As a premium family hauler, Infiniti's QX60 offers seating for seven across three rows and a luxuriously finished interior at a price point that undercuts the competition. It's also one of the safest choices on the market when equipped with its cutting edge suite of active safety features.
Originally launched as the Infiniti JX35, the QX60 shares its platform and powertrains with the Nissan Pathfinder. The two are assembled at Nissan's Tennessee plant.
Having received a mid-cycle update last year with refreshed styling and updated equipment, the QX60 carries into 2017 with mechanical updates.
Under the hood, the QX60 receives a revamped version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine previously used. Key changes include the addition of direct fuel injection, plus new cylinder liners for reduced friction. Power jumps to 295 hp from 265 hp, with torque climbing to 270 lb-ft, up from 248 lb-ft. These increases make the QX60 more competitive with rivals from Acura, Lexus, and Volvo. All QX60s receive all-wheel drive as standard and feature a CVT automatic. Despite the power gains, the new QX is no thirstier than before, with a city rating of 12.2 L/100 km city and 8.9 L/100 km highway.
While these figures make the QX60 a reasonably efficient luxury crossover, those desiring a more frugal option may wish to consider the QX60 Hybrid. It uses a 2.5-litre supercharged four-cylinder mated to a 15-kW electric motor. Total output is significantly less - 230 hp, 243 lb-ft of torque - but the upshot is a consumption rating of just 9.5 L/100 km city and 8.6 highway. Thanks to a compact lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted under the floor of the third row, the Hybrid does not lose any cargo capacity compared to the standard version.
Other changes to the QX60 line for 2017 include new, larger rear-seat entertainment system screens and the availability of a motion-sensing power tailgate.
Of note are the QX60's active safety features, which can be purchased as a standalone group of features, or bundled with other optional luxuries. Beyond emergency autonomous braking with pedestrian detection and blind-spot warning, the QX60 also receives full-speed radar cruise control with stop and go assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic distance control with a gas pedal that will push up on the driver's foot when a vehicle is detected ahead, plus Backup Collision Intervention ? an emergency autonomous braking system for when the vehicle is reversing.
Key luxury options include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping function, power-folding third row of seats (not available with Hybrid), heated second-row seats, 15-speaker Bose surround sound system, advanced air purifier, second and third-row moonroof, and USB charging ports spread across all three rows of seats.
Pricing for the revised QX60 starts at $47,890 with the Hybrid selling for $58,300.
