On the heels of its recently redesigned, more pedestrian cousin, the Nissan Pathfinder, the mid-size Infiniti QX60 returns for 2022 with three rows of seats, upgraded cabin tech and a new smooth-shifting transmission. It’s also been restyled, inside and out, with an evident objective of being validated with a prestigious rep to match its self-image of being an undisputed luxury SUV contender.
To that end, the new QX60 comes out swinging and lands a high percentage of punches. But it’s ultimately a split decision, with some hits and some misses. For the full blow-by-blow, be sure to check out Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman’s comprehensive critique via the related link above — but for a rapid-fire roundup of the pros and cons, keep reading.
Here are five things we like, and four things we don’t, about the 2022 Infiniti QX60:
Things We Like
1. Stands Out and On Its Own
2022 Infiniti QX60 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Skin-deep though it may be, the QX60’s long-in-front, beefy-in-the-back exterior styling immediately sets it apart from the Pathfinder with which it shares underpinnings, as well as from top competition from the likes of Acura, Audi and Buick. Meanwhile, its downward-raked roofline, tastefully ostentatious (if we may) grille and intently peering LED headlights and taillights all combine for an attractive, distinctive effect.
2. Sew Nice Inside
The 2022 QX60’s leather upholstery has enough high-quality quilting inside to make the Daughters of the American Revolution pop outta their petticoats. The seats, doors and dash are covered in the stuff, and you won’t hear us complaining.
3. Competitive Cabin Comfort
2022 Infiniti QX60 |
If you’re in the market for posh interior accommodations, you’re in luxe. Infiniti’s Zero Gravity seats fight off fanny fatigue over the long haul, and legroom is abundant in the first two rows of seats.
4. User-Friendly Infotainment
The QX60’s updated multimedia display is large and mounted high for maximum visibility and usability. Infotainment functions can be controlled via either a knob on the center console or the touchscreen — a nice option to have if you prefer one or the other.
5. Easy Rider
The QX60 uses a carryover 3.5-liter V-6, and Infiniti thankfully dumps its old continuously variable automatic transmission in favor of a new nine-speed automatic transmission — and with it all that droning, awkward shifting and general weirdness. Instead, the driver and passengers will enjoy a quiet, serene and mostly smooth ride.
Things We Don’t
1. Uninspiring Motivation
2022 Infiniti QX60 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Acceleration is … sufficient. Inoffensive but unexciting. Comfortable but not compelling. Look, if it doesn’t sound like something you’d like in a romantic partner, a powertrain that fits that profile prolly ain’t gonna do it for you either.
2. Interior Annoyances
Bragman makes note of a couple interior design flaws that seem minor but could prove to be majorly irksome.
“There’s an inordinate amount of shiny trim inside that can easily reflect sunlight into your eyes,” Bragman writes in his review, “and while the head-up display can show you a lot of information, for some reason the speedometer is offset from the centerline of the steering wheel, which is unusual.”
3. Touch-Sensitive Climate Controls
If you’ve been a reader of Cars.com reviews for any amount of time, then you know we’re a touch sensitive where touch-sensitive controls are concerned. The QX60’s capacitive climate controls are fine — in the passive-aggressive way your spouse is “fine” when you know they’re still stewing about something from three days ago. Geez, would a couple of measly knobs kill ya, Infiniti?
4. Middling MPG
The EPA rates the QX60 at 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined for front-wheel-drive models and 20/25/22 with all-wheel drive. That’s marginally better than rivals’ gas mileage but, let’s face it, that bar is low enough to trip over.
Keyword: Is the 2022 Infiniti QX60 a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons