2018 Infiniti QX60 SUV

For the 2018 model year, Infiniti discontinued the slow-selling QX60 Hybrid so that leaves us with only one engine specification that is a 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Acceleration is always on top with the CVT while the V-6 engine provides respectable power and refinement. Its quiet cabin makes for a peaceful interstate drive as well as for daily shopping.

If you have decided to buy this Infiniti’s crossover SUV then you will have to stick with the sole option of QX60 3.5 trim. The front wheel drive comes standard and is priced at $43,300 while for the AWD (All-wheel drive) you will need to pay $1,800 extra. We have already mentioned the standard features in the table however you can get additional features through the optional package.

Premium package ($1,800) which is one of the least expensive gets you 13-speaker Bose audio system along with remote engine start, heated steering wheel and proximity key. The Premium Plus package bundles the SUV with:

• Navigation
• Real-time traffic information
• Voice recognition
• Around View Monitor with moving object detection
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Radiant illuminated kick plates

If you want rear-seat entertainment that adds two 8-inch color monitors then you will need to get the Theatre package for $2,150. Meanwhile, last but not the least, the Deluxe Technology package ($7,300) brings an array of niceties such as:

• Advanced driver assistance feature
• 15-speaker surround-sound system
• Moonroof
• Heated seats for the second row

Trims	QX60 3.5	QX60 3.5 AWD
MSRP	$43,300	$45,100
Features	QX60 3.5 standard key features: INFINITI InTouchTM system with HD Radio INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition Leather-appointed seating Multi-functional second-row seat with easy third-row entry/exit even with a child seat installed Sirius Satellite Radio with 3-month complimentary trial Sirius Travel Link with 4-year complimentary trial access to weather, fuel prices, stocks, sports and movie times Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and audio streaming USB connection port Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System Moonroof Rearview Monitor	Includes all QX60 3.5 standard features plus: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

We Recommend

Go with the front-wheel-drive if you do not drive in muddy or snowy condition. Now, we would rather suggest you which package you should go with as most of the features are bundled into it. Premium and Premium Plus package is worth having beyond that we would suggest you skip the costly Deluxe Technology package as you would get most of its useful stuff in the much cheaper Driver Assistance Package which comes with:

• Cruise control
• Blind spot warning
• Backup collision intervention
• Distance control assist
• Front and rear Sonar system
• Active trace control
• Eco Pedal
• Auto dimming side mirror

“The 2018 Infiniti QX60 is one of the better-handling luxury SUVs on the market, but it does sacrifice the softer ride and lighter steering input preferred by some buyers. We think it’s an acceptable trade-off so long as the road remains fairly smooth. Infiniti has taken a rather aggressive approach toward the QX60’s suspension tuning, a bonus when speeding through winding back roads and mountain passes, but a bit of a drawback when encountering rough or pothole-packed pavement.” Kelley Blue Book

Engine and Transmission

There is only one engine to talk about with the discontinuation of the slow-selling Hybrid model this year. So, now the QX60 comes mated to a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Gaining from its corporate parent Nissan the CVT however smooth is not as growling as some of its rivals.

Models	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
MSRP	$43,300	$44,200	$43,270	$31,040
Engine	3.5-liter V-6 engine	3.5-liter 24V SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine	3.5-liter V6 DOHC 24V VVT engine	3.5-liter V6 engine
Transmission	CVT automatic	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	CVT Automatic
Power	295-hp	290-hp	295-hp	284-hp
Torque	270-lb-ft.	267-lb-ft.	267-lb-ft.	259-lb-ft.

Acceleration

The Infiniti QX60 makes a sprint to 60mph in 7.6 seconds which is average for a three-row SUV considering the rivals. It is also not the fastest when it comes to covering a quarter mile as it takes 16.0 seconds to cover the distance. Acura MDX leads the segment when it comes to accelerating fast and covering a quarter mile.

