Zander Drives Cars

It is no secret that I have a more positive outlook on Infiniti than the majority of the population it seems. That being said, I am aware that a large part of their model lineup is outdated. They can’t just make a coupe version of a regular SUV with older technology and expect it to change your image. What they actually needed was a car that was built to be competitive, something that ditched the old and brought in the new. They need a competitive product. And goddamnit, they made one.

The Infiniti QX60 is, at its core, a rebadged version of the Nissan Pathfinder. That being said, Infiniti has put in more energy than usual distinguishing these two cars exterior-wise. For one, the body shape is entirely different. The front, sides, and rear are all different than the Pathfinder. The whole car looks a bit lower and “swoopier” if that makes any sense. I have always been a fan of Infiniti’s design language; this is another great example of them taking what they know works and adapting it to something new. Plus, a deep red goes a long way too, especially during a 4 o’clock sunset. Prices for the QX60 start at $49,900 for the Luxe model, making it roughly $800 more than an Acura MDX, and over $10,000 less than a Lexus GX.

Now we get to the best part of the QX60: the interior. This isn’t just good by Infiniti standards, this is good on a global level. It isn’t fantastic or class-leading, the Acura MDX has a much better-looking and feeling interior, but this is still a nice place to be. Like the exterior, the interior is also bespoke to the QX60, with the exception of the center console and driver’s display screen. Aside from that, the dashboard, controls, and even the air vents are different than what you’d find on the Pathfinder. The materials in this car are expected for the price. The one I drove, the Lux, is the base model, so there are some plastic trim pieces that can be replaced when upping your model. It isn’t all bad news, however. The seats are very lovely and the contrast stitching does a lot to elevate the cabin. The rear seat room is also not “class-leading” but is more than enough for someone over 6 feet. However, the third row is not. Find me a third row in a midsized crossover I can fit in and I’ll dance naked through Times Square.

Oftentimes, when we get to the technology portion of Infiniti articles, I stammer a bit and try to find positive things to say about the outdated infotainment. Granted, it isn’t all bad but it is difficult to be positive about it. Thankfully, I don’t have to do much of it with this car. This new infotainment system is joyous. Not only is it large and looks clean on the dashboard, but it is also very easy to use and less complicated than Lexus’ systems. Along with the new infotainment system, you also get a fully digital driver’s display. This is one of the few interior bits lifted from the Pathfinder, and if I’m being honest, it might not have been a smart decision. The size and customization of the screen are perfectly adequate, but in every configuration, the speed is shoved to the right side of the screen. This is very much not ideal for a quick glance down at the screen to check your speed. Thankfully, there is a HUD that is clear and works well enough during the day. But still, it doesn’t discount the crappy design of the driver’s display.

Another huge improvement in the technology department is the buttons or lack thereof. Instead, you get a panel of haptic soft touch buttons. Before you get your pitchforks and torches, let me say this: these are miles better than VWs. I think it comes down to the fact that they have more of a “button” feel than VWs. On this panel, you have your controls for the heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, as well as your HVAC controls. On the steering wheel, you are able to control the radar-guided cruise control as well as audio volume and use the voice command system. Other important things this car includes are a wireless charging pad, USB and USB-C ports, seat memory, rear HVAC controls, rear sunshade, heated windshield, a 360 camera, blind spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert.

All Infiniti QX60s come with a 3.5l V6 making 295hp and 270lb-ft of torque. This is sent to either the front or all wheels, via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Hallelujah. It is no secret that Nissan CVTs are below par. They’re loud and unreliable, and they don’t let you have any fun. This is so much better. The 9-speed is smooth, and with the available all-wheel drive, punchy as well. This 7-seater will do 0-60 in 6.6 seconds which in that grand scheme of things, isn’t too shabby.

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What is a bit “shabby” is the handling. Even in sport mode, there is a lot of steering play. You really have to turn the wheel for this to go in the direction you want it in. It’s a shame because the ride is far better than that of a GX, and miles ahead of the old QX60. Because I am finally doing another ICE car, I have to dust off the MPG numbers. The QX60 gets 21 city, 26 hwy, 23 combined. It isn’t great, it certainly isn’t as good as the MDX, but it is better still than the GX. Oh, one last thing that I don’t mention too often: sound deadening. This car is one of the quietest I have ever been in. Very good job, Infiniti.

I don’t have a lot to say here. This is a very good car. If you’re the type of person who wants a premium crossover and doesn’t want to deal with the high prices and badge supremacy that German manufacturers dish out, this is a pretty good bet. My recommendation? Spring for the Sensory. The interior is a bit nicer and you get stuff like outboard heated seats and a foot-activated tailgate. Other than that, you’d be perfectly happy with this car. Let’s just pray Infiniti learns a lesson here and applies this format to the rest of their lineup. Start with the Q50.

Like always, a huge thank you to Nationwide Infiniti and specifically Cynthia for letting me come down and take out their new QX60. They’re a great dealership and have always been super accommodating to me and I always enjoy working with them. Click here to view their inventory.