Infiniti’s new 2022 QX60 is sporting some smart upgrades that will undoubtedly appeal to moms looking for a more modern kid hauler that’s both premium and hearty. For its second generation, the three-row SUV smartly blends technology, real-world function and a fresh upscale design.
The QX60 competes in a tough segment. The Acura MDX, which, like the QX60, is entering a new generation and skipping the 2021 model year, closed the first five months of the year with sales topping 31,700. The Lexus RX, traditionally a five-seater but now with a longer wheelbase option, sold more than 47,500 units in the same period. It’s also the top-seller in the brimming luxury SUV segment. The QX60 is back of the pack with sales of 4,226 through May. It is also third in the Infiniti lineup compared with the smaller QX50 and larger QX80.
This new generation could be just the shot in the arm it needs to generate some renewed excitement. The biggest news of the reimagined QX60 is the swap from a continuous variable transmission to a nine-speed automatic. The SUV will still be powered by the same front-wheel-drive 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. When paired with all-wheel drive, the powertrain can haul 6,000 pounds, a 20% bump over the outgoing model’s 5,000-pound tow rating. That makes it a competent enough to haul myriad hitch-mounted trailers stuffed with cargo, loaded with bikes or even a small boat.
Road Trip-Ability
It’s not an off roader, nor does it pretend to be (its ride height is 6.7 inches). Roof rails are available but require dealer-installed crossbars for any type of rack system, making the new tow rating (and accompanying hitch) ever more important for road tripping families.
The functional cabin and well-appointed interior also will complement long stints on the road. Infiniti hasn’t released details on the full QX60 lineup, but it will be available in four trims. Presenting buyers with a menu of curated choices is part of the brand’s strategy to streamline offerings to only the best.
Though the outgoing model only offers two trims, it’s likely Infiniti will inject more luxury into higher-end models. Part of that approach includes the top-level Autograph trim. It’s two-tone exterior paint job and lush, quilted leather seating enhance the QX60’s presentation, something buyers will be looking for when cross-shopping against rivals.
In addition to leather upholstery, the Autograph offers standard seating for six, a comfortable proposition that doesn’t overflow its cabin. A second-row bench is available on other trims, but active families will appreciate the Autograph’s standard captain’s chairs that offer easy loading and unloading. A removable center console with two cupholders that connects the two chairs easily pops out when not needed. The console will prove valuable on the road when kids stay put.
Details Moms Will Appreciate
Movement of the second row-seats is power-operated with button that is accessible from either the front or the back of the seat. It’s one thing that the tip-and-slide motion doesn’t require removal of heavy car seats, but the power button is a thoughtful touch that won’t leave moms sweating (or cursing) while trying to help their small-bodied kids manhandle awkward seat designs.
Another detail busy moms will appreciate is the keyless locking function that works from the rear doors. Oftentimes all four doors can only be unlocked by keyless entry from the passenger door, or from the inside of the driver’s side, or by a double click on the key fob—all actions that require more effort than is necessary while multitasking. The power liftgate also has a locking button that will secure the vehicle and close the hatch in one swoop (a hands-free liftgate is available).
Interior Space
A versatile subfloor in the trunk can be used to add space to the cargo hold behind the third row, and the panel that covers it stays lifted when it’s being loaded. Without the cubby, spaces behind the third row is only 14.5 cubic-feet. That’s less than the Acura MDX’s 18 cubic-feet; the Volvo XC90 offers a smidge more with almost 22 cubic-feet. With the 60/40-splitting seats folded, cargo space expands to 41.6 cubic-feet.
Infiniti didn’t release official legroom measurements for its new QX60 but said that second- and third-row passengers get more “hip-to-heel” room, and that each row is higher than the next (“theater-style seating”) for a more natural seating position.
The current generation Infiniti QX60 is 200 inches in length, making it longer than the Acura MDX (198.4 inches) and the Lexus RX L (196.9 inches). Currently second-row comfort is prioritized over cargo space with 41.7 inches of legroom. Most in the segment offer less than 40 inches of legroom for middle seating.
The current third-row legroom measurements for the third row is 30.8, which is adequate. (MDX is 29 inches and RX L is the worst in the segment with 23.5 inches.) It feels snug and might be best reserved for kids, but growing teenagers or more petite adults will fit, especially with the second row pushed all the way forward. Four seat connectors (LATCH points) are available.
Tech
The cockpit is sleek and intuitive and does a proficient job of mixing high-tech features with natural design elements. In addition to the leather seating and upholstery, the Autograph trim offers open-poor wood accents and ambient interior lighting. Climate is still controlled by physical knobs and most of the commands are capacitive with haptive feedback.
A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen juts out of the leather-dressed dash and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A 10.8-inch head-up display is standard as are seven USB ports and a wireless chargepad in the center console is available. The QX60 also is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi and available 17-speaker Bose premium audio. A digital instrument panel behind the wheel is used in place of analogue gauges.
Safety
The Infiniti QX60 offers the newest iteration of ProPilot Assist that integrates with the onboard navigation to slow the vehicle on turns or off ramps when the system is engaged. (ProPilot is a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering.) The new ProPilot also links with the Traffic Sign Recognition to slow the vehicle when speed limits change, and it can restart the vehicle from a stop if there is no driver input for 30 seconds.
Other advanced driver-assistance safety tech includes rear automatic braking, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and predictive forward collision warning. Automatic high beams and auto-leveling headlights are available.
Curb Appeal
The restyled exterior of the QX60 is sharp and likely to please the eye of buyers looking for clean, confident lines. The overall shape is more planted and athletic, less rounded, jellybean crossover. It’s new look is more distinct and premium, especially with the black roof that pops against a new hue called Moonbow Blue.
The Autograph trim has a new grille design in a woven mesh meant to replicate the folds of origami. Headlamps also have been redesigned to exude a similar expression and have a more sweeping look. The taillamps nearly connect across the rear and frame a bolder liftgate design with the Infiniti badge and lettering more prominently displayed below.
Chrome accents elevate the look without too much opulence. Most trims will offer 20-inch allow wheels.
How Much Does the 2022 Infiniti QX60 Cost?
The all-new Infiniti QX60 will go on sale in late 2021. Pricing has yet to be announced. The 2020 QX60 starts at $44,350 for the Pure trim and $46,150 for the top Luxe trim. All-wheel drive currently is a $2,000 upgrade on each model.
The redesign will likely come with a higher price tag as the brand looks to be repositioning the QX60 upmarket. The recent overhaul of the Acura MDX added about $5,000 to the base MSRP, which now starts at $47,925 and can get as pricey as $61,675. The Lexus RX ranges from $46,195 to $57,210. All prices include destination.