2019 Infiniti QX60 AWD Review

Intro
The Infiniti QX60 is a three-row, seven-passenger luxury SUV that competes with the likes of Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Volvo XC90. Although the basic layout of the Infiniti QX60 is still largely the same as the JX35 first introduced in 2012, it has received significant mid-cycle updates to the exterior last year. For 2019, Infiniti continues to refine the exterior, and to improve the chassis dynamics for the QX60. I have been curious to see how the upgraded QX60 stacks up against its competitions.

Thanks to Infiniti Canada, I was loaned the QX60 during the week I was getting married. The seven seater really came in handy with all the out of town guests and wedding supplies to carry. Please continue to read my unbiased review below.

Exterior
The exterior of the QX60 is arguably one of its best features. The overall impression is a smooth and elegant design. I really like the front grill and the LED headlights. Decorative chrome trims add to the premium feel of the exterior.

The curvaceous design continues on its side. Cleaver use of sharp creases and chrome trims makes the side profile visually lighter. The standard 18" triple 5-spoke alloy wheels surprisingly doesn't look too small for a car this size.

From the back, the gorgeous deign of the front LED headlights is mirrored for the taillights. The lower bumper is raised in the mid section to give the car a lighter, sportier rear end.

Overall, the exterior design of the QX60 makes the car looks much more expensive than the Nissan Pathfinder I have previously reviewed. Even though the two shared the exact same drivetrain and platform.

Interior
The interior of the QX60 on the other hand, is starting to show its age. Don't get me wrong, it is still a very upscale, and comfortable place to be. Premium soft-touch materials are appointed throughout the cabin. However, the overall layout, especially the center console is not too different from that of the Nissan Pathfinder, which is also due for a redesign. The rounded air vents, glossy wood trim, and the plastic buttons of the center console are all essentially unchanged since its debut.

One thing that doesn't need to be changed is the leatherette heated and vented front seats. They are superbly comfortable, and the white edge stitching is a nice touch.

The seats for the second row cabin are also very comfortable. The center floor is not raised, which makes the already roomy second row cabin feels even more spacious. A dedicated air vent with a temperature control panel is located behind the front center armrest.

As I have mentioned in the previous review, entering the third row cabin of the Nissan Pathfinder  is relatively easy thanks to the clever slide and fold design. The QX60 shares the same excellent design. There are two levers beside the second role seat. Pulling the top one makes the seat slide and fold forward to reveal a relatively large opening to enter the 3rd row cabin. Pulling the "Cargo Mode" lever would allow the second row seat to be folded flat and provide extra cargo space.

While the third row cabin is not as comfortable as the rest, it is still perfectly capable of carrying two passengers on shorter rides. As a bonus, the third row passengers even get their own cup holders.

Honestly, other than the outdated front center console, everything else in the interior of the QX60 is still showing quality and comfort. Our out of town guests were really impressed with how quiet and premium the interior of the QX60 made them feel.

Infotainment
The infotainment system shares some of the same strengths and pitfalls of the interior design. The 8" touchscreen is bright and clear, and the user interface is relatively easy to navigate. On the other hand, the screen resolution is low, the graphics look outdated, and the system response is not as crisp as some of its rivals. The control dials and buttons are logically placed, but the layout, texture, and the tactile feedback are all something you have experienced with an old Nokia phone.

The information display in the instrument panel is recessed to make viewing a little easier. It is interfaced via the switch gears on the steering wheel. Once again, the resolution is a little low, and the screen is on the smaller side.

Second row passengers can be entertained by the two large LCD displays behind the front head rests. Coupled with the excellent sound system or the provided wireless headphones, the second row passengers can enjoy a theater like experience on those long road trips.

It feels like Infiniti is not spending the extra effort to refine the existing infotainment system because they are planning for a entirely new one from the ground up. I will get to test my theory when I get my hands on the new QX50.

Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2019 Infiniti QX60 comes with a good set of safety features. Those include:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Predictive Forward Collision Warning
• Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

The following advanced safety features are optional:

• Backup Collision Intervention
• Intelligent Cruise Control
• Active Trace Control
• Lane Departure Warning

It earns 5 star safety rating from NHTSA and is rated "GOOD" across the board other than a "Marginal" headlight test, and a "Acceptable" small overlap front passenger test from IIHS.

Driving
The 2019 Infiniti QX60 is powered by a 3.5L V6 that produces 295 hp of horsepower and 270 lb.ft. of torque. The engine power is coupled to a CVT that is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Usually CVT transmission can suffer from slow acceleration. I didn't really notice it with the QX60. The simulated gear change keeps the drivetrain engaging. The QX60 can go from 0-100km/hr in roughly 7.6 seconds, which is respectable for a car this size.

In terms of handling, the suspension is on the soft side for added passenger comfort, but also makes the body roll quite pronounced in corners. The steering is easy, but lacks feedback. The standard AWD keeps the car planted in all weather conditions. You can tell the QX60 is more about providing a plush ride while hauling 7 passengers from A to B, than being a sporty luxury SUV that some of its rivals strive to be.

On the other hand, the QX60 is not too heavy on the gas. It is rated at 12.5L/100km city and  9.0L/100km highway. In my mostly city test drive, it is closer to the high side.

Cargo Space & Storage
The cargo capacity of the QX60 really depends on how many people you have to carry. Behind the third row there is 16 cu.ft. of cargo space, enough for day to day commutes. With the third row seats folded, the cargo space is dramatically increased to 40.5 cu.ft. Folding the second row seats down, you will have 76.2 cu.ft. of storage space with a nice and flat floor and a large opening. The split-folding second and third row seats give you added flexibility and the lift-gate is powered.

As for small item storage inside the cabin, there is plenty. The glove box is decently sized, and so is the center armrest bin. There are 14 cup holders in total, so each of the 7 passengers can keep hydrated through those long road trips.

Verdict
Although some parts of the 2019 Infiniti QX60 are starting to look slightly outdated, most people would appreciate its gorgeous exterior, generously appointed interior, the smooth ride, and the utility it is able to provide. At the base price of $48,695, it offers great value for people looking for a 7-passenger SUV.

Unfortunately many of the desired features are only available in extra packages. Our tester has almost 18k worth of upgrades, and they make a difference. I would recommend getting the essential package ($5000) for the 13-speacker Boase Audio system, Leather seating, and the 360 degree camera system.

Test Vehicle
2019 Infiniti QX60 AWD with Essential package, Protective Package, Sensor Package, and Theater Package
MSRP
$65,490 CAD including Freight & PDE
Color
Majestic White