QX56 / QX80 JA60 vs Pathfinder III (R51): which is better?
Infiniti QX56 / QX80 JA60 (2004–2010) vs Nissan Pathfinder III (R51) (2004–2014): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Nissan Pathfinder III (R51)Specifications
| Infiniti QX56 / QX80 JA60 | Nissan Pathfinder III (R51) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2004–2010 | 2004–2014 |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 5.6 V8 | 4.0 V6 |
| Power, up to | 320 hp | 269 hp |
| Torque, up to | 529 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 255 mm | 4 740 mm |
| Width | 2 002 mm | 1 850 mm |
| Height | 1 996 mm | 1 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 130 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Fuel tank | 106 L | 80 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 517 225 ₸ | ≈ 71 875 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Infiniti QX56 / QX80 JA60
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 320 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 106 L
Cons
- Engine Nissan VK56 (5.6 V8): catalytic converters break down and debris gets into the cylinders
Engine (Nissan VK56 (5.6 V8)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders; oil leaks at high mileage.
Nissan Pathfinder III (R51)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 80 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan VQ (V6): oil consumption on some engines
Engine (Nissan VQ (V6)): oil consumption on some engines; catalytic converter breakdown and cylinder scoring; valve cover leaks.
Which one to choose
- QX56 / QX80 JA60 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Pathfinder III (R51) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: QX56 / QX80 JA60 or Pathfinder III (R51)?
QX56 / QX80 JA60: up to 320 hp, Pathfinder III (R51): up to 269 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: QX56 / QX80 JA60 — about 517 225 ₸, Pathfinder III (R51) — about 71 875 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.