MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(May 8, 2022) It took Infiniti nearly a decade to introduce a second-generation QX60 — and Nissan's luxury brand did a very credible job with the 2022 model. Introduced in 2013, Infiniti skipped the 2021 model year ramping up for the new second-generation, and the three-row mid-size SUV has been dramatically redesigned both inside and out.

The new Infiniti comes with new tech, a modern design inside and out, more luxury, and plenty of advanced driver aids. It features four well-quipped trim levels, standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. Models start at under $50,000 while the top-of-the-line Autograph trim runs over $60,000.

The QX60's exterior design is 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. We like the digital “piano key” rear taillamps, the “INFINITI” letters displayed prominently across the rear lift gate, and the license plate’s position below the rear bumper.


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For the first time, there’s a two-tone paint theme, with the roof of our Autograph tester painted black and the body a fetching color, called Moonbow Blue. We found the black and blueish grey combination appealing. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base Pure trim while all other trim levels get 20-inch stylized aluminum-alloy wheels.

The interior is impressive and on the same level as an Acura or Lexus. High-tech features and advanced driver aids are where QX60 takes a substantial leap forward for the new model year. Standard features include a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (cable required) integration, tri-zone automatic climate control, forward collision mitigation and rear automatic braking.

Inside, the cabin of our Autograph was 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.

And speaking of the optional Bose audio system we found it startlingly good. It has a crisp, clear sound that made a Moody Blues tune sound better than we've ever heard it in a vehicle as we cranked up the Infiniti's newest SUV for the first time. We were out on the road for our first impressions of the vehicle, but our initial impression was with the audio.

Bose says the Performance Series is "engineered with obsession, made to utterly astonish." It astonished us in a good way. We admit there are some excellent sound systems out there —the premium Lexus Mark Levinson system and Lincoln's 19-speaker Revel Ultima system's stand out — but somehow the Infiniti Bose audio really caught our ear.

Infiniti has replaced its antiquated dual-screen infotainment setup in favor of a single 12.3-inch touchscreen.  A 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 excellent 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.  

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.  Overall, we think this is the nicest interior Infiniti has ever done on a vehicle.

The real heart and soul of any vehicle is its propulsion system, and Infiniti has struck just the right note carrying over its tried and true 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The biggest improvement is the addition of a new smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti has done away with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in the first generation. CVT and luxury just don't go together.

The engine-transmission combination, which is standard across the lineup, proved more than adequate for our needs, capable of finishing off a quarter mile in 16.5 seconds. There are 6,000 pounds of towing capacity (properly equipped), which should be sufficient to pull most weekend toys like a fishing boat, camper or jet skis.   

On the road, we found the engine performance as well as handling and driving dynamics pleasing, and we think they should be satisfying for most people. Infiniti has done a good job of balancing handling and ride quality offering a very quiet, comfortable and composed ride.

The QX60 comes in four trim levels — Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and AWD can be added across the lineup. We think the sweet spot for most buyers is the Sensory trim starting at $57,375. It includes a wide array of equipment including upgraded interior trim, the 17-speaker Bose audio, heated second-row seats and power third-row seatbacks.

The QX60 starts at $47,875 and tops out with the Autograph at $61,375. Our test Autograph trim with AWD  included $695 in options and carried a bottom line of $64,970 including a $1,025 destination charge.

2022 Infiniti QX60

Essentials
Base price: $47,875; as driven, $64,970
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 295@ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 270 pound-feet @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive: all-wheel
Seating: 2/2/3
Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length: 198.2 inches
Curb weight: 4,455 pounds
Turning circle: 38.1 feet
Luggage capacity: 14.6 cubic feet/rear seat folded: 41.6 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 75.4 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.5 gallons (premium recommended)
EPA rating: 20 city, 25 highway, 22 combined
0-60: 6.6 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, Volvo XC90

The Good
• Luxurious interior
• 9-speed transmission replaces CVT
• Pleasing design inside and out
• Excellent Bose audio

The Bad
• No wireless Android Auto

The Ugly
• Stiff ride on 20-inch wheels