2025 Infiniti QX60 Review: Luxury Value vs. Rivals
content: Is the 2025 Infiniti QX60 Your Premium SUV Bargain?
Luxury SUV shoppers comparing the Acura MDX, Cadillac XT6, and Mercedes-Benz GLE face a critical question: Does Infiniti’s refreshed QX60 deliver enough premium experience to justify its near-$50,000 entry price? After analyzing its new powertrain, upscale cabin, and competitive positioning, we uncover where this Nissan Pathfinder cousin excels—and where rivals still dominate.
Performance Upgrades & Efficiency
The 2025 QX60’s revised VC-Turbo 2.0L engine now generates 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque—a 16hp increase over 2024. According to EPA testing, this delivers 24 MPG combined for both FWD and AWD configurations, balancing power gains with segment-competitive efficiency. While not class-leading, this represents a meaningful improvement for highway cruising and towing capability versus earlier models.
Luxury Experience: Materials vs. Tech
Step inside, and the QX60 impresses with quilted semi-aniline leather seats and authentic wood trim. The new Black Edition package amplifies its presence with gloss-black wheels, badging, and roof rails. However, the infotainment system lags behind rivals:
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen avoids complicated trackpads
- Slow response times compared to Acura’s True Touch or Mercedes’ MBUX
- Glossy center console attracts fingerprints and reflects glare
The standard 17-speaker Bose Performance audio on Lux trims delivers exceptional clarity, compensating partially for the dated interface.
How It Stacks Up Against Key Competitors
| Feature | Infiniti QX60 | Acura MDX | Mercedes GLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | ~$50,000 | ~$51,000 | ~$61,000 |
| Standard HP | 268 | 290 | 255 |
| Infotainment | 8/10 (Responsive touch) | 9/10 (Intuitive) | 10/10 (Benchmark) |
| Cabin Materials | 9/10 (Premium leather) | 8/10 (Quality synthetics) | 10/10 (Handcrafted) |
The Value Proposition Explained
At $11,000 less than a base GLE, the QX60’s strongest advantage is its material richness at accessible pricing. Its quilted leather and acoustic glass insulation rival European models costing $20k more. However, tech-focused buyers should note:
- Driver assists lack Mercedes’ automated lane-changing
- No available performance variant like the MDX Type S
- Resale values trail Acura by approximately 8% after 3 years
Critical Considerations Before Buying
- Test the infotainment extensively—ensure response times meet your tolerance
- Compare real-world cargo space: The QX60’s 14.5 cu-ft behind 3rd row beats the XT6 but trails MDX
- Negotiate based on incentives: Infiniti dealers often have more flexibility than Mercedes
The Verdict: Who Should Choose It?
The 2025 QX60 shines for buyers prioritizing tactile luxury over cutting-edge tech. If you value whisper-quiet cabins, supple leather seats, and distinctive styling—and can overlook slower software—it delivers 80% of a European SUV experience at 70% of the cost. For tech enthusiasts or performance seekers, the MDX or CPO GLE remains preferable.
"After driving all four models, the QX60’s cabin comfort surprised me most—its seats rival Volvo’s legendary support." — Auto Analyst Digest
Which luxury SUV feature matters most to you: tech interfaces or material quality? Share your dealbreaker below!
