What’s New About the QX60
The QX60 is one of the most important vehicles for the Infiniti brand as one of its best sellers year after year. But the first generation QX60, which actually started life as the JX35 nearly a decade ago, was left in a dry spell as Infiniti took a few blocks around the strategy block.
Key Content / Trim
QX60’s all feature a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 295 horsepower. While fairly traditional and similar to the outgoing QX60, big change is that Infiniti has swapped out the droning CVT for a 9-speed automatic transmission.
There are 4 core trims or grades
Pure – Starting at $50,395: 12.3″ infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto connectivity is standard, along with a panoramic moonroof, power lift gate, rear parking sensors and leather in the first and second rows. 7 passenger seating is standard. Front seats are heated, power operated and of the Infiniti/Nissan “zero gravity” variety (read as cushy). 18″ wheels are the standard running gear on Pure, along with rear automatic braking and blind spot warning. 3 climate zones with overhead vents for the rear passengers should keep everyone happy.
Luxe – Starting at $56,445: 20″ wheels are fitted here along with a digital 12.3″ instrument cluster and around view parking camera system. Enhanced driver assistance features are added to the Luxe as well. Remote engine start and cooled front seats also come in here.
Sensory – Starting at $59,795: Lots of luxe items here (I really don’t get the naming convention of Infiniti trims) with front seat massagers for driver and passenger, heated outboard 2nd row seats, power 3rd row seats, wireless phone charger, Bose audio and kick-activated handsfree lift gate.
Autograph – Starting at $63,795: Sitting atop the Infiniti chain, this trim receives premium semi-aniline quilted leathers, 2nd row captain’s chairs with removable center console, head up display, digital rear view mirror and adaptive headlights.
Quick Drive
The QX60 finally looks fresh and modern inside and out, and it’s not an overwrought or polarizing design, at least in our eyes. It’s quite clean and pleasing from nearly any angle. Inside there is decent differentiation from its Nissan Pathfinder corporate cousin, especially in the top Autograph form.
QX60’s driving experience is greatly improved with the swap to the 9-speed automatic transmission. Gone are the boaty and groany acceleration sounds and feeling. It’s not a dynamic performer, but this is a family-targeted luxury crossover that doesn’t break the bank. To that end, it was smooth, quiet and comfortable, and easy on the eyes,
Areas for Improvement
No Sporty Model? – Luxury brands have typically offered a performance variant, at least in aesthetics, but the QX60 doesn’t seem to have that on offer. Acura MDX, a chief competitor, has the A-Spec models, as well as the big engined Type S variants. Lexus RX, a 2-row combatant, offers their F Sport and new F Sport Performance models.
No Hybrids? – Acura MDX used to offer a hybrid, but currently does not. New Lexus RX offers a hybrid and eventually will launch a plug-in hybrid as well.
