Review: 2016 Infiniti QX60 AWD Great Style, Small Misses
Over the past several years, Infiniti has really turned up the heat on its competitors by adding great styling and really improving their interiors. Add in a host of new features and a competitive price point, the 2016 Infiniti QX60 is really good, yet small details and a lack of torque hold it back.
With Infiniti products, I often refer to them as the “sleeper” luxury pick. Why? Where other manufactures have a strong brand presence to bring in customers – like BMW, Mercedes Benz or Audi – Infiniti, for whatever reason, doesn’t have that same brand recognition. It is too bad since their products are always a welcome addition to my driveway.
As the brand evolves, we are starting to really see a common styling direction among all their products with the v-motion front-end design from the logo on the grille to the eye-brow like headlights and flowing down the sides. Another tell-tale Infiniti feature is the chrome “nudge” on the rear window where it slopes in near the top left. The rear wraps up with a visually well-proportioned bumper, tailgate and tailgate glass where one item doesn’t overpower the other. Overall, it is a great look on this size model size and the design fits the body really well.
Inside, the Infiniti really does shine with plush materials, the always amazing zero gravity seats and soft-touch buttons all over. Plus, the door handles (yes! Door handles) could be my favorite among all vehicles in the segment. Integrated wood-like materials along with a graphite work well with the leather-appointed seats. The second-row seats carries over this styling and offers plenty of room at the expense of the third-row which is child-usable.
Tying all of this styling together is a panoramic moon-roof that extends through the third-row and really opens up the interior of the cabin to natural light.
While the styling is really good, a variety of items really hold this SUV back from being the one-to-get. For example, the center stack console buttons are split in such a way to cause some distraction on quickly finding the setting needed. Next, the integrated vehicle information screen between the speedometer and tachometer is inset in and rotated in such a way it is funky to look at. Also, the steering wheel controls can be clumsy to use and can be accidentally pushed when turning.
Finally, the biggest item distracting this Infiniti is the powertrain. Simply put, it needs an upgraded engine or a turbo-charged offering. The current 3.5L V6 produces 265 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque which seems like a lot, however, in everyday driving, I wanted more off-the-line power and loading down this SUV with occupants or cargo doesn’t do the engine any favors. Fortunately, a variety of driving modes do help like Sport which awakens this powertrain. Yet driving around in Sport mode really hurts the already fair fuel economy of 19/26/22 city/highway/combined EPA estimated MPG.
In the end, the 2016 Infiniti QX60 is really good, except for those misses. However, if those items don’t bother you like they did me, it is an excellent choice for a third-row luxury SUV.
Model: 2016 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 AWD
Engine: 3.5L V6 AWD
HP/Torque: 265/248
EPA Fuel Economy: 19/26/22
Options:
- Deluxe Technology Package – $6,900
- Theater Package – $1,800
- Premium Plus Package – $2,900
- Premium Package – $1,800
- Pearl Paint – $500
Price as Tested: $59,345 with $995 destination charge
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.