2027 Infiniti QX60 Review: A Refined Three-Row SUV with Room for Improvement
The 2027 Infiniti QX60 emerges as a compelling contender in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, designed to accommodate families with its spacious three-row seating. While it projects an image of sophistication with its sleek aesthetics and well-appointed interior, its driving dynamics reveal a somewhat mixed performance. The QX60 prioritizes an upscale on-road experience for daily commutes, aiming to blend comfort with practical utility. However, the decision to equip all models with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while contributing to decent fuel efficiency for its class, introduces a less refined and less potent powertrain that may not fully meet the expectations associated with a luxury vehicle.
Infiniti's QX60 stands out for its elegant interior, offering a plush cabin experience adorned with premium materials and excellent sound insulation that effectively isolates occupants from external disturbances. The front seats provide eight-way power adjustments and heating as standard, with options for ventilation, a massage function, and heated second-row seats to enhance comfort. The top-tier Autograph trim further elevates the experience with integrated headrest speakers for directed audio and navigation prompts, ensuring a personalized sound environment for the driver. The flexible seating arrangement allows for either seven passengers with a standard bench or six with optional captain's chairs in the second row, catering to various family needs. Even the third row, while compact, is suitable for adults on shorter journeys, though it offers limited charging access.
From a mechanical perspective, the 2027 QX60 is driven by a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on lower trims and standard on the Sport and Autograph models. While adequate for everyday driving, our road tests indicated that the powertrain could be more responsive, occasionally exhibiting a surging initial accelerator response and a tendency for the transmission to quickly shift into higher gears, demanding more assertive input for passing maneuvers. Despite its comfortable cruising capabilities, the ride quality was noted to be firmer than anticipated for a luxury SUV. Performance metrics showed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds for the Luxe AWD variant, placing it slightly behind competitors like the Volvo XC90 B6. Nevertheless, its impressive towing capacity of up to 6000 pounds surpasses that of rivals such as the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90, highlighting its utility. Fuel economy estimates from the EPA are competitive, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg.
For the 2027 model year, Infiniti has implemented minor adjustments to the QX60. These include a return to 18-inch wheels for the base model, the removal of adaptive headlights from the Autograph trim, and the introduction of an optional rear bench seat for the Sport version. Additionally, the Deep Bordeaux exterior paint option has been discontinued. Infiniti backs the QX60 with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a longer powertrain coverage than many competitors, extending to six years or 70,000 miles, alongside a three-year or 30,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. The vehicle also boasts a robust suite of standard driver-assistance features, such as automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offer advanced options like adaptive cruise control with hands-free highway driving assist and a 360-degree exterior camera system, enhancing both safety and convenience for drivers.
In conclusion, the 2027 Infiniti QX60 presents a well-rounded package for those seeking a stylish and versatile three-row SUV. It excels in interior luxury, practicality, and towing capabilities, while also offering competitive fuel efficiency and a strong warranty. Although its engine performance and ride comfort might not be class-leading, its attractive pricing and comprehensive feature set make it a noteworthy option in the premium mid-size SUV market.
