp Dimensions wheelbase: 106.3" Over All Length: 183.9" Height: 70.7" Gross vehicle weight: 5,200 lbs Cargo volume: 85.0 cubic feet--with seats folded Oil qts: 3.9 Fuel: 21.1 gals Audio system 150 watt 6 speaker Bose with in-dash CD and cassette w/clock Performance Max speed: 110 mph Acceleration: 0-60 11.2 seconds
Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel