The Updated 2017 INFINITI QX60

Nov 28, 2016

QX60 Exterior

The Infiniti QX60 is the Infiniti JX – updated and renamed. An early addition to the three-row luxury crossover, it shares underpinnings with the Nissan Pathfinder. One thing to note is that there are no trim levels on the QX60, only packages. The price is slightly higher (by $500) than the 2016 model.

The biggest upgrade from 2016 is the engine. A more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 currently seen in the Pathfinder gives the QX60 an increase in horsepower (30) and toque (22 lb-ft). This gives it 295 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque. The new engine also has direct injection, but the transmission remains the same – an automatic CVT that could possibly use some improvement. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional, and hybrids are available but have to be special ordered. The all-wheel drive is not designed for off-the-road use but for traction in poor weather. Despite the horsepower upgrade, the EPA numbers are the same for the all-wheel drive version and only slightly less for front-wheel drive. It is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Handling is adequate – it tends to lean somewhat in turns.

The interior is a more stylish version of the Pathfinder and offers better flexibility than many three row crossovers. The second-row seat is easy to fold into various combinations, making the third row easy to reach (although still a tight fit for most adults). The hybrid version loses no cargo space, cleverly locating the battery under the third row seats. Drivers can choose a number of interior colors, many of them two-tone and chosen to make the interior appear lighter. Leather trim adds to the luxurious look – the biggest difference between the Pathfinder and QX60 is materials quality, rather than design and layout.

Outside, the QX60 avoids the dreaded “mini-van” syndrome and looks more like an over-sized sedan with a long hood and a bit of a drop of the roof at the back to make it less blocky and more elegant. It tends to look smaller from a distance.

QX60 Interior

The QX60 earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ award – but there’s a catch. Getting the full suite of safety features requires ordering the Driver Assistance Package (which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control) – and you can’t order the Driver Assistance Package without also getting Premium and Premium Plus, making the extra safety features cost a hefty extra cost (nearly $10,000 in options).

The QX60 is not quite as upmarket in feel as, say, a Mercedes, but it does feel like an upmarket vehicle – and is a good choice for those who cannot afford the highest end luxury vehicles but still want leather seating, an elegant interior and a less “mini-van” exterior.