Infiniti QX60 AWD: The Brand Fills A Void With Its 7-Passenger Luxury Crossover

Highlights: The QX is formerly known as the JX. The QX is based-off the same platform as the Nissan Pathfinder.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $57,240 (Base Model starts at $43,095)

Seating Capacity:  7- passenger

Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, front passenger, side impact and curtain);ABS; brake assist; electronic brake force distribution; traction control; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; a push-button keyless starter system; leather seats; heated power front seats; automatic HID bi-functional xenon headlights; a power moonroof; a tri zone automatic temperature control; power rear liftgate; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a keyless entry system; power folding outside mirrors; a 7-inch rear view camera; and Infiniti’s Personal Assistant

Suspension System:

Front: Independent
Rear: Multi-link



Standard Audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with satellite radio

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:  6 years or 70,000 miles

iPod Connectivity: Standard

Bluetooth Compatibility: Standard

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder/265-horsepower

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/25-hwy

Other Trim Level (s):
Hybrid

What’s New: Not only does the vehicle go through a name change for the 2014 model year, it also takes on a new hybrid system, a first in the seven-passenger luxury crossover segment.

Pros: The seven-passenger luxury crossover is available in both a front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration.  Like the segment new-vehicle sales leaders, the Acura MDX and the Buick Enclave, the QX60 provides carpet-to-carpet luxury amenities along with ample room for seven occupants. The second-row split bench seats allow the rear occupants easy access to the third row due to its tilt-and-slide feature. Added to that, when all the second and third-row seats are folded flat, it creates more cargo room.

In addition to the standard features on the QX60, our test vehicle was equipped with approximately $11,000 in options.  One of the features included a Technology package, which pushed us closer to being guided by a self-driving vehicle. Those features consisted of a lane departure warning system, a forward collision alert system, a full range radar-activated cruise control system and intelligent braking system.

Moreover, to heighten the experience of riding in the OX60, the vehicle was also accessorized with the brand’s Deluxe Touring package, which consisted of 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power folding third-row seats, and an oversized roof for the rear occupants.  Furthermore, the sound system was enhanced by adding 7 additional speakers from Bose, bring the total to 13.

The driver also gain memory programmed seats, a two-setting lumbar adjustment, a heated steering wheel, a remote engine starter system, a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a reverse tilt-down feature for the exterior mirrors and real-time traffic (and weather) data.

Cons: In order to step into the hybrid, buyers will be required to shell out an additional $3,000. Unfortunately, according to fueleconomy.gov, drivers will only gain 6 additional miles in city driving. The mileage difference isn’t enough to justify the additional expense.

Moreover, with this being a luxury vehicle, the QX60 second row occupants should have the option to have captain chairs. Currently, the vehicle is only equipped with split bench seats. The downside to adding captain chairs is that this would reduce the seating capacity.

Furthermore, while Infiniti is known as the performance-oriented brand, this is not one of the strong suits of the QX60. In fact Infiniti’s seven passenger crossover non performance-oriented  suspension system drives and rides more like a Buick Enclave.

The Verdict: With one full model year under its belt, the QX60 is Infiniti’s answer to the luxuriously appointed Buick Enclave and Acura MDX. Like both vehicles, the well-appointed QX60 rides and drives like a car, as opposed to a truck.  In fact, since the Acura MDX most recent make over, the Asian make has a slight sales lead over the segment leader, the Enclave. With the QX60 being a great alternative to those who needs a vehicle that’s offers more room than the tight-fitting performance-oriented QX70, but doesn’t require the towing power of the QX56, it fills what was once considered a void. 

So far, Infiniti has added and retained buyers to the fold by adding the QX60, racking up more than 15,000 in new car sales for the first half of 2014. The brand no longer has to worry about losing its customer base to its luxury competitors. The same can’t be said for BMW, Cadillac, Lexus and Volvo, which are the only remaining luxury players not offering a seven passenger car-based utility vehicle in the segment. And for Infiniti, that’s great news and an opportunity to win over new buyers to the brand.

Competition:  Acura MDX AWD, Audi Q7AWD, Buick Enclave AWD and Lincoln MKT AWD