Road Test: 2017 Infiniti QX60 AWD

Infiniti has updated the QX60 for 2017 with their latest infotainment technology, as well as increasing the power output from the 3.5L V6. QX60 competes in the hot segment of 3-row crossovers, bringing space, utility, luxury and tech to a crossover that can haul 7 passengers in comfort.

There’s one trim level and four drivetrain options: FWD, AWD, Hybrid FWD, and Hybrid AWD.

Ride and Handling
The Infiniti QX60 rides smoothly and comfortably. Our tester was equipped with beautiful 20″ alloys that added to the sporty look and feel. Bumps and expansion joints are felt, but absorbed so as to not disturb passengers too much.

Steering effort is excellent and feedback is good, giving the driver a sense of control.

Braking
Four corners of vented disc brakes feel strong and smooth. They grab early and provide a linear feel.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The updated QX60 gains an updated 3.5-liter DOHC V6 adds direct injection, a revised air intake system, electronic variable timing control (e-VTC) and mirror bore coating. The engine is rated at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The peppy powertrain delivers smooth driving around town and more than enough passing power on the highway. The VQ-series engine which Nissan has been producing for decades is extremely reliable, refined and sounds amazing under heavy acceleration. Engineers have perfected this engine.

The EcoPedal doesn’t numb throttle response like other vehicles, it actually tries to prevent the driver from accelerating in an inefficient manner and teach how to drive more economically.

Fuel economy results after a week of mixed driving surpassed our expectations, averaging 22.8 mpg. The EPA rates the QX60 at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway for FWD models, 19 city, 26 highway for AWD.

Noise
QX60 was quite serene. The sleek shape, laminated glass, and tight seals keep wind noise out while sound deadening material keeps the engine noise at bay. Tire noise was also very low.

Headlights
Sophisticated HID headlights spread light evenly on the road ahead with excellent intensity. Auto high beams worked well too, switching the second another car was spotted and resuming shortly after they were out of sight.

Interior Fit and Finish
Materials throughout the cabin are soft-touch, nicely grained, or both. They look high quality and feel well-assembled. The overall feel inside is warm, inviting and modern.

Seating
Infiniti’s are known for having incredibly comfortable seats with good lateral support. The QX60 is no exception, with plenty of space and comfort in the first two rows. The front seats are multiway power adjustable with heating and cooling, and the outboard seats of the second row are heated as well. A heated steering wheel is part of the Premium package.

Arm rests throughout are well padded and buttery. We love the attention to detail the Infiniti puts into the basic comforts of driving.

The third row is usable but best reserved for passengers under 6 feet tall.

Cargo room with the third row up is plentiful for a grocery store run, with about 16 cubic feet. Fold the third row, and then the second row, and the amount of space is incredible. The rear life gate opens handsfree with just the kick of a foot.

The front power moonroof and rear fixed glass panel create an airy feel.

Visibility
The A-pillars are narrow by today’s standards and visibility all around is excellent. Visors extend and cover the length of the front side window glass. The side mirrors are heated, auto-dimming, power-folding, and auto-tilt in reverse.

The Around View Monitor projects a birds-eye view of what’s around the QX60 onto the infotainment display to make any parking situation a cinch.

Gauges and Controls
Infiniti QX60’s gauges and controls are all easy to read and well-labeled. We commend Infiniti for sticking with knobs, buttons, and switches for the critical infotainment and vehicle operation controls. The tactile feel is safer while the vehicle is moving and more precise.

Infotainment
The QX60 features Infiniti InTouch with a multitude of functions and options. The system works well and is incredibly responsive, with clear graphics and an intuitive interface. Siri Eyes Free is included but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not.

Our test of the navigation system voice entry system went smoothly, quickly understanding our destination or commands.  We like the ability to have extended or shortened prompts.

Bluetooth call quality was excellent thanks to the ultra-quiet cabin. A Bose 13-speaker system sounds beautiful, with inputs including USB, AUX, SiriusXM radio, and Bluetooth streaming inputs provide endless entertainment. Audio quality was very good.

This QX60 tester came with the Theater package which adds two screens in the back of the front headrests, wireless headsets, a remote, DVD player, HDMI input, and USB, 12V, and 120V outlets.

Three USB ports up front are useful for powering mobile electronics.

Crash-Avoidance
Infiniti is focused on being at the forefront of advanced technology. QX60 comes with Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Warning, front and rear backup sensors with backup collision intervention, and Automatic Forward Emergency Braking.

Our favorite feature on every Infiniti is Distance Control Assist, which when enabled at the start of every drive, allows the Infiniti to do all the braking for the driver. Accelerate and drive around like normal, and Distance Control Assist brakes at a safe distance from vehicles in front of it during normal urban and suburban driving.

We especially like how the EcoPedal pushes back on the driver’s foot when they continue accelerating toward a slower vehicle, or if a vehicle is ahead in just about any other scenario.

The aforementioned Around View Monitor includes Moving Object Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is a lifesaver in parking lots.

The adaptive cruise works smoothly and accelerates briskly, and didn’t brake too aggressively during rush hour traffic. It was refined and a good aid during daily commuting. Lane Departure Prevention brakes individual wheels rather than turn the wheel; it works well as it doesn’t lead to the “ping-pong” effect of other systems that actively rotate the steering wheel and can be annoying.

Crash Test Results
The 2017 Infiniti QX60 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and earns five starts overall from NHTSA.

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Facts
Make: Infiniti
Model: QX60
Trim Level: None
Engine: 3.5L
Transmission: CVT
Options: Premium, Premium Plus, Theater, Deluxe Technology
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Base Price: $44,900
As-Tested Price: $60,045