Despite the absence of top-scorer Charlie Austin with a bruised foot, a fine first-half performance sent QPR well on their way to victory as their dismal run finally came to end in their first away match since Harry Redknapp's resignation.
Chris Ramsey and Kevin Bond continued their spell in temporary charge of Rangers and the away side started well, taking the lead through Leroy Fer after 17 minutes.
Sunderland almost equalised eight minutes before the break when Connor Wickham saw his header knocked onto the crossbar, but they were made to pay for that miss on the stroke of half-time when Bobby Zamora – Austin's deputy – netted in spectacular fashion following effective wing play by the impressive Matt Phillips.
It was the hosts who fashioned the first opportunity, though, as Patrick van Aanholt latched on to Anthony Reveillere's deep cross and smashed a volley well over.
Sunderland were made to regret that miss just two minutes later, as Fer met Phillips' exquisite cross with a powerful header to break the deadlock.
First, Jermain Defoe spurned a glorious chance as he knocked Jordi Gomez's teasing cross over from eight yards, before Wickham – starting in place of Danny Graham – saw his 37th-minute header palmed onto the crossbar by Green.
But QPR again capitalised on those let-offs when Zamora smashed Phillips' delivery into the top-right corner with an unstoppable half-volley from 18 yards, giving Sunderland a mountain to climb.
