2022 INFINITI QX60 TEST DRIVE

2022 INFINITI QX60 TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

It was almost a decade ago already that I loaded the family into the all-new Infiniti JX for a summer vacation up in Maine; Nissan’s luxury marque’s breakthrough 3-row SUV that went on to become their perennial best-seller. 

And now, the long-awaited redesign is here and its job is similar to what it was back then; keep the brand relevant.     

 

 

 

Once a rival to Lexus, Infiniti has been mired in old product and meandering business plans for years.  The recently introduced QX50 didn’t set the world on fire as they had hoped so this new QX60 better click and it will. 

 

 

 

This is a solid evolution of what made the 1^st one so popular; now smarter, more premium and better packaged for greater convenience.   A base, front-drive QX60 Pure is priced at just under $48,000 and leases for $671 per month but we don’t do much base around here so my tester is an all-wheel drive QX60 Autograph; a metaphor referencing its personalized style. 

 

 

And this is a beautiful reimagining of the body with a judicious use of chrome and this gorgeous Moonbow Blue paint.  It’s less curvy and more muscular now with a pronounced front end design proclaiming affluence.  The footprint is nearly identical to before but this one is wider with a little more ground clearance though inside the 2^nd and 3^rd row legroom has decreased while cargo volume behind the 3^rd row has increased by 2 cubic feet. 

 

There’s also a nifty underfloor storage box back here and of course, the tailgate can be foot activated. 

 

 

 

The 3^rd row seats don’t power fold but they do get a power assist when raising them.  And in general the configurable seat action is a QX60 strong suit.  To access the 3^rd row, just press this button at the base of the seat and the rest of the movement is done for you. 

 

 

And because the 2^nd row captain’s chairs slide and recline and the 3^rd row seats also recline, as long as everyone is courteous there’s enough room for 6 in here without any whining from the kids. 

 

 

 

And when it’s time to get out, there’s another one-touch button for that.  So very family friendly though other than a couple of mixed-type USB ports there’s no entertainment features or screens back here…not even as an option.      

 

 

 

When you ask for an Autograph on your QX60 you’re getting everything Infiniti has to offer including the softest leather with special stitching, a fairly basic head-up display, the rear view camera mirror, and adaptive front lighting that swivels as the car turns. 

 

 

This one also comes exclusively with 2^nd row captain’s chairs while a bench seat is available in lesser trims. And in between those seats is a removable console that doesn’t offer much more than a couple of cup holders and has been making an annoying rattling sound for some reason. 

 

 

But all told, this is a very nice evolution of the QX60.  Just like the Pathfinder from which it is based, the changes made here bring it up to date while also improving the comfort and convenience metrics.  If you’re looking for a 3-row with more panache than Nissan can deliver this is a solid choice. 

 

 

Comfy seats with massage programs that can be started right at the seat, a crisp, configurable driver display, intuitive ergonomics throughout, a rear view camera mirror, and a touchscreen with redundant controls on the console create a welcoming, upscale environment.

 

 

Though I would have preferred a complete overhaul of Nissan’s infotainment system because its layout is still a little clunky, it’s very simple and easy to use…perhaps a little too basic.  But I love the button down here to trigger the Around View Monitor, wireless Apple CarPlay is onboard…Android users still need to tether, and the 17 speaker Bose Performance audio system is immersive with cool looking grills. 

 

The pano roof isn’t as long as it could be and I would expect to see more LED and configurable ambient lighting in here for $65,000 but all told, this is both a versatile and handsome design befitting a top of the line model.      

 

 

 

Just like in the Pathfinder the new 9-speed auto here is a big win for those who are tired of CVTs, especially in a luxury vehicle and the naturally aspirated V6 – though familiar is also a nice get in a turbo-happy world. So the drive is pleasant with competent handling and agreeable steering but with a ride that’s just a tad firmer than I would wish.  It doesn’t make a big impression from behind the wheel other than it’s nice and quiet in here.  And the all-wheel drive system reacts more quickly now and can move power from side to side as well as from front to back. 

The 3.5-liter V6 is still rated at 295 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque moving an additional 100 pounds here while gas mileage on premium remains at 22mpg in combined driving.  But it’s the new 9-speed and improved all-wheel drive that move the QX60 forward, now with stop-start engine technology. 

 

 

But like I said, it’s not the kind of drive that really makes an imprint either way…it’s tertiary to the Autograph’s exciting appearance and fancy, accommodating cabin. 

 

 

 

As for ProPILOT Assist, it’s now linked to the navigation system which means when the road necessitates slowing down the QX60 is smart enough to automatically mitigate your speed.  But in the world of hands-on intelligent cruise control systems, this one doesn’t hold a candle to Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assistant so it requires lots of babysitting of the wheel.  

 

 

Extremely limited in availability, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 can be ordered in Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph trims in either front- or all-wheel drive with up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity including trailer sway control and a transmission oil cooler. 

 

 

I’m not sure it’ll be the savior the brand needs but it’s certainly the best SUV Infiniti offers and will no doubt resume its reign as their sales leader.    

 

 

 

 

 

2022 INFINITI QX60 TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES  | TESTDRIVENOW 2022(c)