Sam Swope Infiniti
Selected Model: QX56 4WD
Compared Model: Expedition 4x4

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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 58 advantages that the Infiniti QX56 4WD has over the Ford Expedition 4x4.


MSRP Range
Infiniti QX56 4WD$62,300 - $62,300
Ford Expedition 4x4$39,430 - $52,330

Performance

Engine

The QX56 4WD has a larger standard engine, a 5.6L V8, than the standard engine in the Expedition 4x4, which has a 5.4L V8.

The engine in the QX56 4WD 5.6L V8 has more valves, 32, than the engine in the Expedition 4x4 5.4L V8, which has 24. In general, more valves mean a greater flow of fuel/air through the engine; increasing performance and efficiency.

The standard engine in the QX56 4WD 5.6L V8 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Expedition 4x4 5.4L V8, 400 HP vs. 310 HP.

With 413 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in QX56 4WD 5.6L V8 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Expedition 4x4 5.4L V8, which has 365 lb-ft of torque.

The QX56 4WD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Expedition 4x4 (King Ranch, Limited, XL, XLT) with it's standard engine, 14.3 to 18.6. Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle.

Reliability

The standard engine in the QX56 4WD 5.6L V8 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Expedition 4x4 5.4L V8, 5552 cc vs. 5408 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.

Transmission

The Standard adaptive automatic transmission in the QX56 4WD is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

The QX56 4WD has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

Warranty

Basic Warranty

Infiniti's basic warranty provides better coverage than Ford's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

Spec
Basic Warranty MonthsBasic Warranty Miles
QX56 4WD4860000
Expedition 4x43636000

Powertrain Warranty

Infiniti's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Ford's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.

Spec
Powertrain Warranty MonthsPowertrain Warranty Miles
QX56 4WD7270000
Expedition 4x46060000

Corrosion Warranty

Infiniti's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Ford's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

Spec
Corrosion Warranty Months
QX56 4WD84
Expedition 4x460
Economy

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The QX56 4WD is more fuel efficient than the Expedition 4x4. Superior fuel efficiency makes the QX56 4WD both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Expedition 4x4.

Spec
Fuel Economy HwyFuel Economy City
QX56 4WD20 mpg.14 mpg.
Expedition 4x418 mpg.13 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

Safety and Security

Airbags

Both the QX56 4WD and the Expedition 4x4 feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

Children and smaller adults may not be safe in a seat with a front passenger airbag. In fact, front airbags can be especially dangerous to rear-facing carseats. The QX56 4WD features a Standard passenger airbag cutoff switch, allowing the the front passenger airbag to be manually deactivated. A deactivation switch is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The QX56 4WD is heavier than the Expedition 4x4, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

Spec
Curb Weight AT
QX56 4WD5,855 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 XL5,781 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 XLT5,781 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 Limited5,781 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 King Ranch5,781 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The QX56 4WD is longer than the Expedition 4x4 (King Ranch, Limited, XL, XLT), 208.3 in. vs. 206.5 in.

The QX56 4WD is equipped with Standard 4WD-SEL.

The QX56 4WD has a Standard remote fuel door release which allows the driver to open the fuel door from inside the vehicle. Because the fuel door cannont be opened from the outside, access to the vehicle's fuel tank is restricted, preventing tampering with the fuel supply. A remote fuel door is Not Available on the Expedition 4x4.

The QX56 4WD has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Not Available on the Expedition 4x4.

The QX56 4WD features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the Expedition 4x4.

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the QX56 4WD but Not Available Expedition 4x4. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

Rain-sensing windshield wipers are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. These wipers are more common on the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as shown below:

Spec
Rain Sensing Wipers
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional
Capacities

Interior Space

The QX56 4WD has more interior space than the Expedition 4x4 in the following areas:

Spec
Shoulder Room, FrontHead Room, RearLeg Room, RearShoulder Room, 3rd rowHead Room, Front
QX56 4WD63.8 in.40.0 in.41.0 in.60.5 in.39.9 in.
Expedition 4x4 XL63.2 in.39.8 in.39.1 in.51.9 in.39.6 in.
Expedition 4x4 XLT63.2 in.39.8 in.39.1 in.51.9 in.39.6 in.
Expedition 4x4 Limited63.2 in.39.8 in.39.1 in.51.9 in.39.6 in.
Expedition 4x4 King Ranch63.2 in.39.8 in.39.1 in.51.9 in.39.6 in.
Expedition 4x4 EL XL63.2 in.39.7 in.39.1 in.-39.5 in.
Expedition 4x4 EL XLT63.2 in.39.7 in.39.1 in.-39.5 in.
Expedition 4x4 EL Limited63.2 in.39.7 in.39.1 in.-39.5 in.
Expedition 4x4 EL King Ranch63.2 in.39.7 in.39.1 in.-39.5 in.

Cargo Space

Optional second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Expedition 4x4 (EL XL, XL).

The Standard third row split seat allows QX56 4WD owners the flexibility for both storage and passenger seating. A third row split seat is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4 (EL King Ranch, EL Limited, King Ranch, Limited).

