2016 Infiniti QX60 – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

A 7-Seater that’s Sleek, Stylish, and Fun

Infiniti was quick to adopt the cross-over trend in its early state of infancy. The FX35 and JX35 was what emerged as a final product of Infiniti’s virgin attempt. With that said, they did a pretty good job in execution from lavish styling, aggressive performance and versatility. As a matter of fact, they did such a great job with the JX35 that they re-introduced three-row 7-seater as the QX60.

Sporty looks and big vehicles are almost an oxymoron; yet, Infiniti still managed to pull off the the difficult feat of carving out a 7-seater chassis into a thing of a performance and luxury look. This is all done by incorporating muscular lines, a re-designed front grille tightly integrated with new bi-xenon headlight and LED running lights as well as a new fog-light design.

Function as well as form, the QX60 aslo receives 5-star treatment with accoustic glass added for reduced road noise entering into the cabin space. Its stream-line silhouette chassis design, added rear spoiler and front uni-body spoiler helps keep coefficient of drag low at 0.34.

Luscious Cabin Space

Cabin space also receives spa-level treatment with standard leather seats of high quality stitching and material, and beautifully polished maple wood accent to contrast out the interior space. Second-row seats offer a generous amount of legroom with easy access thanks to its oversized doors, and even the 3rd row seats provide a decent level of comfort for smaller people. Back-row amenities and entertainment also include two fold-down ceiling-mounted TV screens, wireless headphones and climate control. Third row seats can be electronically reclined while the 2nd row seats can either e folded down, or taken out completely for added cargo space.

Driving position is well placed and very comfortable. Instrument cluster is kept simple; yet elegant with dark soft-toned colors and all the knobs and buttons on the center console are well laid out that also offers a solid feel.

Spirited Driving

The Infiniti QX60 gets a standard 3.5L V6 engine producing a healthy 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. For the more environmentally conscious drivers, the QX60 is also offered in with a hybrid powertrain built from a 2.5L supercharged V4 engine working in tandem with an induction AC motor netting in at 250 horsepower.

For a vehicle of its size, you wouldn’t expect any hope for driving fun, but the QX60 delivers. Steering remains relatively well composed and responsive for the most part for quick and harsh cornering. Its cornering capability is thanked by its Active trace Control integrated into its vehicle dynamics system to apply a smooth transition from applying the rear brakes and engine throttle.

Driving comfort receives top grades. Road noise is minimal and acceleration is swift and smooth. But with that said, there still is no escape from the fact that you’re driving a chunky car. Street parking is a challenge, but is mitigated by its rear-view camera. There is also a noticeable amount of suspension travel under harsh acceleration, but is still tolerable for the most part.

Fuel economy is rated at 21mpg in the city and 27 mpg in the highway for the FWD model while the optional AWD powertrain gets 19/26 in the city and highway. Our Infiniti QX60 tester is configured with a 3.5L V6 engine with AWD powertrain option. With all said and done, the final price tag rings in at $63,780. It’s not cheap, but you do buy yourself into the luxury class, and the Infiniti QX60 honestly shows what you’re paying for.

For equivalent 7-seater with luxury status, you’re going to be looking into the German brands with the Mercedes GLS class with a starting price tag of $82,900, Audi Q7 with a starting price tag of $65,200, or the BMW X5 at $65,200. Perhaps, people are finally realizing that they don’t need ultra high-tech performance to enjoy luxury amenities. And that might be the reason why the QX60 sales numbers jumped up 33% from last year with well received consumer feedback.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2016 Infiniti QX60
• Model : Infiniti QX60 AWD
• Price as Tested : $63,780
• Vehicle Type : Cross-over
• Seating Capacity : 2 + 3+2
• Powertrain Configuration : AWD.  Available in FWD Configuration
• Engine : 3.5L V6.  Available as a V4 Hybrid
• Transmission : 6-speed Automatic
• Fuel Economy: 19 / 26 mpg city/highway

Pros

• Sleek and stylish looks
• Luxury finishing in cabin space
• Spirited and sporty driving capability
• Affordable price tag in the luxury league

Cons

• Large vehicle leads to a “wonky” feel under hard acceleration or cornering.
• Dated styling – exterior design remains relatively the same as the JX35 3 years ago.