2016 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 AWD Review

According to the luxury brand of Nissan, the remodeled Infiniti QX60 has the interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features buyers are looking for. Did they succeed? The 2016 QX60 sport utility gets updated with Infinities new design language and fits right between the mid-size QX50 and larger QX80 SUV. It rides on the same foundation as the newly-modeled Nissan Pathfinder.

The QX60 comes in four models, the QX60 3.5 front-wheel-drive, 3.5 AWD, QX60 Hybrid front-drive and Hybrid AWD variants. This week we test drive the 2016 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 AWD model.

What’s new for 2016?

QX60 gets suspension changes for the 2016 model year including stiffer springs and shock absorbers. Infinity says the goal was to improve driving dynamics. The styling of the 2016 QX60 was also revised. The luxury crossover features a larger grille above an integral air intake.

Features and options

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 AWD ($44,400) comes standard with a V6 engine, leather upholstery, power front seats, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, and rearview camera. Also standard are an auto-dimming mirror, HID headlights, LED fog lamps, a power lift gate, moonroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

QX60 options

This QX60 tester came with four optional packages. The Deluxe Tech Package ($6.900) included Infinity’s suite of safety features, Bose premium surround sound, 20-inch wheels, 2nd and 3rd row power sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated 2nd row seats, power return 3rd row and Maple interior accents.

The Theater Package ($1,850) features dual 7-inch color monitors for multimedia video playback, two wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary audio/video input jacks and 120V power outlet and rear headphone jacks with volume control. Premium Plus Package ($2,900) included navigation and Premium Package ($1,800) featured heated steering wheel, remote start, roof rails and reverse tilt-down side mirrors. Total MSRP including destination: $59,345.

Interior highlights

Families looking for a stylish, roomy, comfortable interior with third-row seating, will have plenty to keep them happy here. Attractive is the first word that comes to mind when you step inside the QX60 cabin. It conveys a luxurious air that begins with the Maple wood accents on the center console and dash. The materials on the door panels, seats and soft-touch dash all shout luxury. The two-tone interior treatments are especially appealing. (More on page 2).

The second row seats are comfortable and there’s lots of room for the kids to stretch out. The QX60 offers a second row that can tilt, fold, and collapse, and the second-row bench can travel 5.5 inches fore/aft. This allows easy access to the third row, even if a child safety seat is mounted. The second-row seat folds neatly forward adding extra utility. The optional Theater Package with dual 7-inch color monitors is perfect for those longer trips and it will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Like most third-row seats, the QX60’s are best for younger family members who are bit more agile and don’t mind the lower cushions. If you need cargo carrying ability, the QX60 will be there when you need it. With second and third rows folded down, cargo space totals a cavernous 76.5 cubic feet. Behind the third row, volume is 15.8 cubic feet.

Engine and fuel mileage specs

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT comes with Sport, Snow or Eco modes that controls throttle response and shift points. This model comes with Infiniti’s Intelligent AWD system. EPA fuel mileage estimates for the all-wheel drive gasoline model are 19/26 mpg city/highway and 22 combined mpg.

Driving dynamics

Behind the wheel, the QX60 feels substantial and has a commanding presence on the road. It’s a car you will feel safe in. This tester came with a suite of safety features that warns the driver of any impending obstacles forward and aft. When backing out of tight city spots this week, we knew exactly where the vehicle was in relation to other cars around us. The feature came in handy as the QX60 is a formable size.

On the road, the QX60 is smooth and quiet. It’s more practical than stimulating to drive. The crossover has respectable power for most driving situations. We pushed it hard up I-70 west of Denver into the higher altitudes and the vehicle kept us moving past slower traffic without issue. In the city, QX60’s length can be an impediment when parallel-parking. We found the safety sensors to be extremely helpful and recommended if you live where there are narrow urban streets. (More on page 3).

The retuned suspension added firmness to the ride without improving much agility. The QX60 had some body lean in the tight mountain curves near Evergreen as we pushed the big crossover hard. This tester came with all-wheel-drive making it a suitable all-weather vehicle for families living in cld climates. It also features Eco, Standard, Sport, and Snow drive modes. We switched the CVT to Sport and was impressed with the transmissions ability to imitate gears in a conventional, 6-speed automatic transmission. For such a large vehicle, visibility to the rear is reasonably good, provided the third row is not in use. The adjustable headrests can be folded down for improved visibility.

Conclusion

The 2016 Infinity QX60 AWD model has the interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features buyers are looking for. Infinity did succeed in meeting families needs. The QX60 adds in an extra level of luxury for consumers looking for a high-end family hauler. Infinity offers lots of extra options, but they can add up quickly pushing the total price up considerably. Overall, the QX60 with its luxurious interior fittings, is a vehicle that will make life easier for families.

This 2016 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 AWD review is updated on May 11, 2018.