A Week With: 2023 Infiniti QX60 Sensory AWD

There was a time when Infiniti aimed to out-BMW BMW. Its well-appointed stable of performance cars was fast, sleek and “infinitely” desirable. These days, all but two of those cars have faded into oblivion and Infiniti, like so many other marques, has fully embraced the SUV boom. 

Overview

With the QX60, Infiniti is offering a lovely crossover SUV that is at once luxurious and a remarkable value. However, it’s lacking that certain je nais se quoi that would put it solidly in the running with its more popular peers.

Mind you, this is not to say the Infiniti is undesirable. In fact, for those for whom image matters not one whit, the Infiniti is an outstanding bargain, but if you’re after that prestige factor too, well ….

Exterior

Even a cursory glance at the QX60 tells you it is a luxurious automobile. The gracefully flowing curvilinear styling cues delight the eye, while giving the Infiniti a look all its own. 

Simply put: this is a handsome SUV. 

A contrasting roof treatment is available to complement the distinctive origami-inspired mesh grille. Meanwhile, the elegant daytime running light treatment is reminiscent of an electric piano’s keyboard. 

Fully redesigned for the 2022 model year, a mild update for ’23 brought a new set of accent colors for the lower bumper trim, which helps the sharp-eyed distinguish between trim levels. QX60 Luxe models get gloss black, while the more upmarket Sensory- and Autograph-trimmed models get dark gray. 

Interior

Generously swathed in supple leather, the Infiniti QX60’s interior treatment can only be described as palatial. The fluidly sweeping lines of the multi-level dash treatment quietly evoke an aura of elegance. 

Tastefully positioned gloss black trim provides a nice counterpoint against the brown leather upholstery and black open-pore Ash wood trim. The judiciously applied brightwork is impressive too. The people in the QX60’s interior design department know true class lies in restraint — and it shows. There’s just enough of each accent in exactly the right places.

Every QX60 is a three-row SUV, with Captains chairs offered for the top-line Autograph trim package. That version seats six, while the others accommodate seven occupants. Eight-way power adjustments and heat for the front seats are standard. Options include ventilation and massage up front, along with heat for the second-row seats. 

Dual zone climate control is standard, while the optional three-zone climate system provides air purification. A frameless rear-view mirror adds another touch of sophistication, even as the wireless charging pad enhances convenience. 

All three rows provide suitable comfort and the ease with which the rearmost row can be accessed is notable. Cargo capacity is reasonable with the third row deployed and impressive with it folded away. Comfort at all seating positions is admirable, and particularly so in the front two seats.

Powertrain

Power comes from a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 capable of delivering 270 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters conducts power to the appropriate wheels. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is an option. 

The all-wheel-drive system is capable of shifting as much as 50% of power to the rear wheels. A drive mode selector offers snow, sport and eco settings, as well as empowering the driver to tailor key control responses to suit personal preferences. All-wheel drive models can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

According to the EPA, you can expect 21 mpg in the city with front-drive and 20 with all-wheel drive. Highway ratings are 26 with FWD and 25 with AWD. The front-drive QX60 is rated 23 combined, while the AWD version is said to be good for 22, which is exactly what I saw in the AWD Sensory model with which I spent the week. 

Safety and Technology

Infotainment functions are accessed with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Infiniti offers a center console-mounted controller for it as well. Being a dial and click person, I really appreciated the presence of the dial. Touchscreens, while convenient, can often trigger inaccurate inputs. Just when you’ve honed in on the icon you want, the vehicle hits a bump and you get an entirely different selection. 

Apple CarPlay is wireless, but Android Auto users must tether. WiFi is also standard. My test car was fitted with the optional 12.3-inch digital gauge array, as well as the 10.8-inch head-up display. Another delight was the crystalline sound from the 17-speaker Bose audio setup.

The Infiniti’s smart cruise control communicates with the nav system to anticipate curves and slow the QX60 accordingly. Other advanced tech, including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are all standard equipment.

Driving Impressions

There was a time when Nissan’s V-6 was one universally acknowledged as one of the most refined powerplants in all of automobiledom. Times have changed though, and the contemporary version feels a bit grainy at full throttle when compared to its peers. 

Still, the engine pulled strongly, and inspired plenty of confidence when I was faced with merging into fast-moving traffic. The 9-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly and always found the right gear for the situation at hand. 

Body roll, while evident, was reasonably controlled and it’s entirely possible to briskly hustle the QX60 along a mountain road. This translates into safe and predictable handling for the average driver. 

However, the tradeoff is ride quality that might come across as firm to some. I liked it because I appreciated the way the Infiniti accommodated rapid changes of direction. That said, I’d recommend skipping the optional 20-inch wheels in favor of the standard 18s if ride quality is a more significant issue for you.

2023 Infiniti QX60 Sensory AWD Specifications

Wrap Up

Quiet, comfortable and refined, the Infiniti QX60 has a lot going for it as a luxury SUV. Ingress and egress are easy, thanks to a low step-in height, and the third row is impressively easy to access. Cargo capacity is good, and a nice array of the latest tech is on offer. 

Long story short, the Infiniti QX60 is a convincing package. And yet, it trails other luxury SUV offerings when it comes to image. On the other hand, the Infiniti is an outstanding value proposition for those who care more about substance than perception. 

2023 Infiniti QX60 Sensory AWD ­– Frequently Asked Questions