2017 INFINITI QX60 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2017, the QX60 receives a revised engine with more power with no reduction in fuel efficiency. A larger multimedia screen, a hands-free liftgate and automatic high beams are now available.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Previously known as the JX35, the seven-passenger QX60 is a twin of the Nissan Pathfinder. Both are related to the Nissan Quest minivan, Murano SUV and Altima sedan; all are underpinned by a similar structure. You can think of the QX60 as a tall wagon or a minivan equipped with conventional doors. It received a modest refresh last year, so this year's changes are minimal. The QX60's six-cylinder engine receives a boost in power and torque with no impact on fuel economy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI QX60 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$204/mo  for QX60 Base

　　QX60 Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $43,100 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $44,900 MSRPHybrid 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl S/C gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $52,100 MSRPHybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl S/C gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $53,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　With its continuously variable transmission (CVT), Nissan has carved out an enviable refinement advantage over every other transmission. CVTs don't have predetermined shift points, so acceleration in the QX60 is always an uninterrupted shove all the way up to your desired speed. Coupled with its plush ride and quiet cockpit, the QX60 has the right ingredients for a long interstate drive. Note that this isn't a sport-oriented vehicle. No, the QX60 is a people-mover, through and through.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　Infiniti bestows its 2017 QX60, now entering the fifth model year of its current generation, with a new engine and additional features. This large, three-row SUV was overdue for a more zesty engine, though its ride comfort and third-row access have been its strong suits.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD (3.5L V6; AWD; CVT automatic).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current QX60 (in 2014 the JX35 was renamed QX60) has received some revisions, including a face-lift, a retuned suspension and steering, a revised engine and new driver assistance features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's QX60.

　　

Driving

　　Infiniti is usually synonymous with performance, but the QX60 is more focused on people-hauling in comfort and quiet. In other words, don't expect FX-level acceleration and handling.

　　

Acceleration

　　The V6 engine is smooth and reasonably quiet, especially at highway speeds. But it doesn't feel overly powerful, a consequence of the smooth operation of the continuously variable transmission.

　　

Braking

　　There's linear brake feel driving around town and never any abrupt responses. It was a bit spongy-feeling during panic stops at the test track, but distances were shorter than average for the class.

　　

Steering

　　The steering is syrupy and artificial in the way it builds effort off center. Plus there's too much power assist, giving very little sense of grip from the front tires.

　　

Handling

　　Lots and lots of body roll — this suspension is soft and sloppy. As such, the QX pushed wide even around slow turns. Not exactly a "sport" utility vehicle.

　　

Drivability

　　Even though we'd prefer a traditional automatic transmission over the CVT, the QX is a very easy-to-drive crossover. The easy-to-modulate throttle and brake pedals help in this regard, as does the heavily assisted steering.

　　

Off-road

　　Yes, you can get it with all-wheel drive. But that doesn't make it off-road-worthy.

　　

Comfort

　　If you're looking for a quiet and comfortable people-mover, you may have just found your ride. The QX is exceptionally quiet and the ride is comfy. About our only complaint is that the seats could use softer foam.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The front seats are firm but still comfortable. The second row also isn't super-plush, but the seats are slightly higher to provide a better view. The third row has good head- and footroom, but knees will be up into your chest.

　　

Ride comfort

　　The smooth, even ride soaks up most bumps well. But there's a tautness to the ride that was unexpected, especially with the way the QX rolls through corners.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　There's minimal wind noise despite all the glass area. There's hardly any road noise whatsoever; the tires are very quiet. The CVT makes the engine operate at higher rpm than preferred.

　　

Interior

　　This is a luxurious, thoughtfully designed interior. It not only looks good, but it's also easy to find all the controls. We also like the easy access to the third row.

　　

Ease of use

　　Most will love the QX's commanding view of the road. The climate control system isn't perfectly intuitive. The audio system is easy to use and has a classy presentation.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The driver seat is at the perfect height for sliding in. Passengers will find it's easy to hit their heads entering the second row. Meanwhile, the QX has one of the most accessible third rows due to the unique sliding-and-tilting second row.

　　

Roominess

　　Up front, you'll find plenty of headroom and very good elbow and shoulder room. The center armrest is nice and wide. The second-row seat slides back 5.5 inches. Even the third-row seat reclines, a thoughtful touch.

　　

Visibility

　　The JX has four pillars per side and lots of headrests trying to block the driver's view, plus a high beltline. The optional Around View Monitor definitely helps with parking.

　　

Quality

　　Other than the hard plastic dash, the QX is full of fine leather and wood. The usual Infiniti quality is evident in abundance. Above-average workmanship at average pricing.

　　

Utility

　　You'll find lots of interior storage. The cargo area behind the seats is on the small side until you fold the third-row seats. Then it's huge.

　　

Small-item storage

　　The door pockets and the front bin are very small. But the center armrest bin is very large, and the glovebox is deep. Fourteen cupholders!

　　

Cargo space

　　Cargo room behind the third row is small, but maximum cargo space is huge.

　　

Towing

　　When properly equipped, the QX35 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, same as the Lexus RX 350. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

　　

Which QX60 does zzdcar recommend?

　　Unless you live where the snow travel is frequent or traction is limited, skip the all-wheel-drive version of the QX60. After that, the only decisions involve option packages because there is only one trim level. The tricky bit is that most of the option packages require ticking the boxes for the Premium and Premium Plus packages first. Both of those are worth having, though. Beyond that, we say skip the pricey Deluxe Technology package because most of its worthwhile stuff is in the much more affordable Driver Assistance package.

　　

2017 INFINITI QX60 models

　　The 2017 Infiniti QX60 is available in one trim level, with or without all-wheel drive. A hybrid version is also available (reviewed separately). A variety of option packages are available, however, to tailor the QX60 to suit your sensibilities and budget.

　　Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 (295 horsepower, 270 lb-ft of torque) that receives direct injection this year, bumping its power up by 30 hp and torque by 22 lb-ft. We're big fans of the QX60's continuously variable transmission, which plays nicely with the torquey V6.

　　Option packages are where the meat of the decision-making needs to happen with the QX60. They include the Premium package, Premium Plus package, Driver Assistance package, Theater package, Deluxe Technology package, and the 20-inch Wheel and Tire package.

　　

2017 QX60 Highlights

Type: SUVHybridSUV

　　Trim: BaseHybridBase

　　

Base MSRP	$43,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$204/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 60,000 miles