The midsized sport-utility vehicle is a common sight on streets and highways across the United States. It is the vehicle of choice for families with older children, who have outgrown smaller, compact utilities and sedans and need room for sports gear or musical instruments and anything else that goes along with active lifestyles.
The popularity of the midsized SUVs also means consumers have a lot of choices as manufacturers have moved to meet the demand with an array of vehicles that fit the space and the everyday demands of busy customers not only functionality but with a touch of luxury.
Among the choices at the luxury end of is the 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph, which comes with a roomy interior capable of seating seven, a full complement of comfort and convenience features as well as advanced driver assistance features. It also has ample power, so it does not feel sluggish when it is loaded with passengers and gear, and a solid, well-tuned chassis and suspension.
Exterior
Designers assigned to work on the midsized SUV face a difficult task since the two-box shape is emphasized by the vehicle’s basic function as a carrier of people and their stuff. The sheet metal encompassing the vehicle is sleek and neatly shaped.
But Infiniti’s designers also have bestowed upon the QX60 a unique grille and light fixtures, giving the vehicle its own distinctive character, which is amplified by roof rails and bold 20-inch wheels. The rear liftgate and light fixtures enjoy a neat, clean appearance. The exterior design of QX60 does not break any new ground so it blends into the mass of midsized SUVs out on the American streets.
Interior
The key to the Infiniti QX60 is the spacious, well-appointed cabin. The cabin of the Autograph version of the QX60 is lavishly furnished with leather and soft material, giving it a luxurious feel. The luxury design of the cabin is amplified by bright material used throughout the interior.
The controls of key functions are mixture of buttons and knobs and a touch screen in the center stack. There is also a moonroof to bring light into the vehicle’s interior as well as a Bose sound system with seventeen speakers. The interior is also quiet, increasing the enjoyment of the entertainment system. Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent.
Powertrain
The 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph is equipped with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine, which is matched to a 9-speed transmission. The vehicle is equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It also has the capacity to tow 6,000 pounds with trailer sway control and a tow hitch. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the QX60 a combined rating of 22 mpg, including 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Technology
The QX60 is equipped with a full array of safety equipment, including multiple airbags, forward collision warning with emergency braking. It also has lane-departure alert and lane departure prevention, blind spot warning and intervention, around-view monitoring, rear automatic braking, and automatic high beam LED lights.
It also has a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation with maps, Bose entertainment system and a 10.8-inch head-up display plus welcome lighting for stepping into the vehicle. It is also equipped with Bluetooth, satellite radio connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging.
Driving Impressions
The Infiniti QX60 is a pleasant vehicle to drive. It handles nicely, rides smoothly over a variety of surfaces, including the dirt road I traveled for a several miles and the all-wheel-drive system adds an additional measure of stability.
The V-6 engine delivers ample power both for scooting around town and out on the highway. The nine-speed transmission handles the shift efficiently. Like I said at the beginning, it’s a pleasant vehicle to drive without drama or any kind of fuss, which is what the target customer, an upscale suburbanite, expects from this vehicle during its everyday use.
2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD Specifications
Dimension | L: 198.2 inches/W: 86 inches/H: 69.7 inches/Wheelbase: 114.2 inches |
Weight | 4,655 pounds |
Powertrain | 3.5-liter V-6 engine; 9-speed automatic, AWD |
Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined |
Performance Specs | 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque |
Price | Base price: $49,200; As tested: $68,390, including $1,195 destination charge |
On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
The overall versatility of vehicles in this class is their chief selling point, and the QX60 can carry up to seven passengers and tow a boat or trailer. It also has ample power for its weight and class. The key selling point, however, is the sumptuous interior, which enhances the driving experience and accounts for the hefty price tag, approaching $70,000.
The Infiniti name, while it sometimes has gotten lost in competition with other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, and particularly Lexus, still carries a measure of prestige customers are likely to demand.
2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Infiniti QX60 roomy?
As we said, it is a roomy ride, but not, like some of its heavyweight rivals, a vehicle comparable in size to a ballroom. There are four different trim levels of the QX60 available — Luxe, Pure, Sensory and Autograph — and as you move up the food chain there are more package options on offer.
Is Infiniti a higher end Nissan?
Nissan is a Japanese automaker, and Infiniti is its luxury brand. For that reason, some Infiniti vehicles are based on Nissan’s lineup. However, they are heavily revised and have far more luxury features.
Which is bigger Infiniti QX50 or QX60?
The major difference between the QX60 and the QX50 is size — the QX60 is larger, both inside and out, than the QX50. The QX60 has 149 cubic feet of passenger capacity, which is 13.2 cubic feet more than then QX50.