By Len Ingrassia
Automotive columnist

Spinoff luxury car divisions from Japan have led the pack with burgeoning sales here and around the globe. Led by Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura, the Nissan/Infiniti group is making strides with its SUV lineup.

Leading sales here, the QX 60 was the company’s first three row crossover since its debut in 2012. First known as the JX35, it was renamed two years later and has been based on the company’s Pathfinder platform since.

The QX50, 60 and 80 comprise this year’s SUVs with stair step pricing and size distinguishing the lineup. Base prices range from low $40s, $50s and $80s respectively.

Our mid-range QX60 tester showed off its new engine – a variable compression turbo four cylinder replacing last years’ 3.5-liter V6. It has 16 lb.-ft more torque but 27 fewer ponies with 286 horsepower.

Not surprisingly, the new engine slightly improves fuel economy by nearly two miles per gallon however our independent testing to 60 miles-per-hour from a dead stop was disappointing.

We recorded last year’s similarly equipped QX60 at 6.7 seconds on our test track. The new engine reached the mark more than a full second slower at 7.9 seconds.

Its nine-speed automatic transmission in sport mode also delivered dismal performance off the line with turbo lag being the culprit.

On the plus side, once you overlook its power deficiencies, the QX60 delivers a smooth ride at highway speeds with ample passing maneuvers in a near luxury, quiet cabin.

Its stylish exterior is enhanced with an available Black Edition package. The $1,900 option includes black roof rails, and rear emblems, 20-inch wheels with gloss black finish, black headliner and upper interior trim along with a blackened front grille.

The Infiniti QX60 is available in Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph trim levels. Each is well equipped with near luxury treatment.

Adult seating is available in all three rows and the second-row slides to and fro for nearly six inches and can also flip upward making access to the third row a snap. Additionally, all seat backs recline for extra comfort.

Dual 12.3-inch displays house instrument cluster information and infotainment features including controls for a 17-speaker Bose audio system and one of the best navigation systems we have run across.

Quilted semi-aniline leather draped first and second row seating in our Luxe tester while front seats are ventilated, powered and heated. Second row Captain’s chairs were also standard and the rear center console is removable if extra space is needed.

A large compartment up front and cargo space up to 76.5 cubic feet is available with the second and third row seats folded flat. Conversely with up to seven passengers in three rows there is 15.8 cubic feet available.

The QX60 faces stiff competition with BMW X5 as well as Volvo XC90, Acura MDX and Lincoln Aviator. From a value standpoint, the QX60 costs nearly $10,000 more than the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Nissan’s own Pathfinder, all of which offer similar performance and panache.

(Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net)

What was reviewed:

2025 Infiniti QX60 Luxe AWD

Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder VC turbo.

EPA mileage: 22 city, 27 highway, 24 combined

MSRP/as tested: $58,800/ $62,745

Assembled: Infiniti QX60 final assembly in Smyrna, TN. U.S./Canadian parts content – 45 percent. Country of origin of engine – Japan and transmission – U.S.

Crash test ratings: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2025 QX60 its highest rating of “Good” in small overlap frontal offset for driver and passenger, second best Acceptable in moderate overlap and “Good” for side impact, roof strength protection in rollover safety and “Superior” ratings in crash avoidance and mitigation in vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to pedestrian crash prevention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Infiniti QX60 its highest rating with five stars for overall and side crash safety, four stars for frontal crash protection and rollover protection.

Warranty: 4-year/60,000 mile basic; 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain. Three-year scheduled maintenance with loaner car.