Ford
Expedition
Owner report available
Infiniti
QX56
Owner report available
Ford Expedition vs Infiniti QX56
The short answer
Based on available data, the Ford Expedition comes out ahead of the Infiniti QX56 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Expedition
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of older models, particularly those with the 5.4L Triton V8 (e.g., 2013 model), report very high reliability with only routine maintenance required, describing them as "rock solid" and "so reliable." However, sentiment shifts significantly for newer generations equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and the Ford/GM co-developed 10-speed automatic transmission. These models are frequently criticized for severe and recurrent transmission failures ("jerk, clunk, bang"), cam phaser issues requiring engine work, and other premature mechanical failures.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" model year or trim. Data suggests avoiding specific problematic years is more critical than seeking a particular trim.
Known issues
- 10-speed automatic transmission failures: very frequent reports of harsh shifting, jerking, clunking, banging, complete loss of acceleration, and total transmission failure requiring replacement, sometimes multiple times under 100,000 mile…
- Cam phaser failure: requires timing cover gasket replacement and phaser replacement; causes engine rattle on startup and performance loss. Frequency: recurrent.
- Other EcoBoost engine issues: includes reports of excessive oil consumption (adding a quart monthly), coolant hose failures, and in one severe case, white smoke from exhaust with gasoline smell and loss of power. Frequency: recurrent.
QX56
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation QX56 (2004-2010) is generally viewed as a robust, reliable, and capable full-size SUV with a "bulletproof" V8 powertrain, offering significant value on the used market due to high depreciation. Long-term owner reports praise its durability, with multiple examples cited reaching 200,000 to 350,000 miles with basic maintenance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." Feedback is primarily divided by generation, with implicit favor towards the 2005-2010 first-generation models for their perceived mechanical robustness and away from the 2011-2013 models due to the timing chain and catalytic converter issues. One owner noted the Infiniti could be had with load-leveling rear air suspension, but no trim level consensus exists.
Known issues
- Premature catalytic converter failure: Very expensive repair ($1,700-$6,000 for parts), often occurs shortly after warranty expiration, can cause misfires and running rich. Frequency: very frequent.
- Timing chain system failure: Causes loud whistling/whining noise, loss of power, can lead to catastrophic engine damage with metal in oil; repair costs extremely high ($4,000-$13,500). Frequency: very frequent.
- Excessive fuel consumption: Real-world mileage reported as low as 11-12 MPG. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Infiniti QX56 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Ford Expedition, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Infiniti QX56 are a dealbreaker, the Ford Expedition is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ford Expedition or the Infiniti QX56?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Infiniti QX56 than the Ford Expedition. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Ford Expedition or the Infiniti QX56?
The Ford Expedition seats more passengers than the Infiniti QX56 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Ford Expedition is classed as a SUV, the Infiniti QX56 as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ford Expedition or the Infiniti QX56?
The EPA rates the 2027 Ford Expedition at 18 mpg combined and the 2013 Infiniti QX56 at 16 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Expedition or the Infiniti QX56?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.