2022 Infiniti QX60 - Review by Larry Nutson

2022 Infiniti QX60 Three Row'er

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Patience pays off. I was interested to schedule a drive in the new 2022 QX60, Infiniti’s entry in the premium midsize three-row utility vehicle space. However, as things would have it I just couldn’t make it work with my schedule and the availability of a vehicle.

That was back this past summer. But now recently, in mid-October, I got to take a my "first look" evaluation behind the wheel of the 2022 Infiniti QX60. The timing is perfect for in market SUV shoppers because the redesigned QX60 is arriving in showrooms right about this time and the QX is just waiting for you to test drive it.

My drive opportunity took place at the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) 2021 Rally which was held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Vehicle manufacturers are invited by MAMA to bring their newest vehicles for driving experience and evaluations by automotive media on the interesting and varied driving roads of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine. Additionally, on-track performance driving and off-road trail driving is done with new vehicles suited for those exercises.

Infiniti didn’t offer a QX60 for the 2021 model year but jumped into the new model for 2022. It’s a bit shorter and wider but still rides on the previous models 114.2 inch wheelbase. The QX60 is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and has a 295-hp 3.5-L V6 under the hood.

There is some newness in the powertrain with a 9-speed automatic now transmitting the power to the drive wheels. There’s a five-mode drive selector with Personal, Sport, Standard, Eco and Snow modes plus the engine has an idle stop/start system that helps reduce both tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption.

I was quite impressed by the overall performance of the engine/transmission combination. I should mention, I am not a big fan of CVTs, mostly due to the droning engine sound that is commonplace, and which the previous generation QX60 had. This new combination of the torquey V6 and nine transmission gears deliver very smooth and responsive performance, quick acceleration from stop and good response when powering out of a corner. It’s a nice combo.

The new transmission has helped to improve the QX60’s EPA city fuel economy rating by one mpg. The front-drive 2022 QX60 has EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The AWD versions are rated one mpg less in both.

On the outside the new QX60 is stylish with a clean design. The large upright grille is flanked by slim LED headlights. A sloping rear roof gives the QX60 a contemporary profile. The rear is finished with LED taillights. Both front and rear fascia incorporate unique under guard elements in varied finishes. Depending on trim grade the QX60 rides on 18- or 20-inch wheels.

The interior seats seven or six. Leather-appointed first and second row seating is standard. All trim grades have a digital gauge cluster. Overall, premium materials and refined surfaces provide a serene interior cabin environment.

There’s loads of tech with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, Wi-Fi, ProPILOT driver assist with navigation link to anticipate the upcoming road and adjust vehicle speed, as well as a line-up of advance driver-assist safety (ADAS) features.

Pure, Luxe, and Sensory trim grades come in two-three-two seating in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Autograph trim grade has second-row captain’s chairs for six-person seating. It’s also offered in front- or all-wheel drive.

Rear cargo space can grow from 14.5 cu.ft. behind the third row to 41.6 cu.ft. with that seat folded, and to 75.4 cu.ft. with the second row also folded. With a towing package the QX60 AWD models can tow up to a 6,000-pound braked trailer.

QX60 pricing starts at $46,850 for the Pure trim grade with front-wheel drive and climbs to $63,250 for the Autograph with all-wheel drive. Destination charge is $1,025.

For my drive around Elkhart Lake I experienced the Autograph AWD grade which features semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with contrast stitching and quilted leather, in-seat massagers for driver and front passenger, exclusive second-row captain’s chairs, a lightweight removable second-row console, 10.8-inch crystal-clear head-up display with dual free-form mirrors, 17-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system, Smart Rear View Mirror, Adaptive Front Lighting system and color-contrast black roof and roof rails.

Although this drive evaluation of the QX60 was short and sweet, it was important for me to get behind the wheel. The QX60 is a candidate for the 2022 MAMA Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year that I will vote on later this year. Infiniti also sent one of its top representatives to this drive Rally to inform about the QX60. This was invaluable to help bring focus on the attributes and nuances of the vehicle.

It’s been a tough year for every automaker in trying to recover from the 2020 pandemic impact and now with new vehicle production disruptions due to microchip supply shortage. Infiniti says “the 2022 QX60 was reimagined from the ground up to help its owners "Conquer Life in Style" and delivers a powerful yet polished drive that matches its sleek exterior and serene interior.” It seems a visit to your local Infiniti dealer might be a good idea.

Happy motoring!