Infiniti's design has been a rollercoaster over the past two decades, but seems to have normalized with the current crop of sedans and SUVs, including the three-row 2024 Infiniti QX60.
The medium-sized SUV is small enough for daily chores but big enough to have a usable third row and the top Autograph models are full-scale luxury vehicles that come with premium vehicle price tags.
The QX60 started its second generation in 2022 much handsomer than the first with new narrow headlights and the trapezoid grille seen today. It also deleted the wavy chrome strip that framed the rear side window in the first generation, cleaning up the profile view.
For 2024 the Infiniti QX60 comes in Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph trims starting at $46,650. The all-wheel drive Autograph tested here has a base price of $66,100. It's offered in either front- or all-wheel drive.
The QX60 has the same 3.5-liter direct-injected six-cylinder engine as last year, producing 295 horsepower (hp) and 270 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped it can tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is ahead of competition from the Lexus TX and Lexus RX.
The skeleton of this six-cylinder engine has been around for decades but it was never lacking for power. The nine-speed transmission both livens and smooths the engine's operation, making it quieter, more powerful and more economical.
When in Normal driving mode it switches gears quickly keeping the rpms low and the cabin quiet. In Sport mode the computer holds gears longer for more acceleration, which is enough to pass most traffic.
The suspension is non-adaptive, but comfortable over roads under repair. The noise is muted from the bumps and the steering stays generally true. The electronic power steering system does make it easy in this vehicle, needing only one finger to maneuver in a parking lot.
It's surprisingly adept in the snow as well, even with the wide tires mounted on 20-inch wheels. When necessary, the all-wheel drive system will automatically send up to 50 percent of available power to the rear wheels to help optimize traction.
The cabin of this Autograph model comes with semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with contrast stitching along with diamond-quilted leather. It comes with second-row captain's chairs, a lightweight removable second-row console and a 10.8-inch head-up display.
The dark brown leather of this QX60 only added to the look of the diamond quilting on the seats and dashboard. The front row has plenty of adjustment in addition to heating and cooling functions and the views out of the windshield are wide.
All trims have a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Additionally, there is an available digital driver instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches. The top sound system from Bose features 17 speakers and six USB ports are offered on the Autograph model, as is a wireless charger in the front row.
There are more physical knobs than most vehicles today, which aids in adjusting the climate and volume while on the go. It also has hard buttons on a console below the screen along with a jog dial for additional control. As the only part of the trim not in shiny piano black, the panel looks a bit out of place.
The second row captain's chairs look great and move and slide and fold allowing access to the third row, however, the seatbelts are floppy and unsupported, making them difficult for children to use unaided. Thankfully, with the space provided by the slide adjustment there's room for an adult to lean in and help.
The 2024 Infiniti QX60 comes standard with forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. Adaptive cruise control is standard while rear parking sensors are optional, all of which are par for the premium class.
That class includes vehicles like the Buick Enclave ($43,900) and Lincoln Nautilus ($51,810), as well as the Acura MDX ($50,150) and Lexus TX ($55,050). The Infiniti lands on the less expensive side of those. Like Infiniti, the Lincoln design team has found its mojo, making the Nautilus one of the best-looking options.
Acura's all-wheel drive system is excellent for bad weather and the Enclave has versions of the same features as the Infiniti, including all-wheel drive, for less. But, the Infiniti can tow the most at 6,000 pounds, the rest max out at 5,000, giving the QX60 an additional advantage for recreational vehicle owners.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is the Managing Editor for the Autos team at Newsweek. He has previously worked for Autoweek, The Detroit ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
