Model tested: 2022 Infiniti QX60 LUXE AWD
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Horsepower: 295
Torque: 270 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 20/city, 25/highway, 22/combined
Base price: $54,900
As tested: $56,825
Overview: One of the perks of this job is being able to secure a courtesy vehicle when we’re out of town. Thanks to our friends at the Atlanta office of Prestige Auto Specialists, we were able to drive the redesigned 2022 Infiniti QX60 on our recent two-week southern vacation. The QX60 is a three-row crossover SUV based on Nissan’s Pathfinder — with luxury features added throughout. Redesigned for 2022, it prioritizes style and comfort, making it more elegant. It features a fresh interior with improved seats, updated technology — including a larger touchscreen — and a retuned suspension, with tightened steering for a more sure-footed feel. The wheelbase remains the same; however, the QX60 is now 2 inches shorter, but 2 inches wider. Our test driver was the AWD LUXE edition and this review focuses on that model.
Walkaround: The QX60 boasts an array of chrome trim disguised as air intakes, skid plates and exhaust pipes, plus accenting the slightly rear-sloping roofline and recessed rocker panels — as well as framing the bold mesh grille with the big Infiniti logo. The wheel arches house 20-inch alloys, while an available black roof and deeply tinted rear windows flow into the integrated roof spoiler.
Interior: The dash features open-pore wood arcs under a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and a haptic-touch panel of climate controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the navigation system is easy to use via touch or the control dial in the console. Seating is quilted semi-aniline leather featuring studded accent stitching. Heated front seats with power lumbar support can accommodate most body sizes comfortably. The top trims offer modest massagers. The roomy second-row bench seats are comfortable as well, with captain’s chairs available on some models — but should be optional on all. Like most SUVs, the third row is cramped, but it reclines. There is 14.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row — including a 6-inch-deep compartment under the floor. Folding the third row creates 41.6 cubic feet and there’s 75.4 with the second row down.
Behind the wheel: We road-tripped the QX60 from Atlanta to Pensacola, Florida, and the surrounding resort areas in nearby Alabama — and back. It didn’t disappoint. Utilizing the same 3.5-liter V-6 as the Pathfinder, the 295 horses and 270 lb.-ft. of torque delivered strong power when needed. The new nine-speed transmission shifts smoothly, boosts fuel economy and is a massive improvement of the previous CVT. The paddle shifters make passing on two lane blacktops fun — especially in sport mode — since the automatic is programmed for cruising in higher gears. Steering provides a solid, on-center feel while cruising, but feels light at lower speeds. The new all-wheel-drive system uses a direct coupling and multisensors sending up to 50 percent torque to the rear wheels when needed. The AWD QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds (3,500 with front-wheel drive). The ride is calm and quiet, thanks to thicker second-row windows, laminated front glass and other sound-deadening materials.
Bottom line: The 2022 Infiniti QX60 has moved up a class with its latest redesign and become a luxury-grade SUV with all the right features — more comfortable interior, a better transmission and a more sophisticated style.
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