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It’s evident that Infiniti has come to play in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Its solid build quality and inspired design make it a fresh and intriguing alternative to the usual luxury suspects. After driving the 2022 Infiniti QX60 in both the Autograph and the Sensory trims, we think the latter might be the better value. The Sensory QX60 packs a lot of luxury into a more competitive price, without sacrificing much over the Autograph trim.
Interested in the new Infiniti QX60? Check it out on KSL Cars.
Price and value
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 has a base MSRP under $50,000. Standard features include all-wheel drive, an automatic transmission with nine speeds and a V6 engine capable of producing 295 horsepower and towing 6,000 pounds. Some of the major differences between the four trim levels are noted below.
Pure AWD: $49,850
- Multi-mode second-row seat with a one-touch release for easy third-row access
- Tri-zone climate control with microfilters
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
Luxe AWD: $55,900
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Roof rails
- Navigation
Sensory AWD: $59,350 (our tester)
- Wireless charger
- Bose 17-speaker sound system
- Massaging front seats
Autograph AWD: $64,250
- Second-row captain seats with inboard pivoting armrests
- Quilted and perforated semi-aniline leather for first and second-row seats
- Smart rearview mirror
The QX60 Sensory boasts modern styling and nice luxury features. It offers a serene driving experience for a reasonable price in a crowded segment. Infiniti’s warranties make the QX60 a compelling luxury option, with a 4-year/60,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
Performance
The QX60 Sensory is decently powered and feels capable in all driving circumstances. The nine-speed automatic transmission is a good match for the engine and helps contribute to the QX60’s subdued demeanor. This SUV isn’t going to get your blood pumping, but it will have you gliding down the interstate in comfort and without any drama.
Engine
Each of the QX60 trims is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It feels just powerful enough for the size of the vehicle.
Towing capacity and payload
The QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds, a 1,000-pound increase from the previous generation. We did not tow anything during our testing, but the V6 feels strong enough to handle its 6,000-pound limit.
Fuel efficiency
EPA estimates put the 2022 QX60 at 20 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway for a combined rating of 22 mpg. The Sensory achieved around 24 mpg during our week of driving, better than the EPA estimates for combined driving.
Drivetrain
The 2022 QX60 ditches Infiniti’s continuously variable transmission in favor of a seamless, traditional nine-speed automatic transmission. Our tester was equipped with all-wheel drive, which kept a grip on the road even under hard acceleration and tight corners.
Acceleration and handling
The QX60’s acceleration is just like the rest of the car’s attitude — composed. Taking 6.6 seconds to go from 0-60 isn’t slow, but it isn’t exciting either. We really enjoyed the weighty steering feel and how connected we felt to the car — a welcome surprise given its reserved nature.
Braking
The brakes on this SUV were easy to modulate. The QX60 has a heft to it, and the brakes inspired confidence regardless of the weight being thrown around.
Interior comfort and convenience
The svelte, unique interior of the QX60 is a selling point. Every surface looks and feels luxurious. It’s clear that every design aspect has been thought through, and Infiniti definitely makes a case to be considered with the other luxury heavy hitters. However, it’s still not as nice, comfortable, or spacious as it should be given the price tag and exterior dimensions.
Seats
This is our second go-around with the QX60’s seats, and we still aren’t in love with them. They’re not particularly soft or well-bolstered. The massage feature was fun for about 20 seconds then we turned it off, never to be used again. The heating elements were hard to tell if they were even on. In short, the front driver and passenger seats were disappointing, and not what you would expect for a vehicle so seemingly perfect for highway cruising.
The second row, a bench seat with heating elements in the two outboard seats, was decently comfortable. Two occupants are ideal, but you could squeeze three across in a pinch. The third row is easy to access but remains very tight and nearly useless for all but tiny humans.
Climate control
In efforts to make the QX60’s interior innovative, Infiniti has exemplified an exercise in form over function. Most of the “buttons” on the center stack are haptic and integrated into the glossy, piano black trim. While the design does look clean, the buttons can be frustrating to use. The temperature dials felt high quality but lagged behind the screen displays. We didn’t get a chance to test the heat, but the cabin did cool down once the car had been running for a bit. The QX60 is also equipped with an air purifier, something we were grateful for on the windy, dusty days of Salt Lake City.
