Drive Time – 2023 Infiniti QX60 Luxe AWD
Three-row SUV/Crossovers are normally comfortable beasts of burden, albeit huge and somewhat foreboding.
However, the tri-row crowd has another option that doesn’t take up nearly the same square footage for mooring the land yacht. Meaning, you can easily fit this into the garage – no small feat in this category.
The latest 2023 Infiniti QX60 brings a bunch of delight to those looking for a comfy cargo carrier that isn’t mistaken for every other ride in the parking lot. Size-wise, the 7-passenger ride sits comfortably between the mammoth QX80 and the smaller QX50. Some would say its “just right.” So, does the latest QX60 still hold up today? We’d say the QX60 is worth a look – especially adorned in the Luxe AWD version.
SKIN
The 2023 QX60’s Luxe exterior received a welcome makeover in 2022 providing attractive lines and angles but not so crazy that you have to talk yourself into liking it. Let’s call it sharply handsome in Mineral Black paint with some worthy chrome and glossy black trim accents to nicely break up the expansive siding. It possesses the unmistakable Infiniti sporty front fascia and Infiniti’s signature “double wave design.” I was impressed with the graceful extended character lines along its flanks, giving off a dare I say “svelte” presence. It’s robust without looking bulbous. The fit and finish is impressive as well.
Unique Piano Key LED eyebrows over the bright LED headlights and accompanied sporty air vents give the QX60 a slightly sinister personality. Cool 20” dark aluminum-alloy rims with black center caps are sensational looking without incurring a bumpy ride. Dual chrome exhausts and streamlined roof rails complete the package.
PERFORMANCE
The QX60 houses a capable 3.5-liter V-6 with 295-hp/270 lb-ft. torque and 6,000lb towing capacity. The 9-speed transmission is a welcome upgrade from the previous CVT tranny. It’s fine for most customers and all-wheel drive is standard with the Luxe package for extra grip and handling. The setup delivers a responsive 0-60 acceleration for a 3-rower at 6.2 seconds.
Steering is smooth, matching the ride and the suspension soaks up the bumps ably thereby delivering excellent cruising on long excursions. Auto Hold allows you to take your foot off the brake in bothersome stop and go traffic. Gas mileage is good for this category at 21/26. I observed about 23mpg in normal driving. Braking is confident.
The transmission shifts ably at the right kick points. There’s no jumpiness when easing onto the gas pedal. There’s a confidence driving it with just the right oomph when schlepping around a bunch of folks. Five distinct drive modes (Sport, Standard, Eco, Snow and Personal) are at your beck and call yet I preferred tooling around in Comfort mode as it seems to better mesh with the overall ride.
CABIN
The QX60 dresses out nicely in the Luxe edition. You’re surrounded in plush light Sandstone quilted-leather seating. The beautiful leather dash includes handsome upscale contrast double-stitching. Silver Metallic Weave Trim imparts just enough differing textures.
Heated and ventilated front seats are comfy, supportive and provide a higher sitting presence. The heated leather steering wheel felt good in my mitts. Essentially, the QX60 provides an upscale, insulated cocoon that drivers and passengers alike will appreciate along with Lighted Infiniti kick plates and rear door sunshades.
The second-level Luxe brings a generous double pane panoramic roof, power rear liftgate and Remote Engine Start. Visibility is excellent. The $1,500 Vision Package adds a helpful Head-Up Display and worthy high-definition Smart Rearview Mirror via outside cameras that enhance your unencumbered rear viewing to three lanes wide – no matter the rear passengers’ height or loaded cargo.
A responsive 12.3” digital infotainment screen features wireless Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is USB dependent.
Storage is ample for your various knickknacks. Seven USB ports (both A and C) keep all the passengers connected. Back seat room is generous in this class and the seats fold down for extra cargo space. However, the third-row leg room is best limited to the kids.
Cargo space is decent with 14.5 cubic feet behind the back row, 42.3 cubic feet behind the 2nd row and a whopping 75.4 cubic feet when the 2nd-row is flat. That’ll house more than a few golf bags.
TECH CHECK
Infiniti offers up some worthy tech and safety features. Wireless phone charging is now available and the optional $900 Bose Performance Series 17-speaker audio system is virtually a professionally tuned soundstage and crystal clear at any volume.
Abundant safety features include Intelligent Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning/Assist and Backup Collision Intervention (works great!). The NAV with MapCare, XM Real-Time Weather, 36 radio presets (across all radio formats!), Backup Camera, and Voice Recognition are excellent. You can select points of interest (all the golf courses were listed) and restaurants by Zagat ratings. Bluetooth calls and streaming continue to improve.
Like most in its class, the QX60 offers 360-degree camera/parking sensors, Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warnings that peeks ahead 500-yards for impending traffic issues and readies brakes for quick stops. It earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating. You’d have to be a deplorable driver to wreck this ride.
In addition, you get the 24-hour access Infiniti Personal Assistant that’s like conversing with your very own concierge – all at the push of a button. And Infiniti now brings Infiniti Premium Care: Free inspections, oil changes and tire rotations for three years. Very luxurious.
The 2023 Infiniti QX60 Luxe AWD is a handsome, well-appointed, and tech-laden for those desiring 3-row capability. It’s a great option rather than the usual gargantuan offerings. I believe you’ll be duly impressed when getting behind the Goldilocks of Infiniti’s SUV/Crossover line.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: Two foursomes
Curbside Appeal: Unique presence outside, cool inside
0-60: 6.2 seconds
MPG: 21/26 Observed 23 overall in AWD
Must Haves: Performance Audio and Vision packages
Warranty: Four years/60,000 miles
Base Price: $62,350
Price as Tested: $66,144
Who Buys It? Those desiring 3-rows in a comfy size platform
Finish Line: A worthy option when wanting comfort, size and luxury
Test-drive the 2023 Infiniti QX60 LUXE AWD at Crest Infiniti in Frisco.