A year ago — that seems like yesterday — Infiniti provided a peek at the upcoming redesign of its popular 3-row QX60 SUV by revealing the elegant QX60 Monograph concept. After recently spending some time with the production version of the latest model from Nissan’s premium brand, we’re happy to report that very little was lost in translation. The 2022 Infiniti QX60 properly blends a luxurious cabin, great utility and the latest in high-tech convenience and safety features into a stylish new package that clearly lives up to the Infiniti brand.
Heart of the Market
Luxury and Utility
“The all-new 2022 Infiniti QX60 was designed with busy lives — friends, family, community — in mind,” said Infiniti Global Head of Product Strategy Eric Rigaux. “We focused on creating a serene environment inside that’s beautiful and practical, packed with new Infiniti IQ technology. In so many ways, the all-new QX60 is not just spacious, but stunning, and smart.”
Fresh Look
Even with all-new styling, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 remains easily recognizable as part of the Infiniti lineup. Up front sits the brand’s signature double-arched grille with unique mesh inspired by folds found in Japanese origami. In addition to a large logo in the center, embossed INFINITI lettering adorns the bottom of the grille. Slim LED headlights flank the top of the grille, seeming to flow into the sides of the vehicle. A sculpted hood adds to the powerful stance of the new QX60.
Flowing Lines
In profile, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 roofline flows downward toward the rear of the vehicle, ending at the spoiler. This sleek shape gets further emphasized by an available two-tone paint scheme incorporating a black roof. Adding to the stylish looks are available 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels.
Rear View
With styling similar to the headlights, piano-key LED taillights give the QX60 a commanding presence at night. These wraparound taillights stretch nearly to the center of the rear hatch. Although the actual exhaust outlet of the 2022 Infiniti QX60 is hidden, the lower bumper features four indentations that seemingly simulate the look of a quad exhaust configuration.
Model Lineup
The new Infiniti QX60 is available in four trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims with the option of all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000 ($2,900 on Autograph although that includes the towing package).
Advanced Safety
Every new Infiniti QX60 comes with the latest advanced safety and driver-assist systems, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, blind-spot warning and lane departure warning.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Pure
At a base price of $46,850, the Pure functions as the entry trim of the QX60 lineup. The QX60 Pure possesses many standard features including tri-zone climate control, heated leather front seats with power adjustment, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, six USB ports and a 9-speaker audio system. LED headlights, running lights and taillights are also standard, as are 18-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Luxe
The QX60 Luxe starts at $52,900 and upgrades the Pure with a 12.3-inch dynamic driver display, ProPILOT Assist with Navi, adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, blind-spot intervention, lane departure prevention, an around-view monitor with moving object detection, and driver attention alert. The Luxe also gets silver slimline roof rails and 20-inch “sporty” alloy wheels with a dark silver finish.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Sensory
Priced at $56,350 the QX60 Sensory adds to the Luxe with a massage function for the front seats, heated second-row seats, an advanced climate control system with microfilter and air purifier, black open-pore Ash wood trim, wireless device charging, ambient interior lighting, a motion-activated liftgate and a Bose performance audio system with 17 speakers. The Sensory stands out from other variants thanks to chrome-accented side moldings, chrome front and rear under guards below the bumpers, and 20-inch “luxury” alloy wheels with a charcoal metallic finish.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph
Taking the signature spot atop the QX60 lineup, the Autograph has a starting retail price of $60,350. The Autograph upgrades the Sensory with semi-aniline quilted leather seat trim, second-row captain’s chairs (6-passenger seating), a removable second-row center console, a 10.8-inch color head-up display, a digital rearview mirror and seven USB ports — three in front, two in each back row.
Inner Space
Infiniti hosted a press trip to Napa, California, to experience the QX60 firsthand. The event gave attendees the opportunity to spend time with the top-level Autograph — none of the other trims were available for testing. The Autograph’s cabin is lavishly equipped with pleated semi-aniline leather trim with contrasting stitching and piping, complemented with open pore wood trim and pleated leather on the dashboard. These interior appointments look exceptional in the available Saddle interior color scheme.
Back to a Single Display
In terms of occupant / vehicle interface, recent Infiniti models have been using dual screens for information display, which has its advantages but also some drawbacks. With the QX60, the brand moves to a single 12.3-inch touchscreen display as standard equipment on all trim levels. Thanks to plenty of real estate, the display is easy to read and can be split to show both navigation and audio information. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard but Android Auto still requires a wire, although both look good on the display.