Models	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
0-60 MPH	7.6 sec	6.2 sec	6.8 sec	8.3 sec
Quarter mile	16.0 sec @ 90 mph	14.7 sec @ 94.6 mph	15.1 sec @ 92.7 mph	16.6 sec @ 85 mph
Engine	3.5L	3.5L	3.5L	3.5L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	8.0	8.0	7.7	7.6

Braking and Handling

Both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive offers a balanced ride however there is a lot of body roll as the suspension feels soft and sloppy. The QX60 however is an easy-to-drive crossover and the ride quality makes it feel at home in urban settings. It does come with AWD but that doesn’t make it an off-roader and the system is best suited to provide traction. The stopping distance of 120-feet is better than the average for the segment while the brakes feel strong even after continuous use and the response is never abrupt.

Model	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
Brake Front(in)	12.6	12.6	13.3	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	12.1	13.0	12.9	12.1
Curb weight(lbs)	4390	4001	4222	4293
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	121	123	125

Towing Capacity

With an impressive towing capacity of 5,000-pounds the 2018 Infiniti QX60 can easily tow a caravan or a bowrider. Nissan Pathfinder although has a better towing capacity and costs thousands of dollars less than the Infiniti. So, if you are tight on budget the Pathfinder is a great option to go for.

Model	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
Weight (lbs.)	5000	5000	3500	6000
Drive Train	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Engine	3.5L	3.5L	3.5L	3.5L

Market forces led Infiniti to discontinue the slow-selling QX60 Hybrid model for 2018. This year, Infiniti has offered only one engine option- a 3.5-liter V-6 with front and all-wheel drive. You get an identical mileage in both the models with the FWD rated at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The AWD gets an EPA rating of 19/26/22 mpg

Model	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
MPG (city)	19	19	20	20
MPG (highway)	27	27	27	27
MPG (combined)	22	22	23	23

The QX60's efficiency figures are relatively competitive among the three-row crossover however others may outperform. The Rx50 and Pathfinder S, both inch slightly forward with their economy within the city. 

“… Infiniti’s 2018 QX60 luxury SUV stands out because its plush, leather-lined cabin is comfortable in all seven spots. The third row is surprisingly accommodating for two adults and, thanks to a second row that slides fore and aft, getting there is easy. Infiniti makes the interior even more pleasing with ample soft-touch materials, and by using laminated glass to make the interior quieter.” Kelley Blue Book

Seating and Comfort

Seats offers a good amount of adjustment so the drivers may not have any difficulty in finding the right position. The power lumbar support, however, does not offer positional adjustment. The second-row headrest might obstruct the rearview for the driver but the large window and 360-degree camera makes things easy. We must appreciate the Infiniti for making the third row easily accessible as the second-row tilts and slides without any fuss.

The QX60 also does a good job in keeping you isolated from road and wind noise. Both the front and the second-row seats are not soft but they are still comfy and have enough space. There are good head and foot-room in the third row but it is best suited for kids. Seating feature includes:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• Six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated second-row outboard seats (Optional)
• Climate-controlled front seats (Optional)
• Heated steering wheel (Optional)

Model	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
Passenger capacity	7	7	5	7
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	130.4	132.7	121.36	137.8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.7/60.3/42.2	38.1/61.1/41.4	39.4/57.8/44.1	42.2/60.9/42.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg (In.)	38.2/60.4/41.7	38.3/59.1/38.5	39.1/57.6/38	39.4/60.4/41.7
Third (Head/Shoulder/Le (In.)	36.5/57.1/30.8	35.6/54.7/28.1	N/A	37.8/57.1/30.7

Infotainment

The touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and easily navigable. Some of the control knobs are high on the dash and requires extra effort to reach them. Limited smartphone integration is a big let down as there is no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Standard feature includes:

• An eight-inch display
• Bluetooth
• USB ports in all three rows
• HD Radio

Cargo Space

For a luxury SUV with three-row of seating, the QX60 boasts an average amount of cargo space. It comes with 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up while the third-row splits 50/50 and folds to create 40.2-cubic-feet of space. You get a total of 75.8 cubic feet of cargo hold with all seats down. A power liftgate is standard while hands-free liftgate comes as optional.

