2016 Infiniti QX60 Gets a Nip and a Tuck (That's the FWD-Based, Three-Row One)

Infiniti was early to the luxury-crossover party with its FX (now known as the QX70), an aggressive, rear-drive-based offering that boasted lots of style and performance but not much practicality. As distinctive as it was—and still is—the FX/QX70 was destined to remain a niche player. Seeking to move into the heart of the family-friendly market, Infiniti launched the JX for 2013—and then changed its name to QX60 for 2014. The more commodious, three-row entry sits in a sweet spot in the market, but unlike Infiniti’s other SUV models, it has a close kin in U.S. Nissan showrooms, the Pathfinder. Three years on, the QX60 is getting a mid-cycle update to help keep it in the hunt against newer competitors such as the Acura MDX and the Volvo XC90.

That update consists mostly of refinements, with a smidgen of new styling thrown in. Taking the latter first, we see a new, more rounded front-end design with new headlights (bixenon with LED daytime running lights) and a new grille. A larger Infiniti logo sits smack in the middle of the mesh grillework, and the lower fascia has been redesigned, as well, and incorporates LED fog lights. At the rear, the taillights, hatch, and bumper have been tweaked. There also are new wheel designs.

Refinements are concentrated in the area of NVH and driving demeanor. To quell NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), Infiniti has added acoustic side glass and retuned the engine mounts. To inject some life into the experience behind the wheel, the company has revised the suspension with new springs and dampers, promising reduced body roll with improved ride quality at the same time. A quicker steering ratio should make for livelier response to inputs.

Powertrains remain as before, with Nissan’s long-serving 3.5-liter VQ V-6 sitting transversely under the hood, attached to a CVT. Output is 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid powertrain also is available. It pairs a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor. In total, the gas-electric system musters 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft. Either powertrain can be ordered with front- or all-wheel drive. The QX60 is sold in a single trim level, but a total of seven option packages—some of them new for 2016—allow buyers a degree of customization.

In all, it’s a modest update, but that may be all that’s needed given the number of buyers flowing into this segment. After all, sales of the QX60 are up more than 20 percent this year.