By: Joshua Lee
August 24, 2023
The Infiniti QX60 is the brand’s best-selling luxury midsize crossover. In this highly competitive market, the seven-seat SUV entered its second generation with a major redesign. Being Nissan’s luxury division, this new QX60 is closely related to the Nissan Pathfinder. How will Infiniti differentiate its SUV?
The Infiniti QX60 uses the same 3.5-litre V6 engine as the previous model, which makes 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. There is more than enough power to get this SUV running, and with the CVT replaced, the nine-speed automatic provides smooth shifts and offers better acceleration.
The QX60’s suspension is tuned for comfort, which makes for a pleasant ride. Handling is also precise, but body roll is to be expected for a taller vehicle. The QX60 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, but the Autograph offers 6,000 pounds.
The exterior redesign brings luxury into focus. The QX60 has always been an SUV with curves, and this new one is the same. The body is nicely sculpted with subtle creases, while chrome accents help elongate the SUV. Our Autograph model features a 2-Tone Moonbow Blue/Black Obsidian paint finish, 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, chrome body side mouldings, and black roof rails.
Infiniti has stepped up in designing the cabin for the six-seater QX60 Autograph. A 12.3-inch driver’s display is easy to use and navigate with the controls on the heated steering wheel.
The infotainment is controlled by another 12.3-inch display; we feel that the split-screen set-up isn’t great as the home screen menus take up two thirds of the screen while the remaining third is for the radio, clock, or weather. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a 10.8-inch head-up display are all standard.
The climate control is located under the centre air vents and is controlled by a backlit capacitive touchscreen. The Saddle Brown Semi-Aniline leather and black open-pore ash wood trim pair nicely with the exterior finish; there are nice quilting details on the front seats, second row captain chairs, and dashboard. It is a serene place to be with great outward visibility, an open-air feel with the panoramic sunroof, crisp quality from the 17-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system, and climate-controlled front seats with massage function.
Second-row passengers get a removable centre console, separate climate control, and sunshades. Getting into the third row is easy too with a one-touch release that tilts and slides the second-row seats forward, even with a child seat installed. While it isn’t spacious for adults, kids will be happy back here. Cargo capacity for the QX60 ranges from 411L with the third row up 1178L behind the second row and expands up to 2135L with both rows folded down.
The Infiniti QX60 is equipped with ProPILOT Assist with Navi Link, which is their adaptive cruise control system with steering assist. This particular system links up with the navigation system and can reduce speed for curves.
According to Infiniti, fuel economy ratings for the QX60 are 11.9L/100KM city, 9.5L/100KM highway, for a combined 10.8L/100KM. During our week, we’ve achieved 11.3L/100KM.
The Infiniti QX60 starts at $60,945 for the Pure AWD, $65,445 for the Luxe AWD, $71,045 for the Sensory AWD, and $74,045 for the Autograph AWD. Our model has a total cost of $75,245 with the optional paint.
Infiniti has done a great job redesigning its best-selling model. The new QX60 delivers what Infiniti thinks of as luxury. The top-of-the-line Autograph model reflects well on its asking price, as it’s well equipped and tastefully designed. The quality of materials used inside reminds us of being in the Acura MDX A-Spec or the Lexus RX. While it may not be competitive with the German SUVs, the QX60 will appeal to families who want a little more sophistication than their average midsize crossover.
