INFINITI

One week with: 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD

The midsize SUV is a common sight on America's streets and highways. It's the vehicle of choice for families with older children who have outgrown smaller, compact SUVs and sedans and need room for sports equipment or musical instruments and anything else that goes along with an active lifestyle.

The popularity of midsize SUVs also means consumers are spoiled for choice, as manufacturers have moved to meet demand with a variety of vehicles that adapt to the space and daily demands of busy customers, not just with functionality, but with a touch of luxury.

Among the luxury options is the 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph, which comes with a spacious interior capable of accommodating seven people, a full suite of comfort and convenience features, as well as advanced driver assistance features. It also has ample power, so it doesn't feel sluggish when it's loaded with passengers and gear, and a solid, well-tuned chassis and suspension.

Exterior... Designers assigned to work on the midsize SUV face a daunting task, as the two-box shape is emphasized by the vehicle's basic function of transporting people and their belongings. The sheet metal that surrounds the vehicle is sleek and well-shaped.

But Infiniti's designers also gave the QX60 a unique grille and lighting fixtures, giving the vehicle its own distinct character, which is amplified by roof rails and bold 20-inch wheels. The tailgate and light fixtures have a sleek, clean look. The QX60's exterior design doesn't break new ground, so it blends in with the mass of midsize SUVs on American streets.

Interior...Key to the Infiniti QX60 is the spacious and well-appointed cabin. The cabin of the Autograph version of the QX60 is richly decorated with leather and soft materials, giving it a luxurious feel. The cabin's luxurious design is amplified by the glossy material used throughout the interior.

Controls for the main functions are a mix of knobs and knobs and a touchscreen in the center stack. There's also a sunroof to light up the vehicle's interior, as well as a seventeen-speaker Bose sound system. The interior is quiet too, adding to the enjoyment of the entertainment system. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent.

Powertrain...The 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, paired with a 9-speed transmission. The vehicle is equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. It also has a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with trailer sway control and a trailer hitch. The US Environmental Protection Agency gave the QX60 a combined rating of 22 mpg, including 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Technology...The QX60 is equipped with a full range of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward collision alert with emergency braking. It also features Lane Departure Alert and Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Alert and Intervention, Surrounding View Monitoring, Auto Rear Braking and Auto High Beam LED lights.

It also features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation with maps, a Bose entertainment system and a 10.8-inch head-up display, as well as welcome lighting for entering the vehicle. It is also equipped with Bluetooth, satellite radio connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging.

Driving impressions...The Infiniti QX60 is a pleasant vehicle to drive. It handles well, rolls smoothly over a variety of surfaces, including the dirt road I drove for several miles, and the four-wheel drive system adds an added measure of stability.

The V-6 engine offers ample power for both city and highway driving. The nine-speed transmission handles shifting efficiently. As I said at the beginning, it is a pleasant vehicle to drive without dramas or any kind of fuss, which is what the target customer, an upscale suburbanite, expects from this vehicle in their day-to-day.

The overall versatility of vehicles in this class is their main selling point, and the QX60 can carry up to seven passengers and tow a boat or trailer. It also has ample power for its weight and class. The main selling point, however, is the sumptuous interior, which enhances the driving experience and accounts for the high price tag, clocking in at $70,000.

The Infiniti name, while at times lost in competition with other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW and particularly Lexus, still carries a measure of prestige that customers are likely to demand.

2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD – FAQ

Is the Infiniti QX60 roomy?...As we said, it's a roomy car, but not, like some of its heavyweight rivals, a vehicle comparable in size to a ballroom. There are four different QX60 trim levels available – Luxe, Pure, Sensory and Autograph – and as you move up the food chain there are more package options on offer.

Is Infiniti a high-end Nissan?...Nissan is a Japanese automaker and Infiniti is its luxury brand. For this reason, some Infiniti vehicles are based on Nissan's lineup. However, they've been heavily overhauled and have a lot more luxury features.

Which is bigger Infiniti QX50 or QX60?...The main difference between the QX60 and the QX50 is size – the QX60 is bigger, both inside and out, than the QX50. The QX60 has 149 cubic feet of passenger capacity, which is 13.2 cubic feet more than the QX50.

Joseph Szczesny