Cargo space and cabin storage
Cabin storage is one of the QX60’s great strengths, especially under the center console. A spacious compartment beneath the gear selector and cupholders easily fit snacks, several bottles of water, a bag and a purse. We used it more than expected.
As far as cargo space goes, with the third-row seats up there are 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space, 41.6 cubic feet with the third-row down, and 75.4 cubic feet of space with the third and second rows folded down. Good, but not as good as some of its competitors.
Infotainment system
Infiniti’s high-res cameras and screens provide clear images. The QX60 Sensory features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch center screen for its infotainment system. The infotainment is fairly intuitive, but we’d suggest connecting your phone for the most convenience. Wireless Apple CarPlay was a feature in the Sensory and is always a welcome feature for iPhone users. Sorry Android fans, no wireless connections for you … yet. Oh, and the 17-speaker Bose stereo sounds amazing. It alone might be worth the cost for the Sensory trim.
Exterior appearance and functionality
Infiniti has done a great job rebooting some of its signature styling cues in the QX60, and the exterior looks great — especially in our tester’s Moonbow Blue. Infiniti claims the exterior styling brings “elegance and sophistication to purposeful, SUV-oriented styling cues that are sure to attract second glances everywhere from downtown to down the neighborhood lane.” We agree.
The QX60 is available in 8 paint colors: Mocha Almond, Mineral Black, Deep Bordeaux, Majestic White, Grand Blue, Warm Titanium and Graphite Shadow.
Wheels
The 20-inch wheels on the Sensory trim are machined aluminum-alloy with a charcoal metallic finish, shod with 255/50 R20 all-season tires. Because of the tread and the thicker glass upfront, tire and road noise are almost nonexistent.
Lights and turn signals
Our tester was equipped with LED Daytime Running Lights, Automatic on/off bi-functional LED headlights, LED rear brake lights, and a center high-mounted stoplight. Integrated mirror turn signals are standard.
Cameras and side mirrors
Infiniti’s been doing vehicle camera integration for a while, and the QX60’s cameras are clear and helpful in their sensor sensitivity and parking guidance. Our tester had power-folding, auto-dimming, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, as well as reverse sync.
Front and rear windshield
Thanks to acoustic glass and 35 pounds of sound-deadening insulation you’ll hardly hear the engine — or anything other than kids arguing in the backseat — as you drive the QX60 on the freeway. Greenhouse visibility is decent, though not as open as some with the third row up.
Safety
It comes as no surprise that this luxury SUV has a suite of standard safety features. Driving the QX60 feels substantial and secure, a cocoon-like experience.
Features
This midsize Infiniti is big on tech. It has an array of driving assistance features like Infiniti’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving mode. Other features include:
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Emergency Braking w/Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Warning
- Blind Spot Intervention
For a full list of safety features visit Infiniti’s website.
Awards and ratings
The 2022 QX60 was named “Best Premium SUV” at the 2021 Newsweek Autos Awards. It also received “good” marks in every category tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. At the time of this writing, it had not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Final impression
We enjoyed driving the 2022 QX60 Sensory, especially on the freeway with its whisper-quiet decibel levels. It’s calm and composed, smooth and serene. Its unique and attractive interior and exterior styling was interesting to look at and felt high quality. Third-row space was tight though, and we were disappointed by the comfort and heating elements of the front seats.
Of the four trim levels available, we recommend the Sensory trim. It represents the most reasonable value in the QX60 lineup.
FAQs
Is the Infiniti QX60 expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 does not yet have a predicted reliability rating, but it is backed by Infiniti’s four-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty
What is the Infiniti QX60 Sensory trim?
The Sensory trim is the second-highest trim in the QX60’s configuration and represents what is probably the best value for the QX60. It comes standard with premium features such as heated second-row seats, massaging front seats, wireless smartphone charging, a 17-speaker Bose stereo system, an air purifier and a motion-activated power liftgate.
Curious if the Infiniti QX60 is right for you? Check it out on KSL Cars.
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About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, freelance automotive journalist, speaker and social media manager. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.
