A third row of seats. That is an item we use to see only in vans. Then they began to show up in large SUVs. Now they are common-place in midsize SUVs. Infiniti upped its entry in that field with the mid-size luxury model, the 2022 QX60.
After a year hiatus for 2021, Infiniti chose to clean-up and re-image the QX60 that was first introduced in 2014. The 2022 places a greater emphasis on standard and available tech options, comfort, passenger access, and interior design.
Their third row is easier to climb in and out of, and the seats are redesigned to sit a bit higher than before, so you don’t sit so close to the floor. Mechanically, not much changes, though there’s a new automatic transmission for the standard V6 engine.
The new QX60 is a well-dressed version of the Nissan Pathfinder and it really pushes the model into the premium SUV driver’s market. It is not just the third-row that highlights its image, it is the comfort and style of the back seats and how they complement and balance the rest of the premium outfitted cabin. Depending on which model you choose, there are packages available with second row captain’s chairs.
There are four flavors of the QX60: Pure, priced at $47,875, Luxe $53,925, Sensory $57,375, and the top-of-the-line Autograph tops the group at $61,375. Available features include All-Wheel Drive and a towing package that, on a properly equipped QX60, can tow a braked trailer with up to 6,000 pounds.
I got to test Infinity’s Autograph trim model that takes a unique theater-seating approach to its internal layout. As I described earlier, each row is slightly raised so the further back you go the passengers get a better view of the road ahead and a more-connected experience overall.
The interior design is crisp and includes a standard 2.3-inch touchscreen in all models. A digital instrument cluster is also included on all but the most basic trim level. The central display is home to an infotainment system that is responsive and simple to use. It’s way ahead of what came in the out-going QX60. You can even interact with it via a control dial and associated physical buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay is supported, as is Android Auto.
All QX60 models come with rain-sensing windshield wipers, at least six USB ports, blind-spot monitoring and warning with a buzzing haptic steering wheel. A 17-speaker Bose sound system, handy 10.8-inch head-up display, wireless charging pad and a super-crisp rearview camera mirror, and self-leveling adaptive LED headlamps with automatic high beams are standard fare on Autograph models.
Buyers will find the same powertrain under the hood that’s in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. The powertrain consists of a 295-hp, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic that replaces the previous-generation QX60’s continuously variable transmission. It drives torque to either the front or all four wheels depending on the model. With so many ratios, this gearbox makes the most of the QX60’s available horses while minimizing fuel consumption.
This mid-size SUV is well dressed for a night out, a visit to the market or headed to soccer practice. But I it think will shine brightest on road trips with the family with plenty of room for exploring.
Happy Trails.