Infiniti QX60 provides midsize luxury in a sweet package
Over the past 30-odd years, families have turned their affection away from the venerable station wagon. They had a passing fling with those sorta-cool conversion vans. But then came a long affair with the really useful and sensible minivan.
The latest hot relationship is with SUVs and crossovers, which now come in almost as many configurations as sedan models.
You can find these vehicles in sub-compact (maybe an oxymoron), compact, midsize, large, and humungous configurations.
For those who turn their affections to the luxury midsize segment, one of the prime candidates is today’s test vehicle, the 2015 Infiniti QX60.
While it’s hard to squeeze five people and their gear into a compact SUV, that’s where today’s three-row SUVs—vehicles that can accommodate seven passengers—stand out from the crowd.
Automakers have been creative in developing ways to treat second-row passengers in a first-class manner. It’s something Infiniti especially has done well, along with making a more accessible third row.
Creature comforts, a comfortable ride, and loads of technology are the hallmarks of the QX60.
The QX60’s second-row seats slide back and forth 5.5 inches and also recline. Move them forward and access to the third row becomes feasible for a pair of good-size adults.
The second row folds in a 60/40 division while the third-row seats are split 50/50, making it possible to have myriad cargo-passenger configurations.
Heated, leather-appointed seats are standard, as is the moonroof, tri-zone auto climate control, a power liftgate, sequential welcome lighting as you approach the QX60 at night, and power folding and heated outside mirrors.
Our test vehicle was a front-wheel-drive version, understandable as we were doing the test drive in Florida. This version, hard to find back in the Northeast, is the more common setup in warmer climes. However, this January, southern Florida has been hit with torrential rains (not to mention a series of out-of-season tornados). — Driving in one of those rainstorms on a three-lane road at 50 mph, we found the QX60 beginning to hydroplane.
That taught us two things: 1) the outside lanes (right and left) often are where water puddles and 2) opting for all-wheel-drive is never wrong.
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Take a closer look at the Infiniti QX60
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Power comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 265 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s channeled to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission that can mimic the steps of a conventional automatic.
The driver can select from four driving modes: the default standard, plus Sport, Eco, and Snow. Sport was our preferred selection.
Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined with premium fuel recommended. We usually at least match manufacturers’ projected numbers but this time only managed 22.7 mpg in a week that included a multitude of highway trips.
Our test vehicle had a MSRP of $43,395 (including destination), but the bottom line was $54,690.
The higher price reflects four hefty packages. They contributed safety, comfort, and two tiers of additional premium features.
The Technology Package ($2,800) adds a rare backup collision intervention system that can detect vehicles crossing behind you as well as stationary objects and can initiate auto braking to avoid a collision.
Also included are intelligent cruise control (at all speeds), braking assist, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, distance control, active trace control (cornering assist to help you trace the curve), lane departure warning and prevention, and blind spot intervention (keeping you from changing lanes into another vehicle).
A Deluxe Touring Package ($3,450) includes 20-inch wheels, a cabin surround sound system, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, power folding third-row seats, a second moonroof, and maple interior trim.
Premium ($1,550) and Premium Plus ($3,000) groups add additional seat adjustments, higher end audio, heated steering wheel, navigation, Infiniti Connection concierge service, 8-inch touch screen display, streaming Bluetooth, 360-degree surround view with moving-object detection, rain-sensing wipers, and tilt-down outside mirrors when in reverse.
Despite the number of high-tech features, orchestrating it all is accomplished pretty easily.
On day one, we struggled with the audio system by using the screen at the top of the center stack, then discovered a most-welcome row of traditional audio controls at the base of the stack. There were old-school knobs for volume and tuning, plus buttons to change modes and scan stations.
We found the Infiniti to be stable, safe, and sufficiently powered for any normal driving situation. It’s a vehicle for those who like a quiet cabin and aren’t seeking high performance.
If you want to drive aggressively, this might not be your vehicle of choice. Instead of instant acceleration and nimble handling, this is designed more for sedate driving—the way the vast majority of us handle our vehicles.
Infiniti touts the styling as highlighted by the double-arch front grille-headlight shape and a double-wave hood, and crescent-cut on the (rear) D-pillar. Frankly, we find the easiest way to pick out the make of these similarly shaped SUVs is the ever-growing size of the company logo on the grille and rear gate.
All-in-all, it’s a nice package—no matter how many additional packages you add inside, much like a series of Russian nesting dolls.
2015 Infiniti QX60
THE BASICS
Price, base/as tested (with destination): $43,395/$54,690. Fuel economy, EPA estimated: 21 city/27 highway/23 combined. Fuel economy, Globe observed: 22.7. Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V-6, CVT, front-wheel-drive. Body: 7-passenger, midsize SUV.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 265. Torque: 248 lb.-ft. Overall length: 196.4 in. Wheelbase: 114.2 in. Height: 68.6 in. Width: 77.2 in. Curb weight: 4,384 lbs.
THE GOOD
Latest technology, luxury cabin, passenger space, Infiniti quality, comfortable ride.
THE BAD
Average power and suspension, requires premium fuel.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A wonderfully comfortable ride.
ALSO CONSIDER
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, BMW X5, Lincoln MKT, Volvo XC90.
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