© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What Is It?
Infiniti introduces a completely updated version of the QX60 for the 2022 model year. The three-row luxury SUV receives fresh styling and its elegant interior gets the latest convenience, communication and safety technology. “The all-new 2022 Infiniti QX60 was designed with busy lives — friends, family, community — in mind,” said Infiniti Global Head of Product Strategy Eric Rigaux. “We focused on creating a serene environment inside that’s beautiful and practical, packed with new Infiniti IQ technology. In so many ways, the all-new QX60 is not just spacious, but stunning, and smart,” Rigaux enthused.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Test Vehicle
Infiniti provided us with a 2022 Infiniti QX60 Sensory AWD painted in Moonbow Blue. The Sensory trim level is one step below the top-level Autograph, yet it still comes with a long quiver full of standard equipment. The only additional options on the test vehicle were a lighting package and premium exterior paint, resulting in a total MSRP of $60,745. Competitors to the Infiniti QX60 include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX, Genesis G80 and Volvo XC90.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Design
Even with all-new styling, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 remains easily recognizable as part of the Infiniti lineup. Up front the brand’s signature double-arched grille features a unique mesh inspired by folds found in Japanese origami. In addition to a large logo at the center, embossed INFINITI lettering adorns the bottom of the grille. Slim LED headlights flank the top of the grille, seeming to flow into the sides of the vehicle. A sculpted hood adds to the powerful stance of the new QX60.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear View
With styling similar to the headlights, piano-key LED taillights give the QX60 a commanding presence at night. These wraparound taillights stretch nearly to the center of the rear hatch. Although the actual exhaust outlet of the 2022 Infiniti QX60 is hidden, the lower bumper features four indentations designed to simulate the look of quad exhaust configuration. Although some might think this unusual, the practice is becoming more common among premium automobiles.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Inner Space
Infiniti designers had moved to a dual-screen system for information display — which has its advantages but also some drawbacks — although for this QX60 the brand moves to a single 12.3-inch touchscreen display as standard equipment on all trim levels, which seems to be a much better option. Thanks to plenty of real estate, the display is easy to read and can be split-screened to show both navigation and audio information. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard and Android Auto still requires a wire, although both integrate well and take full advantage of the screen space.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Front Seats
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 features “zero gravity” seats up front — a design that has permeated the Nissan and Infiniti lineups. Despite protruding head restraints that look as if they might not be comfortable, the seats actually function admirably. The design follows the natural curvatures of the human spine and reduces pressure on the hips. We spent several days driving the QX60 and found the seats exceedingly comfortable with commendable support. A seat massage function offers three settings and does a wonderful job reducing fatigue.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear Seats
A second-row bench seat is standard equipment on most trims of the 2022 Infiniti QX60; the top-level Autograph is the exception, instead featuring stylish captain’s chairs. The second row offers plenty of headroom and legroom, and tri-zone climate controls provide additional comfort. The QX60 also has dual USB ports as well as a standard 120V AC plug.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Easy Access
With the touch of a button, the second-row seats in the QX60 quickly tilt forward and slide out of the way for easy access to the third row. One notable feature: Since the entire seat tilts forward, the operation can be done with a child seat installed, saving the hassle of removing the seat when needing access to the third row.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Third Row
In many ways the Infiniti QX60’s interior is configured the same as its Nissan Pathfinder cousin, although Infiniti designers rightly configured the final row of the luxurious QX60 for two occupants instead of the three found in the Nissan, making the space much more comfortable. Legroom is reasonable and while it is a bit of a climb to get in back, once seated the space is not bad. A small tray at the center as well as cupholders and available USB ports make relegation to the third row much more appealing. The QX60’s panoramic sunroof provides additional interior light to create a more open, airy experience for both rows of rear-area passengers.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Cargo Area
As part of the redesign, cargo capacity for the 2022 Infiniti QX60 increases to provide more usable space behind the third row. Second- and third-row seats can be easily folded flat, creating up to 75.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Extra Storage
As a bonus, the QX60 features extra storage beneath the cargo floor. Not only does the space keep items hidden from view, the plastic construction makes it usable for storing muddy clothes since it’s easily cleaned out.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Under the Hood
Powering the 2022 Infiniti QX60 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds — a 20 percent improvement over the previous model.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
The test vehicle we drove arrived with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Although we didn’t get a chance to try the system off road, according to Infiniti the AWD is designed with a new direct-coupling system that engages almost instantaneously at the detection of wheelslip, with the ability to send up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels. An active-brake limited-slip system can apply brakes to individual wheels and direct torque to wheels with grip to help extricate the QX60 from sticky or slippery situations.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Advanced Safety
Every new Infiniti QX60 comes with the latest advanced safety and driver-assist systems, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, blind-spot warning and lane departure warning.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
On the Road
From the moment we first set out in the QX60, the SUV’s quiet ride became immediately noticeable — with the audio system off the interior is almost silent — even at high speeds — a true sign of a luxury automobile. Infiniti uses increased sound deadening as well as thicker second-row glass to achieve this level of serenity.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Plenty of Power
With almost 300 horsepower under the hood, the QX60 has more than adequate power for most driving situations. The new 9-speed automatic transmission works well with quick, smooth shifts. From a stop, the three-row SUV doesn’t feel as quick as one might expect given its power potential, although most buyers will find acceleration appropriate for a premium SUV. Once underway the SUV’s power seems more pronounced — quick downshifts make passing on two-lane roads a breeze.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Commendable Handling
Although we anticipated the three-row QX60 to feel heavy and cumbersome, we were pleased to discover that the big vehicle actually handles well. While traveling some of our favorite Pacific Northwest backroads, we found the QX60 to drive like a much smaller vehicle with plenty of steering feedback and predictable handling. Granted, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 is a large SUV, although it is a surprisingly enjoyable daily driver.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rating: 8.5
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 plays on a very competitive premium 3-row SUV field, but brings a lot to the game that makes it a worthy competitor. With attractive exterior styling and a spacious, comfortable cabin replete with high-end materials, the QX60 can carry the whole family in style. Add in a powerful engine, the latest safety technology, strong towing capability and plenty of good cargo space and the new QX60 is certainly worth a look by motivated SUV shoppers.