Model	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
Behind 3nd Row (ft. Cube)	15.9	14.9	18.4	16.0
With 3nd row folded (ft. Cube)	40.5	43.4	18.4	47.8
With All Seats folded (ft. Cube)	76.2	90.9	56.3	79.8

The 2018 Infiniti QX60 wears a more rounded and sleek look along with the company’s signature headlight and the grille which works well with the overall design. From the sides, its sloping roof adds to the look but it does not hamper the QX60’s striking roomy interior. We found the automakers signature Z-shape flair in the rearmost roof pillar which the QX30 also boasts.

Design and Styling

The Infiniti QX60 might be a crossover but it reveals how big it is when parked beside a smaller sedan or SUVs. When it comes to dimensions, the QX60 with 200.1-inches in length and 114.2-inches of wheelbase exceeds most in the competition. Some of the standard exterior features include:

• LED daytime running light
• LED front fog light
• Power rear liftgate
• UV reducing solar glass
• Aluminum front and rear doorsill plates

Model	Infiniti QX60 3.5	Acura MDX Standard	Lexus RX 350	Nissan Pathfinder S
Curb weight(lbs.)	4390	4001	4222	4293
Length(in)	200.1	196.2	192.5	198.5
Width(in)	77.2	77.8	74.6	77.3
Height(in)	68.6	67.4	67.7	69.5
Ground clearance(in)	6.5	5.6	8.2	7.0
Wheelbase(in)	114.2	111	109.8	114.2
Track width(in) F/R	65.7/65.7	66.3/66.3	64.4/64	65.7/65.7

As we said that most of the advanced techs and safety features are bundled into the package and opting one of these packages is not easy as they cost a lot. You will need to shed almost $10,000 extra if you want the Top Safety Pick QX60. Other automakers such as Lexus and Acura make some of these features standard.

• INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Daytime Running Lamps
• 10 airbags
• Auto Hazard Warning Signal
• Vehicle Security System sounds alarm if intrusion is detected
• Rear Vision Camera
• 3-point rear outboard safety belts
• LATCH System
• Rear child security door locks

Infiniti QX60 Vs Acura MDX

The QX60 is a good value for money but the Acura MDX is a better option. For almost the same price you get additional safety features, including forward collision warning and AEB (automatic emergency braking). These features are only available in the Infiniti’s QX60 under a $7,300 package. In terms of driving dynamics Acura is more engaging to drive than the Infiniti.

Infiniti QX60 Vs Nissan Pathfinder

There are lots of similarities between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Infiniti QX60. The Infiniti gives you a more a luxury feels and its V-6 engine is more powerful than the Nissan. The Pathfinder however takes the lead as it is priced very low as compared to the QX60. Even the top mode Pathfinder Platinum fitted with hands-free liftgate, heated front and rear seat, panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control – is less expensive than the base QX60.

Infiniti QX60 Vs Lexus RX

Both the cars have an identical base price and are offered in only one trim level. Like Infiniti QX60 most of the optional techs and features in the Lexus are also bundled into the package. The major difference between the two cars is that you get seven seats, more rear-seat legroom and much more cargo space in the QX60. Infiniti and the Lexus both have installed a V-6 engine that delivers similar power and fuel economy. With more space inside, Infiniti is a clear winner over Lexus.

The 2018 Infiniti QX60 is one of the best value for money SUV in the luxury segment. It fetches for thousands less than other luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery and delivers a smooth and comfy ride. Fuel economy is impressive and there is lots of space in all the three-rows along with a USB port each.  It also earns an excellent crash test rating and boasts a long list of features although the interior quality feels less luxurious than most in the class. Spirited drivers may also find the driving dynamics bland.