Infiniti QX60 Review: Long-Term Tested Pros & Cons

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Shopping for a luxury three-row SUV? You’ve likely considered the Infiniti QX60. After months behind the wheel, we’ve uncovered its true strengths and surprising compromises. Unlike fleeting first drives, our long-term test reveals how this SUV performs in daily life—from snowy commutes to family road trips. Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your investment.

Exterior Design & Build Quality

The QX60 balances elegance with restraint. Its sharp daytime running lights and proportional grille avoid the over-styling plaguing rivals. We observed excellent paint consistency (even in "Forest Green") and robust panel gaps during our test. The 255/50R20 wheels with metallic gray finishes held up against winter salt corrosion.

Notable misses: Unpainted lower body cladding feels cost-cut for a $55K+ luxury vehicle. While the blacked-out roof adds contrast, expect visible scratches on the piano-black trim during car washes.

Interior Comfort & Practicality

Step inside, and the QX60 surprises with Lexus-rivaling build quality. Soft-touch materials cover 85% of touchpoints, and the perforated leather seats (with massage functions) showed minimal wear after 5,000 miles. Third-row access is simplified by power-assisted second-row lift—a rarity in this segment.

Key limitations:

Third-row space: Adults over 5'8" will find legroom cramped. Headrest speakers feel gimmicky and reduce comfort.
Ergonomic wins: Physical climate buttons (despite the haptic feedback strip) and intuitive seat controls outperform touchscreen-heavy rivals like Lexus.
Storage: Behind the third row, you’ll fit 4 carry-ons. Fold all seats flat for 75 cubic feet—matching the Acura MDX.

Tech & Driving Experience

Infiniti’s 360-degree camera system delivers best-in-class clarity, a massive leap over past Nissan/Infiniti models. The digital gauge cluster is customizable, though wireless charging proved reliably functional—unlike many competitors.

Driving dynamics:

Powertrain: The 268-hp turbo 2.0L delivers adequate low-end torque but strains under highway merging. We averaged 24.7 MPG combined.
ADAS performance: Steering assist works flawlessly in clear weather but disengages frequently in rain/snow.
Noise insulation: Thick front glass quiets the cabin, but rear passengers hear more road noise.

Critical Flaws & Competitive Alternatives

The engine dilemma: This turbo-four feels mismatched with the QX60’s luxury ambitions. Compared to the smoother V6 in the Nissan Pathfinder (its corporate cousin), acceleration feels strained. For similar pricing, the Lexus RX Hybrid offers 36 MPG with superior refinement.

Missed opportunities:

Hybrid absence: Luxury buyers prioritize efficiency. Toyota/Lexus hybrids dominate sales for a reason.
Engine potential: Infiniti’s own 3.0L turbo (400 hp) from the Nissan Z would transform this SUV’s character.
Brand strategy: With only two SUVs in its lineup, Infiniti risks irrelevance against Acura’s 4-model range.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

The QX60 excels as a comfortable, well-built family hauler with standout tech interfaces. Choose it if:

You prioritize cabin materials over driving excitement
Need intuitive controls (not buried menus)
Find dealer discounts below MSRP

Avoid it if:

You expect engaging performance
Hybrid efficiency is non-negotiable
Third-row space is daily essential

Final thought: After months of testing, we believe Infiniti must standardize hybrid power and offer the Z’s turbo-six to survive. Until then, cross-shop the Genesis GV80 or Acura MDX Type S for greater dynamism.

Toolbox: QX60 Buyer Checklist

Test drive at highway speeds: Listen for engine drone under acceleration.
Verify weather tech: Test adaptive cruise in rain—note system limitations.
Inspect third row: Have a 6-foot passenger assess legroom.
Negotiate unpainted trim: Request all-weather mats to offset the lower cladding.
Explore CPO deals: Pre-2023 models lack the improved camera system.

Recommended resources:

Consumer Reports’ Reliability Data: Confirms above-average powertrain durability.
Infiniti Forums: Real owner feedback on long-term maintenance costs.

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