Infiniti’s three-row QX60 crossover now comes with a 9-speed automatic

This three-row family hauler comes with a long list of standard and optional features that make this one of the best choices among the midsize crossovers on the market.

Like the previous generation, front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available across the board for $2,000 extra, except on the Autograph model, where it’s $2,900.

For 2023, the second generation of the QX60 carries over from last year mostly unchanged, and still comes in four trim levels.

They are the base Pure model (starting at $49,200, front drive; $51,200, all-wheel drive); Luxe ($55,250; $57,250 AWD); Sensory ($58,600; $60,600 AWD); and Autograph ($62,600; $65,500 AWD). The freight charge on all trims is $1,195.

New for 2023 is the standard wireless charging mat for smartphones, a standard frameless rearview mirror, and updated lower bumper trim accent colors (gloss black on Luxe and dark gray on Sensory and Autograph trims).

Standard seating is provided for up to seven people with bucket seats up front, a three-passenger middle-row bench seat, and a two-passenger third row.

That can be reduced to six passengers by replacing the middle-row bench seat with dual captain’s chairs.

Although mostly new, the second generation QX60 did carry over the previous model’s normally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 direct-injection gasoline engine, rated at 295 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque.

There was no carry-over with the transmission, however. Infiniti introduced a nine-speed automatic to replace the previous generation’s CVT, just as Nissan did with the new 2022 Pathfinder, which is similar to the QX60.

Our tester was the Autograph AWD, which came with the six-passenger seating with the two middle-row captain’s chairs. 

One of its strong points was the new transmission, which shifted almost imperceptibly through its range in the same way a CVT does.

There are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for those who want to choose when to shift gears, which allows for even sportier driving.

The tester had plenty of power from the V-6 engine with our normal load of two or three adults and some light cargo.

We had more than sufficient pickup for routine passing and mild hill-climbing. We did not try any steep mountain roads, and did not tow a trailer.

QX60’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive has direct coupling that automatically transfers up to 50% of available power to the rear wheels when wheel slippage begins. No driver intervention is needed.

Outside, the new QX60 is sportier and more stylish than before, although a bit boxier.

Inside, there is a more-premium appearance, but the cabin is is surprisingly similar to that of the Pathfinder.

The engineers designed the new QX60 to have a sportier driving experience, with the trade-off being a bit stiffer ride. Those of us who enjoy crisp handling and a sturdy suspension will appreciate that.

Fuel economy has improved just slightly, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/26 highway/23 combined for front-drive models, and 20/25/22 for all-wheel drive.

All 2023 QX60 models come with the 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch Interactive Display, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility.

Standard on all grades are leather first- and second-row seats, a panoramic moonroof, power liftgate, and rear parking sensors. The Autograph model comes with the plusher quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery.

Also standard across the lineup are heated, eight-way power-adjustable “zero gravity” front seats with power lumbar adjustment. The driver’s seat has a dual-occupant memory that includes the outside mirrors.

The second-row bench seat comes with a 60/40-split-fold feature, along with a one-touch release for access to the two-passenger third-row seat, even with child safety seats in place in the middle row.

Entry level Pure models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, six USB ports including charge points in all three rows, LED headlights and taillights, and tri-zone automatic climate control with headliner-mounted air vents above the second and third rows.

On the Luxe model, there are 20-inch wheels, slimline roof rails, a 12.3-inch Infiniti Dynamic Meter Display, enhanced ProPilot Assist system with Navi-link, navigation, an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, remote engine start, and climate-controlled front seats.

With the Sensory model, extras include massaging driver and front passenger seats, heated second-row seats (outboard positions), a power-return for third-row seats, advanced climate control with Plasmacluster air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, wireless smartphone charger, motion-activated power liftgate, black open-pore ash wood trim, enhanced interior ambient lighting, illuminated kick plates, and Bose Performance Series audio with 17 speakers.

There is an additional USB port in the third row, for a total of seven throughout the interior.