Payload and Towing

The QX56 4WD has a higher towing capacity than the Expedition 4x4, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.

Spec
Tow Capacity, Std
QX56 4WD8,500 lbs.
Expedition 4x46,000 lbs.

The QX56 4WD has a higher payload capacity than the Expedition 4x4, meaning it can handle a greater total weight of passengers and cargo.

Spec
Payload Capacity, MaxPayload Capacity, Std
QX56 4WD1645 lbs.1645 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 XL1590 lbs.1590 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 XLT1590 lbs.1590 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 Limited1590 lbs.1590 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 King Ranch1590 lbs.1590 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 EL XL1530 lbs.1530 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 EL XLT1530 lbs.1530 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 EL Limited1530 lbs.1530 lbs.
Expedition 4x4 EL King Ranch1530 lbs.1530 lbs.

To compensate for the increased load placed upon the suspension during towing, the QX56 4WD has Standard automatic load-leveling, which automatically adjusts its suspension height for the best possible ride and handling.

Suspension and Handling

General Suspension

The QX56 4WD features a Optional adaptive variable suspension that can electronically sense and adapt to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. This type of suspension is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

Chassis

The QX56 4WD, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 9.2 in. vs. 8.7 in., is more capable than the Expedition 4x4 of traversing rough terrain without problems.

The QX56 4WD is shorter than the Expedition 4x4 (EL King Ranch, EL Limited, EL XL, EL XLT) , 208.3 in. vs. 221.3 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the QX56 4WD is greater than that of the Expedition 4x4. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

Spec
Track, FrontTrack, Rear
QX56 4WD67.5 in.67.9 in.
Expedition 4x467.0 in.67.2 in.

The QX56 4WD's wheelbase is longer than the Expedition 4x4's, 121.1 in. vs. 119.0 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the QX56 4WD may provide better handling capability than those on the Expedition 4x4. Details below:

Spec
Tire Aspect Ratio
QX56 4WD60
Expedition 4x4 EL King Ranch65
Expedition 4x4 EL Limited65
Expedition 4x4 EL XL65
Expedition 4x4 EL XLT65
Expedition 4x4 King Ranch65
Expedition 4x4 Limited65
Expedition 4x4 XL70
Expedition 4x4 XLT65

The QX56 4WD features Standard chrome-plated wheels, for improved looks and increased value. Chrome-plated wheels are Not Available on the Expedition 4x4.

Advantages

Additional Features

A multi-adjustable power passenger seat, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort, is more commonly found in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as shown below:

Spec
Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

A front power memory seat is a convenience feature that allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. This feature is more commonly found in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as shown below:

Spec
Front Power Memory Seat
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

The QX56 4WD features Standard power front lumbar support giving the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4 (EL XL, EL XLT, XL, XLT).

A heated front seat provides additional comfort in very cold weather. As shown below, a heated front seat is a feature found more often in the in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4.

Spec
Front Heated Seat
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

The Optional cooled front seats in the QX56 4WD offer increased comfort on very hot days by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. Cooled front seats are Not Available in the Expedition 4x4 (EL XL, XL).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. You are more likely to find leather seating in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as detailed below:

Spec
Leather Seats
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as shown below.

Spec
Navigational Aid
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL King RanchOptional
Expedition 4x4 EL LimitedOptional
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 King RanchOptional
Expedition 4x4 LimitedOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

An automatic climate control system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. This type of climate control system is more commonly found in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as shown below.

Spec
Automatic Climate Control
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

Dual-zone climate controls allow the driver and front passenger to control their own climate conditions. This advanced climate control system is more commonly found in the QX56 4WD than the Expedition 4x4, as shown below:

Spec
Separate Driver / Front Passenger Climate Controls
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

The advanced climate control system in the QX56 4WD features an air filtration system that removes pollen, dust, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the passenger compartment. An air filtration sytem is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

The QX56 4WD has a Standard trip computer which provides helpful information to the driver. A trip computer is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4 (EL XL, XL).

The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the QX56 4WD allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

The QX56 4WD features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4 (EL King Ranch, EL XL, EL XLT, King Ranch, XL, XLT).

The QX56 4WD features Standard automatic tilt-away steering column which moves the steering column up and away from the driver allowing for easy entry and exit of the vehicle. This feature is Not Available in the Expedition 4x4.

With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the QX56 4WD than in the Expedition 4x4, as shown below:

Spec
Power Sunroof
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL King RanchOptional
Expedition 4x4 EL LimitedOptional
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 King RanchOptional
Expedition 4x4 LimitedOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

A power trunk lid is a nice convenience. A power trunk lid is more commonly found on the QX56 4WD than Expedition 4x4, as shown below.

Spec
Power Trunk Lid
QX56 4WDStandard
Expedition 4x4 EL XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 EL XLTOptional
Expedition 4x4 XLNot Available
Expedition 4x4 XLTOptional

The QX56 4WD features a Standard passenger-side exterior mirror that automatically tilts downward when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, improving the driver's rear vision. A tilt-down rearview mirror is Not Available on the Expedition 4x4.

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