2016 Infiniti QX60 Road Test and Review

2016 Infiniti QX60 Front 3 Quarter 02

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 hasn't had to change much with its most recent refresh, as this full-size crossover remains the linchpin in the luxury brand's people-moving line-up. The second-best selling model for Infiniti overall, the QX60 also serves to attract more new buyers to the automaker's showrooms than any other vehicle, making it an important foot in the door with families seeking indoctrination into what the premium market has to offer. It also underscores safety in a big way, continuing Infiniti's push to democratize some of the most advanced crash-prevention equipment on the market. I had the opportunity to pilot the 2016 Infiniti QX60 on the roads surrounding San Antonio, Texas, and I came away with a strong impression of just how broad the appeal of this big people mover truly is. The QX60 might not be flashy, nor light up the tires in a straight line, but it does touch on all of the important things most families are looking for in a daily driver, and as such, has had a much bigger impact for Infiniti than its more performance-oriented siblings.

No Big Changes on the Outside

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 has always done a better job than most at hiding its more pedestrian roots - in this case, its Nissan Pathfinder platform-mate - but the new model year brings an even more convincing disguise. The changes are subtle, and most noticeable up front where a new grille joins fresh headlights, with the vehicle retaining the bulging curves and character lines that keep anonymity at bay in the mall parking lot. LED daytime running lights put in an appearance, and a shark fin antennae has been grafted onto the QX60's roof.

Same Practical and Comfy Cabin

Inside you'll be even harder put to point out the changes made to the 2016 Infiniti QX60's design. The only real stand-out is a new shift knob, which comes across as a bit small for the size of both the vehicle and the center console - an impression that is further cemented when using it to slide the crossover from Park to Drive. Still, stasis isn't a bad thing for the QX60, which enjoys substantial second row leg room and a third row seat that doesn't ask adults to make too many vascular sacrifices should they be relegated to the back of the bus. The seven-passenger Infiniti also has an interesting party trick up its sleeve that's sure to be appreciated by parents everywhere: it offers access to the third row even if there's a child seat firmly attached in the second, thanks to a unique sliding system.

V-6 Drivetrain Delivers Decent Fuel Mileage

Each and every version of the 2016 Infiniti QX60 comes with the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine as the year before, and a continuously variable automatic transmission remains the only gearbox available with the crossover. Fuel economy is listed at 21 mpg around town and 27 mpg during highway cruising for front-wheel drive models, with the option of all-wheel drive exacting only a slight penalty. Those numbers are solid given that the QX60's six-cylinder mill is rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, especially considering the lack of any automatic engine start/stop technology or direct fuel injection. Power delivery from the V-6 comes across as smooth and sufficient, although not quite as impressive on paper as rivals like the Acura MDX or the Buick Enclave.

Hybrid Model Still Available

There should be an asterisk after that first sentence on the previous page, because there's actually an optional Hybrid drivetrain that can be ordered with the 2016 Infiniti QX60. It's largely academic, however, because the automaker has elected to make the Hybrid model available exclusively by special order from this moment forward. It makes perfect sense, as the electrically-assisted QX60 slid from 14 percent of total sales when it was initially offered to a mere one percent last year. Should you decide to take a walk on the battery-powered side, you'll benefit from 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway from a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor setup that together generate 250 horsepower.

Quiet, Composed Ride

Although the 2016 Infiniti QX60's drivetrains might have remained untouched, the brand's engineers have made an effort to button down the crossover's handling by installing new shock absorbers and springs front and rear. The upgrades are intended to better control body roll, and while not particularly athletic, the QX60 proved itself to be stable and predictable on Texas two-lane roads. Revised engine mounts work to further cushion any vibrations that might make their way from under the hood to the passenger compartment, and triple-laminated glass in the side windows serves as a further acoustic barrier to the outside world.

Safety at the Forefront

Infiniti has long touted its investment in advanced safety equipment as one of the key aspects of its brand identity, and the 2016 Infiniti QX60 is no different. Should you choose to open up your wallet and raid the options list, you can load up the QX60 with features such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, a system that will also jam on the stoppers should an obstacle be detected while reversing, and the company's AroundView camera that provides 360 degrees of top-down coverage displayed on the center stack's infotainment screen. You also get the availability of a blind spot monitoring and intervention system that will steer the vehicle out of harm's way should a vehicle be detected lurking to the right or left of the crossover, and a lane departure warning and intervention feature that works much the same way (only it keeps an eye on the painted lines rather than traffic). Each of these features works remarkably well, but as quiet as the QX60's cabin is, you'll have to resign yourself to a universe of beeps and tones interrupting your peace of mind should you keep the entire suite of safety gear operational in an urban environment. Fortunately, you can turn them off to your taste, letting you select which set of electronic eyes you want keeping watch over your commute.

Affordably Priced

Even if you load the 2016 Infiniti QX60 to the gills with gadgets and gizmos, you're still looking at a fairly reasonable ask. The base model checks in with an MSRP of $42,600, and there's an $1,800 surcharge tacked on should you opt for all-wheel drive. Out the door with a full load and you're still under the $50,000 mark (thanks in part to Infiniti reshuffling a few of its options packages for 2016), which keeps the QX60 competitive with similarly-sized three-row luxury crossovers like the previously-mentioned MDX (MSRP $43,015) and the Lincoln MKT (MSRP $43,201).

Not Many Direct Competitors

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 occupies an unusual spot in the crossover universe. Its distinctly car-like underpinnings separate it from truck-based three-row fare such as the more expensive GMC Yukon Denali and the off-road capable Land Rover LR4, but when looking around for luxury rides that offer similar seating, it's difficult to expand beyond the MDX and MKT that have already been discussed, unless you are willing to consider the larger Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia Denali twins. In fact, price-wise, it's easy enough to approach the QX60's entry-level window sticker by way of models like the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer, but without the brand image offered by Infiniti's premium positioning. This puts the QX60 in the sweet spot for families who need more room, but who aren't interested in paying substantially more for a potentially difficult to drive land yacht.

2016 Infiniti QX60 Pros/Cons

Pros: •    Roomy interior •    Easy-access third row, even with child seat installed •    Affordably priced •    Available all-wheel drive •    Respectable V-6 fuel mileage •    Comfortable ride •    Strong active safety Cons: •    Not particularly exciting to drive •    Large size makes urban parking an adventure •    Safety system alerts can occasionally feel overwhelming •    Not as powerful as some competitors