QX60 in the Heart of 3

CHATHAM, Mass. – Last year INFINITI introduced the second generation of its mid-size luxury sport utility, the QX60. Coming of a completely new design in 2022, INFINITI kept 2023 changes to a minimum — subtle interior refinements (frameless mirror), standard wireless mobile-device charging pad, new colors and an inclusive maintenance program – understandable considering how comprehensively equipped and engineered this three-row SUV was upon its unveiling.

Our week was in the penultimate model in the four-trim range a 2023 QX60 Sensory AWD (all-wheel drive) with a full complement of features, amenities, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), in a modern, "right-sized" (just under 200-inches long, like the majority of its Asian, European and domestic competitors) family vehicle.

Underneath, a solid SUV platform

The QX60's platform has all the right pieces to compete in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. A robust 3.5-liter, direct-injected, double-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) V6 engine pumps 295 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission (which shifts-by-wire either through a console-mounted selector or steering-wheel-mounted paddles) into the AWD system.

The suspension features MacPherson-type struts with a stabilizer bar up front and a multi-link independent setup with stabilizer bar in the rear. The shock absorbers are twin-tube design with dual-flow path.

The brake system includes electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock (ABS), an electronic parking brake (console-mounted switch) and ventilated discs at all four corners (13.78 inches in diameter up front with dual-piston calipers, and 12.99 in the rear with single-piston calipers).

Lots of technical stuff, but how does it work? Very well in providing a smooth, comfortable, controlled ride for up to seven (two-three-two seating configuration). The middle row slides forward and back to adjust leg room for the pair in the third row (if necessary), who get back three easily thanks to the design of the folding second row.

Power is more than adequate for everyday driving, allowing smooth, easy merging onto highways, enough oomph to maneuver around traffic in virtually any situation and still return excellent fuel economy.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency rates the QX60 Sensory AWD at 22 miles per gallon in overall operation (20 in urban settings; 25 on the highway). My experience was better – a consistent 25 miles per gallon overall, regardless of how I used the accelerator pedal.

The 2023 INFINITI QX60 Sensory is a large, roomy place for up to seven folks to travel. An adjustable (fore and aft, as well as reclining, and split 60/40) second row allows for adding to the third-row's accommodations, a welcome plus in this type of vehicle.

The five seated in the first two rows perch on leather-upholstered comfortable seats. The fronts both feature electric adjustability with memory, heating and ventilation, lumbar support and massage (leather and heat are also featured on the electrically adjusted steering wheel). The middle row has heat on the outer two spots.

A tri-zone, automatic climate control system, with a comprehensive rear-system control panel at the back of the center console, further allows for tailoring the environment for each occupant. The buttons appear to be LCD switchgear, but are positive-engaging tactile ones, thus allowing for definitive operation (not always the case with LCD ones).

Two 12.3-inch screens, a dynamic meter display behind the steering wheel and the INFINITI InTouch™ interactive display in the middle of the dash and the heart of the infotainment system, provide information and control over the QX60's features and systems.

The infotainment system includes navigation; wireless Apple CarPlay; Android Auto; HD® Radio; streaming Bluetooth audio, and SiriusXM® satellite radio playing through a Bose® Performance series 17-speaker sound system.

Enhancing the Sensory model I drove was the optional Vision Package ($1,500) which brought adaptive front lighting with auto leveling; smart (camera) rearview mirror and a third interior display: a very usable, easily viewed 10.8-inch heads-up display.

INFINITI labels its four QX60 trim levels Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph. The Pure front-wheel drive version carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49,200. The top-of-the-range Autograph AWD comes in at $65,500. In between, someone searching for a luxury mid-size three-row SUV has a lot of features and amenities to choose from in tailoring the vehicle to their needs.

The Sensory AWD we drove had a base price of $60,600 and added the Vision Package ($1,500), Lighting Package ($795, including welcome lighting with lit logo and illuminated scuff plate) and premium paint ($695 for the Grand Blue). The bottom line was $64,785 ($1,195 destination charge), quite competitive and reasonable for a luxury mid-size three-row SUV.

Mike Geylin is the Editor-in-Chief at Hagman Media. Geylin has been in automotive communications for five decades working in all aspects of the industry from OEM to supplier to motorsports as well as reporting for both newspapers and magazines on the industry.