2001InfinitiQX4Infiniti QX42001 Infiniti QX4 4WDSport UtilityWagon4WDKyushu, JapanFor 2001, the QX4 gets a substantial power boost from a brand-new V6 engine. Cosmetic updates include the addition of standard xenon high-intensity headlights, revised exterior styling, new alloy wheels and a more upscale interior. A navigation system is available, as is an on-board entertainment system. A less costly 2WD model is offered for the first time, and Infiniti's signature analog clock has been added to the dash, along with electro-fluorescent gauge illumination.Powerful V6 engine, advanced four-wheel-drive system, Infiniti warranty and service experience, excellent on-road manners, optional on-board entertainment system, available heated rear seats.Lacks sufficient tires for hairy off-roading situations, rear seats could use more legroom, some interior parts and pieces aren't refined enough for an Infiniti, navigation system hard to navigate with teensy-tiny control buttons, most of what makes the QX4 worthwhile is optional on a Nissan Pathfinder.In years past, the QX4 hasn't been deemed worthy of the price premium it commanded over its mechanical and structural twin, the Nissan Pathfinder. Infiniti's main selling points for the Q were its exclusive All-Mode four-wheel-drive system and a few exclusive features. Despite significant updates for 2001 that add more standard and available content, along with a big boost in power, the decidedly car-like QX4 has finally dusted itself off and stepped up to the plate in relation to its direct competition. But since most of these new items can be had on the Pathfinder, along with the Q's trick 4WD system, this Infiniti still suffers an identity crisis. Like its Nissan kinsman, the 2001 QX4 receives a new engine based on the Maxima's award-winning powerplant. This powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 produces 240 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque, and is mated to a four-speed automatic that drives the rear or all wheels. Smooth and quiet, the V6 supplies surprisingly spirited around-town acceleration, but mid-range oomph for passing could be better. Handling is superbly rendered for an SUV, with an independent strut front and five-link coil beam rear axle suspension working through pavement-biased tires to create confidence-inspiring levels of road holding. Engine-speed sensitive rack-and-pinion steering proves quite responsive and stout unibody (Monoframe, in Infiniti parlance) construction keeps chassis flex under control. Front disc/rear drum ABS brakes work with authority, and provide good pedal feel and modulation. Overall, the QX4, especially with the new motor, is satisfying to drive, with a sportier demeanor than most other SUVs. QX4 boasts an automatic 4WD system that offers drivers the security of having maximum traction with the simple twist of a control knob. Called All-Mode 4WD, the system, when set to "Auto," shifts power between the front and rear wheels depending on road surface conditions. It does this by monitoring power distribution and wheel slippage, ensuring that the tires have traction by shifting up to 50 percent of the power to the front wheels. If you opt for the sport package you'll get a rear limited-slip differential, which further increases traction. All-Mode offers further selections, including 2WD, 4WD-Hi, and 4WD-Lo. This year, QX4 is newly available in a lower-priced 2WD model, which saves buyers $1,400. Other changes for 2001 include revised exterior styling with sharp new alloy wheels (16-inch standard, 17-inch part of the optional premium package), and an updated interior that features color-coordinated bird's eye maple wood-tone trim and the signature Infiniti analog clock on the dashboard. An optional navigation system, encumbered with teensy buttons to control functions, offers an exclusive "Birdview" display that we appreciated during a test drive. Also available is the Infiniti Mobile Entertainment Center, which includes a video player and jacks for gaming systems, all viewed on a fold-down LCD screen. Safety features that carry over from last year include front head and chest side-impact airbags and a new active head restraint system that helps reduce whiplash in rear-end collisions. Despite the upgrades for 2001, the QX4 amounts to little more than just a flashy Nissan Pathfinder LE. Though not distanced from its progenitor as much as it ought to be, the QX4 does appeal to those who want all the doodads as well as a premium warranty and superior dealer service. The Q's real test will now be how well it can compete with the Acura MDX, Audi allroad quattro, BMW X5 3.0i and the improved Lexus RX 300, not to mention true off-roaders like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Land Rover Discovery Series II. Easily cresting $40,000 fully loaded, the much-improved but still mid-pack QX4 is good, but is it good enough? GMC Yukon DenaliLexus RX 300Mercedes-Benz M-ClassToyota Land Cruiser460,000670,0004Unlimited7Unlimited9.0 sec.130 ft.NA63.5 litersV6240 hp @ 6000 rpm265 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm85 cu.ft.NA5000 lbs.183.1 in.72.4 in.70.7 in.4325 lbs.106.3 in.37.4 ft.8.3 in.39.5 in.37.5 in.NANANANA41.7 in.31.8 in.5StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = GoodRating = Very GoodVery GoodVery GoodNot TestedNot Tested21.1 gal.15 mpg / 19 mpg317 mi. / 401 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$32,253$35,5507.35%$525N/A3% of the Base MSRP2WD (4A): 3.5L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine with variable valve timing, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; battery with run down protection; 100 amp alternator; transmission oil cooler; rear-wheel drive, 4.36 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rigid rear axle multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine-speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum antilock brakes; 21.1 gal. capacity fuel tank; front and rear mud flaps, running boards, skid plates, side impact bars; liftback rear cargo door; roof rack; front and rear body-colored bumpers with front and rear tow hooks, rear step bumper; body-colored bodyside cladding, body-colored fender flares; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite high intensity fully automatic headlamps; additional exterior lights include front fog/drivinglights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P245/70SR16 A/S BSW tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 6-disc CD changer, 6 premium speakers, amplifier, theft deterrent, and power retractable antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, keyfob entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote fuel door release, power rear window remote release; 3 power accessory outlets, front lighter elements, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage door opener, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, clock, compass, exterior temp, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, low brake fluid, door ajar; driver's andpassenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; deep tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function, fixed 1/4 vent windows; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip; flip-up rear window, fixed interval rear wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustment with lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 4-way power adjustment; 60/40 fold-down/reclining rear split-bench seat with adjustable headrests, center armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, simulated wood trim on instrument panel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; interior lights include dome light with delay, frontreading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo cover, cargo net, cargo tie downs, cargo light, concealed cargo storage; body-colored grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and body-colored door handles.
4WD (4A) (in addition to or instead of 2WD (4A) equipment): All mode 4-wheel drive, auto-locking hub control and electronic shift.