2022 Infiniti QX60 - Review by Larry Nutson

2022 Infiniti QX60

By Larry Nutson
Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The new 2022 QX60 is Infiniti’s entry in the premium midsize 7-passenger utility vehicle (UV) segment. The new QX60 began to arrive at Infiniti showrooms in the final weeks of 2021, and was the brand's most popular model in December.

There are very good choices on the market today for those shopping for a premium 3-row utility. Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Lexus and Volvo, to name some, each offer good choices. There is something to meet nearly everyone’s wants and needs.

Back in mid-October 2021, I spent a brief 30 minutes, or so, behind the wheel of the new QX60. 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.

Infiniti made a significant improvement to the powertrain with a new 9-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the drive wheels. This is instead of the former continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the 2020 model. 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 on the short drive I had last fall. Now with a week-long period to spend time behind the wheel this impression was reconfirmed. 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 combination of the torquey V6 and the 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.

Seating in the QX60 is for seven, or six with center row Captain’s Chairs. 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. The cabin interior is also nicely quiet that makes for easy conversation or audio listening,

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.

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 all help make for satisfying and safe travel.

Rear cargo space is 14.5 cu.ft. behind the third row. Fold the third row and you get 41.6 cu.ft., and 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.

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.

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 week’s drive around my Chicago home I experienced the QX60 Sensory AWD grade finished in Moonbow Blue. Base price on this model is $58,350. The Sensory features in-seat massagers for driver and front passenger, heated second-row seats in the outboard positions, power-return for third-row seats, advanced climate control with Plasmacluster air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, wireless smartphone charger, motion-activated power liftgate, black open-pore ash wood trim, enhanced interior ambient lighting, illuminated kick plates, and Bose Performance Series audio with 17 speakers.

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.

The 2022 Infiniti QX60 was named the “Best Premium SUV” at the 2021 Newsweek Autos Awards.

Happy motoring!