MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 14, 2024) The mid-sized luxury SUV segment requires a stylish, technology-loaded, and performance-infused  vehicle to be competitive, and the Infiniti QX60 — which reached the marketplace as a 2022 model — makes its statement as a crossover that needs more than a passing glance. It might just have the right combination of luxury panache for the demanding customer.

The exterior design 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; I'm happy to see that go. I like the digital “piano key” rear taillamps with individual “INFINITI” letters displayed prominently across the rear lift gate.



The interior is impressive, on the same level as an Acura or Lexus. High-tech features and advanced driver aids are where QX60 takes a substantial leap forward. 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.



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The QX60 comes in four trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and my test QX60, the top-shelf Autograph with all-wheel drive. All trim levels are powered by just one engine: a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.  All 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, which is competitive in the segment.


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. 




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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. 


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.


All secondary climate controls such as heated and cooled seats and heated steering wheel are right there easy to obtain without going through one or two screens. I can think of several luxury vehicles that would do well to benchmark those controls. Applause please.


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. I carried two adults in the second row on a 150-mile round trip and the rear comfort was praised including the air conditioning afforded our riders. 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 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 the a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. I praise Infiniti for ditching the continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the current-generation QX60, which started life in 2022, with a proper 9-speed automatic. I'm not a fan of the CVT in any car even as its popularity with automobile manufacturers grows — but I'm especially opposed to its use in luxury vehicles. 



On the road, I 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. Performance can be measured by 0-to-60 time at 6.2 seconds, and quarter-mile time an acceptable 14.9 seconds @ 93 mph.



Prices start at $51,000 for the Pure trim and top out with the Autograph trim at $64,550 — a rather modest increase of $575 over the 2023 edition. My well equipped 2024 Autograph carried a bottom line of $69,445.

2024 Infiniti QX60

Essentials
Base price: $51,000; as driven, $69,445
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: 4,655 pounds
Turning circle: 38.1 feet
Luggage capacity: 14.5 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 75.4 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.5 gallons (premium)
EPA rating: 20 city, 25 highway, 22 combined (AWD)
0-60: 6.2 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: BMW X5, Lexus GX, Lincoln Aviator

The Good
• Stylish exterior styling
• Attractive user-friendly interior layout
• Generous passenger space

The Bad
• Acceleration trails much of the competition

The Ugly
• Android Auto not wireless