There is a second generation of the mid-size three-row SUV from Nissan's luxury brand, the 2022 Infiniti QX60.
Platform Sharing
Based on the very recently released Nissan Pathfinder that should be hitting showrooms as you read this, the 2022 QX60 has very capable bones on which to build its luxury status.
Ditching the first-generation QX60's minivan like design and proportions, much like the previous Nissan Pathfinder, the 2022 QX60 goes for more boxy proportions that should help the interior, even though exterior proportions are down slightly over the outgoing model.
Many features of the new Pathfinder find their way into its luxury sibling as well; features such as the powerful 3.5-liter V-6 producing 295 hp, all-new 9-speed ZF automatic. Huzzah! The CVT is gone. (Check out our review of the smaller QX55 to see our feelings on CVTs.) Buyers can opt for an advanced Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system that features a new direct-coupling AWD engagement for seamless power transfer.
Designed for Families, Targeted Toward Moms
It is clear from the way Infiniti introduced us to the 2022 QX60 that busy moms seeking a tranquil escape are their target market, going as far as showcasing Kate Hudson's busy life as a mom in their global reveal video. Even Infiniti's own walkaround video on their YouTube channel features a mom describing how the QX60 would improve her life.
Clever marketing aside, the QX60 does check all the right boxes for families: plenty of room with seating for up to 8 when properly optioned, plenty of USB ports for all on board, and a second row seat that allows access to the third row while still holding a child seat in place.
Beautiful Interior
The interior is where the QX60 excels at its mission of upstaging its sibling from Nissan. From smartly placed accent lighting, to wood accents and quilted leather, the interior of the 2022 Infiniti QX60 shines. It definitely makes for a tranquil environment.
We have only seen the top-of-the-line Autograph trim, meaning we are not sure what will be sacrificed for the lower trims, but we are itching to take this one on a road trip across the state of Texas now.
Good news is that Nissan/Infiniti's "Zero Gravity" seats are standard for front passengers in all trims, which would make any trip a breeze as they attempt to replicate the experience of space. Developed in a joint study with Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University, the seats more closely follow the natural curvatures of the human spine and reduce pressure on the hips, so driver and passengers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed. Front-row occupants enjoy standard, 8-way power-adjustable heated seats that adapt to myriad body types.
Middle row seats can either be a 3 person bench, in lower trims, or captains chairs as seen in the images Infiniti has shared. The rear seat is designed for either 2 or 3 depending on the trim as well. Top trim Autograph models are of the 2+2+2 configuration.
Space for things ranges from just over 14 cubic feet behind the third row, to 41.6 behind the second with the third folded flat, an improvement over the larger previous generation QX60. Total cargo volume with both rows folded flat is just over 75 cubic feet, a competitive number for the class and very similar to the top-trim Kia Sorento we just tested. Climate controls are touch-sensitive and housed on the asymmetrical cluster on the dash. Knobs do stick around for fine-tuning the standard tri-zone system.
Technologically Equipped
Starting with the 12.3-inch infotainment screen running the newest version of Infiniti's InTouch software standard across all models is welcomed. As are wireless Apple CarPlay and (wired) Android Auto. The wireless phone charging pad was designed to fit large phones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Onboard Wi-Fi will also help keep all passengers entertained on any length trip.
The QX60's enhanced ProPILOT Assist with Navi Link system now combines data sourced from the onboard navigation system to help slow the QX60 for sharp bends or off-ramps while on a journey.
ProPILOT Assist also supports the driver during single-lane highway travel with more natural inputs into the vehicle, including braking and steering, to arrive at any destination more comfortably. When engaged, ProPILOT Assist with Navi Link can team with available Traffic Sign Recognition to automatically slow the QX60 to posted speed limits. Enhanced auto-restart now can slow the QX60 to a stop in traffic and restart travel without driver input for up to 30 seconds.
Additionally, a crystal-clear, full-color 10.8-inch head-up display can display vital information to the driver without taking his or her eyes off the road. The sharp display is significantly enhanced over prior iterations and competitors with a dual free-form mirror that provides a crisp readout from more viewing angles than before. For more driver assistance, an available Smart Rear View Mirror provides an unobstructed view behind the QX60 when passengers or cargo may obstruct rearward vision.
Available on the QX60 and standard on select grade levels, a premium Bose Performance series 17-speaker sound system faithfully replicates beautiful audio and nuanced notes in the cabin. Specifically designed for the QX60 SUV and its audio profile, the Bose Performance Series sound system executes a rich and broad range of audio, no matter the source. Cleverly designed woofers in the rear are moved from their previous location in the underfloor storage compartment to the rear panels for better sound and increased storage capacity.
Active safety features such as Rear Automatic Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection are standard on all grade levels of the QX60. Adaptive Front Lighting and Auto-Leveling Headlights are available to light the road ahead brilliantly.
Getting the Power Down
As mentioned earlier, Infiniti has only one engine and transmission choice at launch: 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that's paired with an all-new 9-speed ZF automatic transmission. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on the 2022 INFINITI QX60 at every grade level and is significantly enhanced, compared to its predecessor. The all-new, direct coupling all-wheel-drive system almost instantly engages when it detects wheel slip and, in some cases, can proactively engage for more confidence in slippery conditions. Extensive testing in snowy climates of North America verified the system's capability, with engineers logging hundreds of hours behind the wheel. Up to 50% of the available power can be sent to the rear wheels for increased grip. Infiniti's Active Brake Limited Slip functionality can brake individual wheels to redirect torque to the wheels with grip almost instantly. When properly equipped, selected all-wheel-drive grades of the QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds, a 20% improvement over the previous model.
The 2022 INFINITI QX60 arrives in North America in late 2021. Pricing, detailed specifications, features availability, and reservation information will be announced later, but we are ready to road test one today...what say you? Stay tuned.
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About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan with operations around the world including regional offices based in the Americas, China and INFINITI International Markets based in Dubai. The INFINITI brand of premium automobiles are assembled in manufacturing facilities in Japan, North America and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.
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