2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph — Sumptuous crossover has New Age vibe



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 28, 2021) Sedona, Arizona, is tailor-made for a travel brochure — a picturesque small town surrounded with stunning red rock buttes, mesas, and canyons with bright colorful foliage in the fall. It’s a perfect destination for test driving the all-new-for-2022 Infiniti QX60. First introduced for the 2013, the second-generation of the QX60 is long overdue. The three-row mid-size SUV has been dramatically redesigned both inside and out.


It is offered in four trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Sensory and our test QX60, the top-shelf Autograph with all-wheel drive.

All trim levels are powered by just one engine and transmission pairing: a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 connected to an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available at an extra cost. Also standard is a five-mode drive selector and idle stop/start system. The QX60 offers towing capacity up to 6,000 pounds, an increase of 1,000 pounds over the outgoing 2020 model’s rating.

The exterior design of the new QX60 is very attractive with Infiniti choosing to adopt a minimalist Japanese design scheme, starting with the large origami fold grille and kimono folds embossed into the headlamps. The sides are long, smooth and look classy, and a caliper design replaces the odd looking, forward arrow shaped C-pillar from the previous model; we’re happy to see that go. We like the digital “piano key” rear taillamps with individual “INFINITI” letters displayed prominently across the rear lift gate, and the license plate’s position below the rear bumper.

For the first time, there’s a two-tone paint theme, with the roof of our Autograph tester painted black and the body of the vehicle a gorgeous (extra cost) wine red color, called Deep Bordeaux. The black and Bordeaux combination was nothing short of stunning to the eyes. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Pure trim while all other trim levels get 20-inch stylized aluminum-alloy wheels.

Auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, six USB ports (including charge points) across all three rows of seats, LED headlamps and tri-zone automatic climate control with headliner-mounted air vent above the second and third rows increase comfort.

Our Autograph grade impresses with executive-level comfort and features for all passengers.
In addition to semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with contrast stitching and quilted leather that echoes ripples on a pond, the Autograph adds exclusive second-row captain’s chairs, a lightweight removable second-row console, 10.8-inch crystal-clear head-up display with dual free-form mirrors, smart rear-view mirror, adaptive front lighting system and roof rails.



Inside, the cabin of our Autograph is nothing short of luxurious and opulent, with state-of-the-art technology, open pore wood trim, 17-speaker Bose Performance audio system, power panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescopic steering column, power heated/cooled massaging front seats, second row heated captain chairs, rear door sunshades, and extra sound-deadening efforts to mute the outside world. Second row seats are configured so parents can keep car seats in place when getting in and out of the third row, the only vehicle to do so in its class. Just remember to get the child out of the seat before folding it forward. Overall, this is the nicest interior Infiniti has ever done on a vehicle.

Thankfully, Infiniti has finally replaced their antiquated dual-screen infotainment setup in favor of a single 12.3-inch touchscreen that features wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A second digital screen gauge display was included on our test Autograph, as was a 10.8-inch head-up display and enhanced smart rear-view mirror. Operating controls are haptic touch surfaces, with ample ambient light choices.

The QX60 is large inside with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom in the first two rows of seats. The third-row seat is for two passengers only. There’s more headroom in the third row than most competitors offer but it’s still on the tight side. Behind the power rear hatch is 14.6 cubic feet of storage with the third-row seat in the up position and 41.6 cubic feet of storage with the seat folded forward.  

The QX60 also gets Infiniti’s latest version of ProPILOT assist with navigation link, steering assist, speed limit assist (automatically slows the vehicle down when approaching sharp curves in the road and, in heavy traffic, it will slow the vehicle down up to a complete stop and then restart automatically when traffic begins to move again), intelligent cruise control with stop and hold, automatic dimming rearview mirror and integrated Homelink garage door control.

Other features include predictive forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting with auto level function, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and intervention, surround view camera monitor with moving object detection and front pre-crash seat belts.

On the road, we found the engine performance, handling feeling and driving dynamics to be more than satisfying for most people. I think Infiniti has done a great job of balancing handling ability and ride quality in the QX60. There are competitors to the QX60 that I feel have a too firm of a suspension feel but the QX60 does not have that feel to it. Overall, a very quiet, comfortable and composed ride.

Overall, we think Infiniti has done an excellent job with their second-generation QX60. The vehicle has been completely reinvented with an elegant redesign, a smooth shifting new 9-speed transmission, and smart technology and driver assist features, all at a value price. When you look at the price tag, it’s similar to some of its class competitors such as the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Ford Explorer and Volvo XC90, but you’ll get much more vehicle and equipment for the price.

On our drive in and about Sedona, we found it to be the perfect backdrop for the new QX60. Not only is it a beautiful drive, Sedona is also known as one of the mystic places with numerous energy vortices in the immediate area. Our capable and comfortable Autograph QX60 made the drive through the twisty Oak Creek Canyon with its colorful Cottonwoods, Aspen and Oaks almost spiritual. You really should plan a trip.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $63,260
Price as Tested: $64,150
Engine/Transmission: 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Horsepower: 295
Fuel Economy: 21/26/23 – MPG – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 6

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Overall “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Competes With:
Acura MDX
Cadillac XT6
Ford Explorer
Genesis GV80
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Lexus RX
Lincoln Aviator
Volvo XC90

Where Built:
Smyrna, Tennessee

Fab Features:
Luxurious interior
Value priced, loaded with standard features
Easy and enjoyable to drive