Pros
- A rejuvenated premium midsize crossover
- Three rows of seating
- Powerful V6 engine
- New automatic transmission
Cons
- No hybrid version so far
What’s New This Year?
- The 2022 QX60 is completely new for this model year
KBB Editors’ Overview
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 marks a new generation of this premium midsize 3-row SUV/crossover. It could be the most important vehicle in the marque’s history.
Infiniti’s aging fleet needs an overhaul, and the new QX60 (along with the upcoming 2022 QX55) could make Nissan’s luxury division a credible contender among intriguing rivals like the Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, and Volvo XC90. It’s an uphill climb, but it looks like the 2022 QX60 has the right ingredients for a real shot at success.
How much does the 2022 Infiniti QX60 cost?
The on-sale date for the 2022 QX60 is scheduled for later in 2021, but Infiniti dealers have been told to anticipate vehicles in the summer. Prices will be announced nearer that time.
We expect the 2022 Infiniti QX60 range should start around $46,000 and go up to about $56,000.
It just so happens that a major rival, the 2022 Acura MDX, is also revitalized and starts in the $48k region. Potential buyers will also be interested in the Genesis GV80, the 3-row Lexus RX 350L, and Volvo XC90 (all from around $50k, 2021 figures). The Germans — the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — are fantastic, but start around $10k higher than the projected 2022 QX60 price.
Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area will have paid for their new QX60. Way back in the mists of 2019, the previous QX60 won a KBB award for low ownership cost over five years.
Driving the 2022 Infiniti QX60
No turbochargers or superchargers. The 2022 QX60 employs a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. A linear and nicely responsive power delivery is promised and expected. Remember, Nissan/Infiniti has been making some great V6 engines for many years.
This one develops 295 horsepower, exactly the same as the previous generation. The big difference here is that it’s connected to an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) — which should please, oh, just about everyone.
The spread of the ratios enables a fast sprint off the line (the transmission also has a Sport mode) as well as bearable fuel economy at freeway speeds. Other driving modes include Standard, Eco, Snow, and a user-customizable Personal setting.
A shift-by-wire arrangement instead of a traditional lever means extra space in the center console for storage. And Infiniti says the drivetrain is attached to the body using an active torque mount that cuts down on noise, vibration, and harshness.
Favorite Features
STYLING
This is admittedly a stretch, considering the production QX60 is still under wraps as we write this. But hopes are high because Infiniti’s chief designer, Taisuke Nakamura, has already come up with a couple of cool concepts in the QX Inspiration and QX60 Monograph. If any features from those studies make it into the real-life new QX60, it’s going to be interesting.
ZF 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Nissan (and, by extension, Infiniti) has applied a lot of engineering talent to the humble CVT. But there’s a reason why the big boys like BMW and Mercedes-Benz use conventional automatic transmissions with planetary gears. They have sharper responses and deliver a more satisfying driving experience. This new 9-speed unit in the 2022 QX60 is sourced from ZF, a third-party supplier whose client list covers virtually every major car company.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Interior
At the time of compiling this review, there were no interior shots of the new 2022 QX60. All we know so far is that it will offer three rows of seating.
Being a premium midsize crossover, though, does entail having simulated leather upholstery of decent quality in the lower trims, with the real stuff coming in higher up. We’re also anticipating an infotainment system with two screens.
The new QX55, incidentally, is offering black-stained wood trim. So it’s possible the QX60 will as well.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Exterior
Infiniti still had the new QX60 under camouflage while we were writing this. If the QX60 Monograph design study is any indication of what to expect, then it should remain recognizable as an Infiniti up front, with a familiar-shaped grille. Around the back, though, is another story.
There’s almost a Range Rover kind of look to the Monograph’s rear pillars and glass. A single strip housing the rear lights runs across the tailgate, contributing to an overall look that’s exceptionally clean, with a hint of subtle sculpting.
Where the real 2022 QX60 departs from the Monograph (from what we can tell so far) is that the concept vehicle’s flush-fitting door handles won’t make it into the production version. If the kinked rear pillar of the outgoing QX60 becomes history, chances are not many people will be upset.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Standard Features
Until we have the official facts, we’re going with a few guesstimates. One being that the entry-level trim is called Pure, since that’s an Infiniti thing.
Let’s pretend we’re in the future. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The cabin contains heated front seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering column, and a powered moonroof. A powered tailgate is also included in Pure trim, along with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is included. And it’s wireless. Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking is just one of several advanced driver aids that come as part of the deal.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Options
Real leather upholstery, heated 2nd-row outboard seats, hands-free tailgate operation, larger alloy wheels, Wi-Fi, and a Bose audio system upgrade should all be available higher up the trim level ladder or on the options list.
2022 Infiniti QX60 Engine
A naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 propels the 2022 QX60 with 295 horsepower. When the official tech specs come through, we will update this section (as we will every other section), but we’ll assume for now that front-wheel drive (FWD) is the default setup, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.
A new 9-speed automatic transmission will undoubtedly affect fuel economy compared with the outgoing model’s CVT, but we’re supplying 2020’s EPA figures for a ballpark.
No hybrid drivetrain of any description so far. This is a bit disappointing since most carmakers embrace varying degrees of electrification, while some aim to be all-electric within a few years.
3.5-liter V6
295 horsepower
N/A
EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimated): 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 (AWD)
2022 Infiniti QX60 Safety Technology
Blind-spot warning
This needs to be standard in the 2022 QX60 because Infiniti included it in the 2020 model. Things like forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking are pretty much demanded these days. But it’s good to include blind-spot monitoring as well.
ProAssist package
We believe this will continue to be on the options list, or at least some elements. It includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, rear emergency braking, front/rear parking sensors, active lane tracing, self-dimming side mirrors, and automatic high beams.
Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
A typical optional extra, this includes a 360-degree camera system. As well as being helpful when reversing out of parking spaces, it’s also great for parallel parking and knowing where the curb is.