The Autograph model has such additional features as the upgraded leather seats with contrast stitching; the dual second-row captain’s chairs; a removable second-row console; a 10.8-inch head-up display with dual free-form mirrors, Smart Rear View Mirror; Adaptive Front Lighting; and color-contrasting black roof and roof rails.

With all-wheel drive, the Autograph model can tow trailers weighing up to 6,0000 pounds. It comes with upgraded transmission cooling and a hitch receiver. Otherwise, standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Available on the Luxe model is an upgrade from the standard nine-speaker audio system to the 17-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system ($900).

The Vision Package ($1,500) is available on Luxe and Sensory models, bringing the Adaptive Front Lighting, 10.8-inch head-up display, and Smart Rear View Mirror.

On Sensory models with all-wheel drive, the Tow Package ($900) adds a hitch receiver, wiring, and upgraded transmission oil cooler, which raises the towing capacity to the 6,000 pounds of the Autograph AWD model.

Of the available exterior colors, three are available at no extra cost: Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow and Glacier White. For $695 extra, there are Mocha Almond, Mineral Black, Warm Titanium, Moonbow Blue and Grand Blue. And for $900, there is the “super premium” Deep Bordeaux.

Autograph models have exclusive standard two-tone exterior paint, combining Graphite Shadow, Warm Titanium, Moonbow Blue, Deep Bordeaux, Majestic White or Grand Blue with a high-contrast black roof.

Our Autograph tester came with the Warm Titanium exterior color ($695 extra) with the black roof.

Interior colors include Graphite and the Sandstone leather; Saddle Brown is available on Sensory and Autograph trims, and was included on our tester.

Originally called the JX, the QX60 – introduced for 2014 — is Infiniti’s only three-row crossover, although the brand also offers the QX80, a large, traditional truck-based SUV with three rows of seating.

The QX60 is based on the architecture of the Pathfinder crossover, and both vehicles are produced in the Nissan assembly plant near Nashville, Tenn. The engine comes from Nissan’s powertrain facility about 80 miles southeast of Nashville.

There is 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat, about the same as in a midsize sedan. With the third seat folded down, that space opens up to 41.6 cubic feet, and with both rear seats folded, it expands to 75.4 cubic feet.

Besides the premium paint, the only option on our Autograph test vehicle was the Lighting Package ($795), which added welcome lighting and illuminated cargo scuff plate. Radiant illuminated kick plates and carpeted floor mats were included at no extra charge.

Total sticker price for our 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD model was $68,195, including freight and extras.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

2023 Infiniti QX60

The package: Midsize, five-door, six- or seven-passenger, V-6 powered, front- or all-wheel-drive premium crossover utility vehicle.

Highlights: Completely redesigned for 2022, this is Infiniti’s three-row crossover, and it’s among the best in its class. It has plenty of power, luxury, safety and high-tech gadgetry. Also new is a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.

Negatives: Sportier handling brings a bit rougher ride than before; interior is not as quiet as before at highway speeds.

Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, normally aspirated, gasoline.

Transmission: 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Power/torque: 295 HP/270 foot-pounds.

Length: 198.2 inches (198.7 with front license plate bracket).

Curb weight range: 4,393-4,655 pounds.

Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.

Cargo volume: 14.5 cubic feet (behind third seat); 41.6 cubic feet (third-row seat folded); 75.4 cubic feet (both rear seating rows folded).

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds standard; 6,000 pounds with optional towing package (Sensory, Autograph AWD).

Side air bags: Front seat-mounted, roof-mounted side-curtain for both rows, standard.

Electronic stability control: Standard.

Fuel capacity/type: 18.5 gallons/unleaded (premium recommended but not required).

EPA fuel economy: 21 city/26 highway/23 combined (front drive); 20/25/22 (AWD).

Major competitors: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lincoln Aviator, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90.

Base price range: $49,200-$62,600 (front drive), $51,200-$65,500 (all-wheel drive), plus $1,195 freight.

Price as tested: $68,195, including freight and extras (2023 Autograph AWD).

On the Road rating: 9.3 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.