Front Seats
The 2022 QX60 features Infiniti’s “zero gravity” seats up front. Despite protruding head restraints that look like they might not be comfortable, the seats actually function admirably. The design follows the natural curvatures of the human spine and reduces pressure on the hips. We spent a day driving the QX60 and found the seats exceedingly comfortable with significant support. A seat massage function offers three settings and does a wonderful job reducing fatigue.
Second Row
A second-row bench seat is standard equipment on most trims of the 2022 Infiniti QX60; the Autograph trim we drove features stylish captain’s chairs — also covered in semi-aniline leather. The second row offers plenty of headroom and legroom, and tri-zone climate controls provide additional comfort. For increased space and even more versatility, the center console in the second row can be easily removed.
Third Row
In what might be dubbed a third-row reality check, Infiniti designers rightly configured the final row of the luxurious QX60 for two occupants instead of the typical three, making the space much more usable. A small tray in the center as well as cupholders and available USB ports make being relegated to the third row much more appealing. The QX60’s panoramic sunroof provides additional interior light to create a more open, airy experience for rear-seat passengers.
Easy Access
Access to the third row of the 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph is simple — push a button on the second-row seat and it tilts and slides out of the way. The second-row seatback doesn’t fold down, so an unoccupied child seat can be left installed while providing access to the third row.
Cargo Space
Infiniti designers increased cargo capacity for the 2022 QX60, including plenty of usable space behind the third row. Second- and third-row seats can be easily folded flat, Creating up to 75.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Extra Storage
The new QX60 also adds extra storage under the cargo floor. Not only does the space keep items hidden from view, the plastic construction makes it usable for storing muddy clothes or even ice so it could function as an impromptu cooler for tailgating.
Under the Hood
Powering the 2022 Infiniti QX60 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds — a 20 percent improvement over the previous model.
Intelligent AWD
Infiniti offers its Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system on all trim levels of the 2022 QX60. Engineers designed a new direct-coupling system that engages almost instantaneously when the system detects wheelslip, with the ability to send up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels. An active brake limited slip system can apply brakes to individual wheels and direct torque to wheels with grip.
ProPILOT Assist
Infiniti also offers an enhanced version of ProPILOT Assist on the new QX60. This driver-assist technology uses adaptive cruise control and steering assist to aid acceleration, braking and steering — both in heavy traffic and on the open road. This latest version also processes data from the navigation system to automatically slow for sharp bends or exit ramps, as well as match vehicle velocity to displayed speed limit signs. The system can slow the QX60 to a stop in traffic, and will automatically move the vehicle again if the car in front moves within 30 seconds.
On the Road
During the press event, we spent the day driving the 2022 Infiniti QX60 through California Wine Country and out to the coast; a fitting setting for this luxurious SUV, which felt right at home in these upscale surroundings (those Infiniti event planners know their stuff). From the start, the most noticeable benefit of this new QX60 is an incredibly quiet ride — with the audio system off the interior is almost silent, even at high speeds — made possible through increased sound deadening as well as thicker second-row glass.
Good Performance
With almost 300 horsepower under the hood, the QX60 has more than adequate power for most driving situations. The new 9-speed automatic transmission works well with quick, smooth shifts. From a stop the three-row SUV doesn’t feel as quick as one might expect given its power potential, although most buyers will find acceleration appropriate for a premium SUV.
Surprising Handling
While driving the winding roads along the Pacific Coast, we were surprised by how well the QX60 handles. The steering system offers pointed feedback, and while pushing the big vehicle through corners we discovered it drives like a much smaller vehicle. And it is not a small vehicle.
Right for You?
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 rejoins a very competitive premium 3-row SUV market but brings a lot to the table that makes it a worthy competitor. With attractive exterior styling and a spacious, comfortable cabin replete with high-end materials, the QX60 will carry the whole family in style. Add in a powerful engine, the latest safety technology, strong towing capability and good use of cargo space and the new QX60 is certainly worth a look by in-market shoppers.
Rating: 8.5
Pros: Comfortable seats; spacious interior; long list of standard equipment.
Cons: No audio tuning knob; captain’s chairs exclusive to Autograph; chrome on bumpers a bit gaudy.
Bottom Line: Infiniti brings a worthy three-row premium SUV to this competitive market segment.
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