Overview:
The most popular vehicle by far is the SUV and if you need to combine luxury with 4-wheeling you’ll want to look at this weeks Infiniti QX4, affectionately referred to as a Q-by-Four.

Sales hype from Infiniti adds a little fu-fu in describing their entry in this market as “Empowering, Intelligent and Innovative”.  Why’d they leave out Sexy? It seems everything on the block these days is sold with some sex image. Are we really that inane?

Innovative fits, however, and I got to tell you I really liked the optional Intelligent Cruise Control on this state of the art top of the line SUV. The Intelligent Cruise Control is a Laser based distance following device that works very well for a first generation feature of this type. I literally drove about 50 miles to the beach without touching the gas or brake pedals. It was mostly freeway driving and on a weekday non rush hour driving. This is an affordable option and will add about $800 to the price tag.

Handling & Performance:
Most SUV’s set high so you don’t get that hug the curves feeling. That must be the reason manufacturers are blending the “Truck like” SUV with the general feel and comfort of the passenger car. The consumer has been demanding the sport utility but want the comfort and ride of the passenger car. Performance wise, the 240 horsepower gives you all you need in passing situations and freeway on ramps. The QX4 is as good as they get.

Styling:

It looks more like the Nissan Pathfinder than it should for the bucks. But I like the clean lines. It is less showy and more sophisticated.

Fit and Finish:

Outstanding. I appreciate the real Burlwood that adds a touch of class, especially when it is so well assembled.

Conveniences:
I didn’t like was the user-unfriendly navigation system that costs $2,000 more as an option. I’ve seen better and wonder why this one is so bad.  Generally I like them, but this was more trouble than it was worth since I judge the quality design by how much I’d have to rely on the operation manual to use it. Let’s face it; most people refer to the instructions as a last resort.

As noted above, the laser cruise control is fantastic. It is a worthwhile option at $800.

The sunroof for $1,000 is something I find very little utility. It was all the rage in years past but not worth the cost to install. You can live without it and save a grand.

Cost:
Not all that bad if you look at it in relation to the competition. Luxury versions of the SUV have come down in price over the years thanks to the huge entrance of so many manufacturers into this segment.
 
Consumer Recommendation:
I like the toys as well as the next guy, but I’d opt for the Intelligent Cruise and forget the Moonroof and the Navigation system.
 
Manufacturer Recommendations:
Make the Navigation system more user friendly. And for the dough you should be able to provide 4-wheel disc brakes. Good show on the intelligent cruise control. Pricing is fair and an option I predict will sell extremely well. The concept is simple and for the money I would buy it.

The Competition:
Infiniti QX4 $34-35,000, Acura MDX $35-39,000, BMW X5 $39-66,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $26-34,000, Dodge Durango $25-37,000, Ford Explorer $21-35,000, GMC Envoy $29-34,000, Isuzu Axiom $27-31,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $26-37,000, Land Rover Discovery $33-37,000, Lexus RX 300 $34-36,000, Mercedes Benz M-Class $36-66,000, Oldsmobile Bravada $32-35,000, Toyota Highlander $24-31,000.

Good News:
Powerful, Ultra-luxurious, comfortable, great ride, super cruise control.

Bad News:
Horrible gas mileage, Navigation is not user friendly.

Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 240 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed automatic trans, 4-wheel drive system, power front vented disc and rear drum anti-locking brake system, engine speed sensitive rack and pinion power steering, 5,000 lb. Towing capacity, lift gate with glass hatch, rear widow privacy, 16 inch alloy wheels, power heated side mirrors, front UV cut glass, leather seating and wrapped steering wheel and emergency brake handle, power front seats, power widows and door locks, Birds eye Maple wood trim, climate control, audio system with cassette and in dash 6-CD changer, cruise control, Homelink transceiver,  front and side air bags, child rear safety locks, security system with keyless entry.

Gas Stats:
15 City and 18 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $35,550.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is movello@earthlink.net.
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