Infiniti’s three-row QX60 crossover now comes with a 9-speed automatic
The Infiniti QX60 crossover received a complete makeover for 2022, along with an allnew conventional nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous generation’s continuously variable automatic.
This three-row family hauler comes with a long list of standard and optional features that make this one of the best choices among the midsize crossovers on the market.
Like the previous generation, front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available across the board for $2,000 extra, except on the Autograph model, where it’s $2,900.
For 2023, the second generation of the QX60 carries over from last year mostly unchanged, and still comes in four trim levels.
They are the base Pure model (starting at $49,200, front drive; $51,200, all-wheel drive); Luxe ($55,250; $57,250 AWD); Sensory ($58,600; $60,600 AWD); and Autograph ($62,600; $65,500 AWD). The freight charge on all trims is $1,195.
New for 2023 is the standard wireless charging mat for smartphones, a standard frameless rearview mirror, and updated lower bumper trim accent colors (gloss black on Luxe and dark gray on Sensory and Autograph trims).
Standard seating is provided
for up to seven people with bucket seats up front, a threepassenger middle-row bench seat, and a two-passenger third row.
That can be reduced to six passengers by replacing the middle-row bench seat with dual captain’s chairs.
Although mostly new, the second generation QX60 did carry over the previous model’s normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 direct-injection gasoline engine, rated at 295 horsepower and 270 footpounds of torque.
There was no carry-over with the transmission, however. Infiniti introduced a nine-speed automatic to replace the previous generation’s CVT, just as Nissan did with the new 2022 Pathfinder, which is similar to the QX60.
Our tester was the Autograph AWD, which came
with the six-passenger seating with the two middle-row captain’s chairs.
One of its strong points was the new transmission, which shifted almost imperceptibly through its range in the same way a CVT does.
There are steering-wheelmounted paddle shifters for those who want to choose when to shift gears, which allows for even sportier driving.
The tester had plenty of power from the V-6 engine with our normal load of two or three adults and some light cargo.
We had more than sufficient pickup for routine passing and mild hill-climbing. We did not try any steep mountain roads, and did not tow a trailer.
QX60’S Intelligent All-wheel Drive has direct coupling that automatically transfers up to 50% of available power to the rear wheels when wheel
slippage begins. No driver intervention is needed.
Outside, the new QX60 is sportier and more stylish than before, although a bit boxier.
Inside, there is a morepremium appearance, but the cabin is is surprisingly similar to that of the Pathfinder.
The engineers designed the new QX60 to have a sportier driving experience, with the trade-off being a bit stiffer ride. Those of us who enjoy crisp handling and a sturdy suspension will appreciate that.
Fuel economy has improved just slightly, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/26 highway/23 combined for front-drive models, and 20/25/22 for allwheel drive.
All 2023 QX60 models come with the 12.3-inch Infiniti Intouch Interactive Display, which features wireless Apple Carplay and Usb-based