When Infiniti unveiled the QX60 Monograph concept last year, we decided that it wasn’t worth obsessing over the eye-catching alterations. That’s not because we didn’t like the design (if anything, we loved it), but because when it comes to concept cars, what you see is rarely what you get.
But that wasn’t the case when the Japanese brand pulled back the curtain on the all-new 2022 QX60. In fact, the redesigned luxury crossover is nearly identical to its concept and far more refined than the outgoing generation that saw a handful of uninspiring updates. What once resembled a sluggish insect now features aggressive details, sharper edges, a wider stance and more refined interior styling that’s finally ready to rival the luxury crossover competition.
Swiss Army Styling
The first-generation QX60 (which debuted as the JX35) left the door open for numerous visual improvements, many of which Infiniti has addressed. Up front, the squared face stands in stark contrast to its bulgy predecessor with a double-arch grille that’s accented by wide-set intake slats. The headlights, meanwhile, are thinner and sharper, uniting with elegant fender bulges and a flared hood. Along the sides, that sense of aggression diminishes as sleek curvature takes hold. The tapered roofline adds a sense of athleticism while the chrome side skirts preserve the notion that you’re stepping into refined comfort. At the rear, you’ll find slimmer taillights and plastic cladding, as well as a spoiler, that hardly resembles the QX60 of old.
Perhaps more noteworthy than any individual characteristic of the QX60 is its versatile presence. It’s not simply sporty, or sleek, or aggressive, but rather a combination of all three. It romances the muscular exterior of the full-size QX80 and restrains the threatening appearance of the new QX55, making the most of its Goldilocksian crossover status.
Put More Stock in “Standard”
If the QX60’s exterior looks a little different, then its interior is almost unrecognizable. The design is roomier, with improved use of space and comfort, while new tech features such as a shift-by-wire gear selector simplify your interactions with the vehicle. Infiniti migrated to a haptic feedback system that communicates via vibrations, from the climate controls to the steering wheel. And improvements can be found in places you’ll never see, from the stiffer second-row seats to the addition of more sound-deadening materials that yield a quieter cabin.
The QX60’s laundry list of upgrades doesn’t come without a cost. Buyers can expect to pay nearly $9,000 more, at least, for the second-generation QX60 at the base level, but that comes with a significant list of standard features. These include a panoramic moonroof, power liftgate, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adjustable heated front seats and a wifi hotspot. For those that want the bells and whistles, we recommend the Autograph model that includes 20-inch wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console and a Bose Performance Series 17-speaker sound system, among other upgrades.
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Standard safety on all trim levels includes forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning and automatic rear braking. Those looking for more safety upgrades can select from enhanced ProPilot Assist with Infiniti’s Navi Link system, a customizable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display.
Familiar Power, New Transmission
For now, Infiniti will keep us happy with the same 3.5-liter V6 found in the Nissan Pathfinder. Its 295 horsepower offers enough pep to pass on the highway and accelerate at a moment’s notice without feeling sluggish or overburdened, but it won’t launch you home from soccer practice. It’s eager to please as you toggle through different drive modes, perking up more than one might expect in “Sport” mode, and there’s a discernible difference in the chassis setup, shift points and steering feel that adds a little fun to the experience (even if suburbanites will probably find themselves happiest in “Eco” mode). Infiniti manages the drivetrain with a nine-speed automatic that replaces the unpopular continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
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In terms of fuel economy, the new QX60 checks in with a subpar 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving on the standard front-wheel drive system, and 22 mpg combined on the optional four-wheel drive system. More useful is the towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, which offers a solid improvement over the outgoing QX60 and delivers enough power to haul a pop-up camper, jet skis or a small utility trailer.
Brighter Days Ahead
The 2022 QX60 marks a new chapter for Infiniti. Everything about the second-generation crossover — from the redesigned exterior to the stately cabin to the versatile V6 — suggests the Japanese automaker is taking its luxury division seriously once again. While the QX60 won’t be for everyone, its three-row, seven-capacity seating poses a serious threat to the competition as SUVs continue to dominate the auto industry.
As a dynamic, luxury crossover, the QX60 hits the mark, particularly for families looking beyond minivans and full-size SUVs. Rather than rest on its laurels, Infiniti has elected to reimagine the QX60 from the ground up, delivering a powerful yet polished vehicle that conquers the daily commute or a day at the beach. As the crossover market reaches oversaturated status, Infiniti’s latest offering stands out.
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