Luxury-brand sister to Nissan, Infiniti is much like Lexus for Toyota. If you’re looking to spend a bit more to get more comfortable seats, finer touches, and of course, a price tag to match, Infiniti has you covered.
The 2018 Infiniti QX60 is just one model in a lineup of crossover SUVs waiting to help you cart around your brood, bring home all your goodies, and transport anything you can fit between the rear pillars. The unique styling of the Infiniti QX60 makes it a favorite for those with an eye for design, but the creature comforts within the interior are a great addition as well.
Let’s take a closer look at Infiniti’s luxury SUV package, otherwise known as the 2018 QX60.
Performance Specifications
All 2018 Infiniti QX60s are powered by either a 3.5-liter V6 engine or a 2.5-liter supercharged inline-four cylinder paired with a 15kW electric motor. The 3.5-liter V6 boasts 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Net horsepower on the inline-four paired to an electric motor is 250 with 243 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter V6 engines are mated to a CVT.
Customers can purchase the 2018 Infiniti QX60 in the following colors:
- Black Obsidian
- Graphite Shadow
- Hagane Blue
- Hermosa Blue
- Liquid Platinum
- Majestic White
Fuel Efficiency
Kelley Blue Book reports the 2018 Infiniti QX60 models equipped with the V6 obtain a 20 city and 27 highway EPA-estimated mpg rating for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive models come in at 19 city and 26 highway mpg.
Those models fitted with the hybrid powertrain achieve higher numbers at 25 city and 27 highway for front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. Though the hybrid model is a smart addition to the mix, especially given the competitions’ tendency to offer similar options, the 2018 Infiniti QX60 does rank 23rd on Kelley Blue Book’s list for fuel efficiency. It does post respectable numbers, but with the bar already set high, achieving such results can oftentimes be difficult.
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Entertainment and Safety Features
Beyond a standard rearview camera, the 2018 Infiniti QX60 comes equipped with a slew of safety features, not all of which come standard on all models. However, collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are all available options. Kelley Blue Book notes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 Infiniti QX60 a five-star rating overall.
It’s important to know that the 2018 Infiniti QX60 technically comes in only a handful of configurations. Like many of the higher-priced competitors, the 2018 QX60 allows customers to choose either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and between the V6 or the hybrid powerplants. Other options beyond those most basic components can be added as desired.
For example, standard components include 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, a power liftgate, keyless entry, and push button start. Leather comes standard on all models, along with automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, and a sunroof. A seven-inch touchscreen display operates the six-speaker sound system and 2018 QX60 models also come equipped with Bluetooth as well.
Some of the other packages available on the 2018 Infiniti QX60 include the Premium, Premium Plus, Driver Assistance, Theater, Deluxe Technology, and a 20-inch Wheel and Tire package. Each of these packages is meant to cover the basics for those looking to add a bit more comfort to their ride.
How the 2018 Infiniti QX60 Compares
Consumer Reports notes the 2018 Infiniti QX60 is closely related to the Nissan Pathfinder, with a base price slightly over $40,000. Customers will get a fair amount of luxury and comfort for the pricing, but there are better options out there depending on what you’re looking for in a crossover/hybrid/compact SUV.
Edmunds notes that the 2018 QX60 has a smooth transmission, which aids in ride quality. By no means an off-roading car, the QX60 is a taste of luxury without the outrageous price tag. In fact, Kelley Blue Book gave the car kudos for being reasonable in both size and price, although experts there did also point out that the 2018 Infiniti QX60 is a better ride than the Lexus RXL and is cheaper than a Mercedes-Benz SUV of the same caliber and class.
The 2018 QX60 isn’t particularly powerful when compared to other SUVs in its segment, but it does have a firm ride that allows drivers to confidently maneuver both stretches of highway and the tangles of typical city streets. Though it technically has a third row, it’s probably going to see about as much use as the back seats of any convertible. All the same, there is a decent amount of cargo capacity for those looking to tote around the occasional large object.
In terms of direct competition, you’d have to include Nissan’s SUV lineup amongst the other brands who’ve spent a great deal of time developing their crossover/SUV offerings. As one of the hottest segments within the last few years —with no apparent end in sight — the competition amongst the ranks is fierce. Honda has a strong lead in the pack with its Pilot, CR-V, and HR-V, with Toyota’s Highlander, RAV4, and 4Runner nipping at its heels. Cadillac, Lexus, and Buick offer mid-range luxury options, while, of course, there’s also Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, to name a few.
In the end, it really depends on your price range and desired comfort level. What options are useful for your lifestyle, and which can you perhaps go without? Customers are truly the beneficiaries of this neck-and-neck competition present in the SUV segment, so see what packages best fit your needs and what platforms you resonate most with. You’re sure to find a near-perfect package amongst the variety of options available.
Pros
- Hybrid model available
- Resale value
- Reliable and affordable
Cons
- Most safety features are not standard
- Not a lot of third-row leg room
- Small amount of cargo space
- Low towing capacity
If you’re looking for a stylish SUV to get around in and enjoy some of the capabilities crossovers sport, then the 2018 Infiniti QX60 is your car. Not convinced? Stop by your local Infiniti dealer today and test drive the 2018 QX60.
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