2024 Infiniti QX60 Autograph: Test Drive

2024 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD

Class: Premium Midsize Crossover

Color: Deep Bordeaux

Seating capacity: 6

CG Report Card

Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	B
Fit and Finish	A-
Fuel Economy	B
Value	B

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	295-horsepower 3.5-liter
Engine Type	V6
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Miles driven: 270

Observed fuel economy: 19.6 mpg

Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/25/22 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas

Base price: $66,100 (not including $1195 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Premium Paint ($900), Lighting Package ($795), premium paint ($695)

Price as tested: $69,685

Quick Hits

The great: Vastly better vehicle than previous generation, drivetrain now appropriate for luxury class

The good: Rides and handles with European premium-vehicle character, quiet and comfortable cabin

The not so good: Requires premium fuel

Tom Appel:

Not too long ago, an Infiniti executive told Automotive News that the Nissan’s luxury brand was repositioning itself as a sort of “Nisan plus.” What this meant was, Infinti would no longer vie for sales with the likes of Audi and BMW, but sell instead upgraded variants of the products offered by the mainstream Nissan brand. This doesn’t mean that Infiniti is backing away from being a luxury brand, but that in price and content it was competing more closely with the likes of Acura and Buick, in a segment once described as “near luxury.”

On some level this is disappointing, as Infiniti’s sporty rear-drive Q50 and Q60 sedan and coupe were likely to be discontinued. And, indeed, the stylish but slow-selling Q60 has already been dropped—with the Q50 scheduled to depart shortly. FYI: This will leave Infiniti with an exclusively crossover/SUV lineup.

In truth, most of the Infiniti lineup was already based on Nissan products. The Compact QX50 and QX55 crossovers are close cousins of the Rogue crossover. And the big Infiniti QX80 SUV is a mechanical clone of the Nissan Armada.

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Likewise, the QX60 3-row midsize crossover borrows most of its mechanical bits from the likable Nissan Pathfinder, but, as we’re about to discuss, with a decidedly quieter and upscale cabin.

For 2024, the QX60 carries over largely unchanged. It is offered in three trim levels: base Pure (starting around $51,000), uplevel Luxe ($57.000), high-end Sensory ($60,000). And topline Autograph ($65,000). All are powered by a smooth 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. All QX60 models come standard with front-wheel drive; AWD adds $2000 to the bottom line.

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Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of an AWD 2024 Infiniti QX60 Autograph in Deep Bordeaux. Our test truck came to $69,445, which represents about all the QX60 you can buy.

Shoppers looking for a clear upscale move from the Pathfinder will find it inside the QX60. Functionally, the Infiniti boasts a larger touchscreen and better audio system. Décor wise, the QX60 ups the anti with quilted semi-aniline upholstery and dash tops, as well as generous helping of wood and bright-finish trim elements. And while the Pathfinder cabin comes off as relatively upscale, the QX60 interior looks and feels premium on an entirely different level.

Getting in and out of the QX60 is relatively easy, this thanks to a reasonable ride height and large door openings. Accessing the 3^rd-row seat is a bit more problematic, and adults will want to avoid making the trip unless it’s absolutely necessary.

On the road the QX60 feels very much like the Pathfinder, though seems to benefit from additional sound deadening. Indeed, the QX cabin is impressively quiet, allowing easy conversation between seating rows, even at highway speed.

In the QX60, the 3.5-liver V6 is rated at 295 horsepower, tough is meant to be fed premium fuel. The same engine in the Pathfinder is rated at 284 horsepower, but gets by on regular gas. We suspect the engines are exactly the same, and buyers of either vehicle will enjoy a small power bump when topping off with the high-test stuff.

Regardless of application, this drivetrain delivers smooth and stress-free power across the driving range, with plenty of reserve muscle for passing and merging. The engine also sounds good in action. The attentive 9-speed automatic is smooth in operation, and almost always in the appropriate gear.

And, we’re happy to report seeing 20 mpg over 120 miles of mostly city driving, which strikes us as decently frugal given the size of the QX60, and the available performance.

Much like the Lincoln Navigator we recently evaluated, the QX60 surprises with just a little more chassis firmness and corning control than one might expect in a luxury crossover. We find the feeling of control reassuring, but some consumer might prefer a cushier ride. As always, we recommend a long test drive to be sure this—or any—vehicle suites your needs and your tastes.

All told, the QX60 strikes us as something of a luxury-crossover value, especially the middle trim levels. We’re actually big fans of the Nissan Pathfinder, but fully appreciate shopper looking for a little extra style and substance upgrading to the QX60. And While Infiniti might be repositioning itself in the marketplace, the QX60 seems perfectly placed for shoppers who find the European luxury brands a little too spendy.

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