2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph Review: Experience the Opulence

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 is the latest iteration of the luxury brand's popular midsize SUV. This is the vehicle that has earned the 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for excellence in safety features. This week I am reviewing the 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph.

Since the unveiling of the QX Sport Inspiration concept in 2016, Infiniti has given itself a clear style direction for its SUVs. In 2020, the manufacturer introduced the QX60 Monograph, the one that paved the way for the 2022 Infiniti QX60. You can certainly criticize Infiniti for a lot of things, but the design department does a good job. There is no revolution, but the whole gives a look shared between classic and sporty lines.

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 Changes

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 is largely unchanged from the previous model year, however, it comes with a few new features that enhance the overall driving experience. One of the most notable new features is a wireless smartphone charging pad, which is now standard on all models. This means you no longer need to fumble around for charging cables as you can place your phone on the charging pad and it will start charging automatically. Additionally, the QX60 2023 now comes with a frameless rearview mirror design, giving the driver a wider and more unobstructed view of the road behind.

Also, the bumpers on the QX60 have been updated with gloss-black accents on Luxe models and dark-gray accents on Sensory and Autograph trims, adding a sleek and sporty touch to the overall design.

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 comes in four trims: Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph. The Autograph AWD that I have been test driving this week came from $68,185 MSRP, while the starting Pure trim is offered at $50,695. The 2023 QX60 has an EPA rating of 22 MPG and 20/25 city/highway respectively.

Exterior Design

The Infiniti QX60 Autograph is a luxury midsize SUV from the Infiniti brand, which is the luxury division of Nissan. It features a sleek and stylish exterior design with a bold front grille and LED headlights. On the inside, the QX60 Autograph is equipped with high-end materials and luxurious amenities such as leather seats, a premium sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.

Engine and Power

Under the hood, the QX60 Autograph is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available. The QX60 Autograph also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

No need to climb the QX60 on a lift. Even less to disassemble its wheels. The architecture is the same. Never mind, the QX60 unbolts the inappropriate continuously variable gearbox (CVT) in favor of another, classic this time, nine-speed. the classic transmission had had a welcome change on the vehicle allowing it a more towing capacity, reaching to about 6,000 lb. towing capacity.

2023 QX60 Interior

The Infiniti QX60 Autograph also offers a spacious and comfortable interior with three rows of seats, providing ample room for up to seven passengers. The second and third rows of seats fold down to create additional cargo space when needed. The vehicle also comes with a high-quality infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

At the base of the dashboard, a black applique incorporates the air conditioning controls. They are easily accessible, with touches, and a vibration confirms our request. The center console gives plenty of storage, an induction charging plate and a small cave in the center armrest.

In the back, the Autograph version offers two armchairs with, in the center, a console whose solidity is questionable. Comfort is there, as are the accessories, including the heated seats. The panoramic roof allows a beautiful luminosity. Access to the third row is easy thanks to the good clearance released by the seat hinge. These two additional seats are average in terms of both comfort and space. Trunk volume is not very big, but it can get much bigger depending on number of rows in position.

Infiniti QX60 Autograph is designed to provide a luxury and comfortable driving experience, with a high level of technology and safety features, as well as a spacious and elegant interior.

Features and Safety

The 2023 QX60 comes with a standard suite of driver assistance features including front emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and high beam assist.

The award-winning model achieved good marks in six IIHS crash evaluations including driver and passenger side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraints. In addition, it is a model with a forward collision avoidance system with ratings of “advanced or better” in the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations during the day.

Model Going Away

If you like the QX60 Coupe, Car and Driver reports that Infiniti has confirmed that it will discontinue of its Q60 coupe following the 2022 model year. The cancellation comes as the company is focusing on more popular segments such as crossovers and SUVs. The Q60 lived a relatively short life, entering production for the 2017 model year. "We are focusing on the most popular luxury automotive segments such as crossovers and SUVs, as well as the upcoming EV we recently announced that will be built here in the U.S." according to an Infiniti spokesperson.

In the next year or two, Nissan's luxury brand will begin its all-electric transformation and should thus give more substance and clarity to its range. So there's no need to rely on the new QX60 to shed light on the future and the positioning of this luxury brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi conglomerate.

Closely derived from Nissan's Pathfinder, the QX60 aims to crystallize the brand's current foundations by the time it finds its way to renewal. A transitional model? In a way, yes.

Driving and Conclusion

Even if it is not the most avant-garde in the category, the QX60 probably ticks all the boxes contained in the specifications given to its designers. The latter, forced to pull out all the stops (well, almost), have produced a homogeneous, balanced, silent and comfortable vehicle. The steering offers a good feeling and allows the vehicle to register with aplomb and confidence in the turns. More so on a slippery road.

The All Wheel Drive, which is standard across the entire range, is more alert, of course, but too passive to contain torque increases in the steering wheel or unexpected drops in grip. Again, some rivals don't do better, but others do.

What's for the Future for Infiniti and QX?

On the occasion of Infiniti's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2019, brand executives promised three electric vehicles "within three or four years". Where are they ? The luxury brand of Nissan had then indicated two sedans and an SUV. These three vehicles can probably take inspiration from Q and QX concepts and I think the future for Infiniti, as well as Nissan is electrification coming in the next few years.

Overall, Infiniti is known for being the industry leader in driver assistance technology,” once said Craig Keeys, group vice president, Infiniti Americas. "The QX60 demonstrates that luxury and safety features can go hand in hand and we are honored to be recognized by IIHS with this prestigious award." The Infiniti QX60 is a luxury crossover SUV that is known for its smooth and comfortable ride. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides plenty of power for highway merging and passing, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures a smooth and seamless acceleration. The QX60 also has a well-tuned suspension that provides a balance between a comfortable ride and good handling. Overall, the QX60 is a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped luxury SUV.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: La Presse, El Vocero.