2022 INFINITI QX60

INFINITI BRINGS BACK QX60 AFTER GIVING IT 

A VERY WELCOME MAKEOVER FOR 2022 

After lanquishing among its high-class competitors for nearly a decade, the Infiniti QX60 is back after a year’s production hiatus with a fresher appearance and impressive interior upgrades that make it worthy of its role as a “luxury” midsize SUV.

The 2022 Infiniti QX60 comes with an engine that is more than capable of handling its heft smoothly and confidently and in a style fitting for the most pickiest of its critics.

It comes in four well-quipped trim levels and is available with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel. Pure models start at under $50,000 while Luxe and Sensory trims begin at under $60,000.

The top-of-the-line Autograph that this review is based on carries a starting MSRP of $63,250 with AWD, but has a long list of standard features that only $625 for options and $1,025 in destination charges were added to bring the total for my test vehicle to $64,970.

All QX60s come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, giving it a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. That engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that — we say “thankfully” — replaces the CVT of first-generation models.

Fuel economy checks in a 21 miles-per-gallon city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for FWD models and 20/25/22 for those with AWD using premium fuel.

Even the base Pure trim includes such standard features as LED headlamps and taillights, power panoramic moonroof, rear privacy glass, power liftgate, 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a 9-speaker audio system, Infiniti Intouch infotainment functions with a 12-3-inch touchscreen and console controller, push-button start, Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth, and safety systems like forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot and lane-departure warning.

The Autograph (whose autograph I neglected to find out) includes all that and adds such standard features as a head-up display, the company’s ProPilot System with navigation, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full-speed Intelligent (adaptable) cruise control with Stop-and-hold function, remote engine start, lane-departure prevention, driver attention alert, 

A luxurious interior that is spacious, comfortable, and refined greets those who step inside. There is generous use of upscale Aniline leather throughout the cabin, and seats and the dash panel feature quilted leather accents. Autograph models get second-row Captain’s chairs separated by a removable center console.

The XQ60 fulfills its role as an SUV with 14.5 feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 41.6 cubic feet with the third completely folded. (It splits 60/40.)

In a review earlier this month, I sang the praises of Infiniti’s newest SUV, the QX55 and still hold to that opinion. The 2022 QX60 matches it in class and adds the convenience of three-row seating.

What I liked about the 2022 Infiniti sQX60 Autograph: The impressive, redesigned cabin includes a myriad of convenience and safety features, including the company’s CoPilot360 system. Touches like quilted padding on seats and the dash add a luxurious touch to the interior. A 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the former CVT and combined with the nearly 300 horsepower engine provides a responsive driving experience. Front seats are ventilated as well as heated and come with a massage function. 

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Infinity QX60 Autograph: Regretfully, critics of the dual screen that separated navigation and audio functions in past models have won out and the QX60 has only one screen to handle infotainment functions. This means if you have up the map display you have to close it and call up the audio screen to tune the radio. There is also no knob to surf the radio dial, and the arrow button to tune stations requires a very firm touch. (The rotary knob on the console only scans presets.) The third row can be extremely snug depending on how second-row riders adjust their seats 

Would I buy the 2022 Infiniti QX60: Yes, though I would recommend a look at a lesser trim like Luxe or Sensory, which would save you several thousand dollars while still including much of the good stuff. Luxe and Sensory models are well-equipped and have the same drivetrain as the top-of-the-line Autograph trim.