You Would Anticipate More from the Infiniti QX60, Yet It Disappoints: Review | Carscoops

      This stylish SUV offers an appealing appearance but lacks substantial qualities.

      by Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Striking design, comfortable front seating, good towing capacity CONS ›› Average driving experience, cramped third-row seating, lacks luxury features

      What factors make a vehicle worth considering? With countless models striving to fulfill every requirement, it's easy for one to blend into the crowd. However, sometimes a car leans heavily into one key characteristic, making everything else seem secondary. In certain instances, that's sufficient to win over buyers.

      Take the Mazda MX-5, for example; it’s compact and not very practical, and its performance isn't particularly remarkable, but these aspects are overshadowed by its handling and the nostalgia it evokes about the essence of driving. Similarly, the classic Toyota Land Cruiser (J80 or J100) may be rudimentary, slow, and have poor fuel efficiency, but that doesn’t bother buyers because it’s an off-road beast that’s incredibly durable. The Tesla Model S has its own set of shortcomings—from the yoke steering wheel to panel gaps—but it transformed the electric vehicle market and remains an outstanding performer.

      Quick Facts

      These vehicles don’t attempt to be all things to all people, yet they excel. Unfortunately, the Infiniti QX60 stands in stark contrast to this. It appears that the brand endeavored to create a true multi-purpose vehicle. At times, this approach works well, but here it seems the QX60 requires a complete overhaul despite just releasing its new generation.

      The QX60 was with us for two full weeks, during which we tested it in the same ways an everyday owner might. It transported friends, carried cargo, and functioned as a daily commuter. We’ve already hinted at our verdict, so let’s explore how we arrived at it, beginning with its standout quality.

      Styling

      Few SUVs in this category look as stunning as the QX60. It simply demands attention. Infiniti has excelled with this design. The best way to characterize it is that the brand captures the commanding presence of the QX80 while incorporating the athleticism of an Olympic champion.

      Additionally, it borrows much of the design language that made the Q50 appealing and applies it to a family vehicle. The model we tested sported Graphite Shadow gray paint with a two-tone top in jet black, a combination that complements the dark black grille, wheels, and fender flares remarkably well.

      Beyond mere colors and shapes, the finer details are impressive too. Examine the side skirt, where the black section angles upward beneath the rear door. This same shape is reflected in the rear window at both ends, creating a simple but elegant design cohesion.

      The front end is even more captivating. The grille is large and bold, while the headlights are sleek and sporty. The pronounced gills flanking the front bumper give the whole vehicle a low and wide appearance, despite its relatively high stance.

      In a landscape overflowing with crossovers and SUVs that adhere to monotonous design conventions and consequently appear bland, this three-row family mover stands out as one of the best-looking options.

      Interior

      The cabin of the QX60 combines modern and traditional Infiniti aesthetics. The dashboard features sweeping curves, an asymmetrical center console design, and a blend of leather upholstery with open-pore wood trim. The combination of black wood and dark blue upholstery is a classic pairing that positively stands out.

      The infotainment system is sufficiently modern without feeling revolutionary. The upper screen manages major media, navigation, and settings, while the lower haptic touch panel controls climate functions, supplemented by physical knobs for temperature and media volume. Although we found the black plastic prone to fingerprints somewhat disappointing, the upper screen does provide good tactile feedback.

      The sweeping design continues onto the door cards, which may appeal to some, though the overall look feels somewhat reminiscent of the 2010s. However, all the controls are comfortably tactile, and the layout is sensible. For an SUV priced around $60,000, we would appreciate a more premium steering wheel.

      Moreover, the third row has headrests that protrude into the cabin when in the ‘down’ position. When raised, they obstruct a significant portion of the rearview mirror's view. Thus, if there are shorter occupants in the back seat but you want to lower the headrests for visibility, you'll have to choose between clarity and comfort, as doing both isn't feasible.

      Nevertheless, the seating is largely comfortable. The first two rows have heated seats, with the front row also featuring ventilation, although it's not the most robust we've encountered. The third row is quite cramped for anyone other than small children, and its presence reduces cargo space. However, the third row can be easily folded down from the back. Unfortunately, the only method for stowing and accessing the seats is through manual release.

      Lifting all the rear seats to load larger items, such as a mountain bike, requires considerable manual effort. Thankfully, the cabin is spacious enough to