INFINITI QX60 Review: Pros, Cons, Reliability & Who Should Buy One
The INFINITI QX60 is one of the most searched three-row luxury SUVs on the market — and one of the most misunderstood. Online reviews from major outlets often grade it against driving dynamics standards set by German sport utilities that cost $20,000 more. That misses the point. The QX60 is built for families who want genuine luxury, reliable technology, and practical three-row usability — and judged on those terms, it makes a compelling case. Here's the honest, complete review.
What the INFINITI QX60 Gets Right
Interior quality at every trim level. The QX60 starts with genuine leather-appointed seating on the base PURE trim. Not leatherette — leather. At a starting price that undercuts several competitors whose base trims use cloth or synthetic. The cabin materials across all four trim levels are consistently well-finished, with soft-touch surfaces where your hands actually rest and thoughtful organization throughout.
The Google Built-In infotainment system. The current QX60 generation's 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Google's native operating system — not a phone mirror, not a proprietary interface bolted on after the fact. Google Maps with real-time traffic, Google Assistant voice control, and access to compatible apps via the Google Play Store are built directly into the vehicle's native system. For buyers used to fighting with automotive infotainment, the difference is immediately obvious.
Three genuinely usable rows. The QX60's third row is accessible to adults, not just children. Seat bottoms are appropriately high, the entry path is reasonably clear, and the captain's chairs on SPORT and AUTOGRAPH trims meaningfully improve second-row access and comfort. Maximum cargo volume is competitive with class rivals.
Available ProPILOT Assist. On SPORT and AUTOGRAPH trims, INFINITI's ProPILOT Assist delivers steering, braking, and acceleration support on single-lane highways. For Akron-area families who spend real time on I-76, I-77, and the Ohio Turnpike, this technology reduces fatigue on long drives in a way that adaptive cruise control alone doesn't.
Towing capacity. The QX60 is rated for up to 6,000 lbs with properly equipped AWD — more than the Acura MDX's 5,000 lb limit, and enough for a boat, camper, or trailer for most Northeast Ohio families' weekend use.
Value against its direct competition. The QX60 starts lower than the MDX and the Volvo XC90 while offering more standard equipment. The AUTOGRAPH trim competes directly with heavily optioned MDX and XC90 variants at a lower transaction price.
What the INFINITI QX60 Gets Wrong
The engine is the biggest controversy. The current QX60 uses a 2.0L Variable Compression Turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 268 horsepower. The previous generation had a naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 producing 295 horsepower. At highway speeds the VC-Turbo is smooth and adequate, but aggressive merging or towing near the vehicle's capacity limit reveals a powertrain that works harder than the old V6 did in the same situations. Drivers who previously owned the V6-equipped QX60 and valued that particular character may notice the difference.
Driving dynamics are not the priority. Car and Driver rated the 2026 QX60 a 5.3 out of 10. That number reflects how it drives on a test track compared to a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE — vehicles that cost $20,000–$30,000 more and are explicitly tuned for sport. For everyday family transport on Summit County roads, the QX60's ride is appropriately compliant. If spirited driving dynamics matter to you, the QX60 is not the answer.
Third-row legroom is tight. It's usable for adults on short trips and comfortable for children. But adults on long highway drives will feel the constraint. If your family regularly needs comfortable third-row seating for adults on extended trips, the QX80 is the right vehicle.
Some early 2022–2023 software issues. Owners of the current generation have reported infotainment software glitches — primarily affecting the legacy system before the Google Built-In update. The 2026 model's Google system represents a clean break from those early software complaints.
INFINITI QX60 Reliability: The Real Picture
Reliability concerns about the QX60 almost always reference the 2014–2017 models with CVT transmission shudder and oil sludge in high-mileage examples. Those issues were real. They also have nothing to do with the current generation vehicle.
The 2022+ QX60 uses a ZF 9-speed torque-converter automatic transmission — a completely different unit from the CVT. Early reliability data on the current generation is positive. INFINITI ranked #1 in JD Power's Premium SUV Customer Service Study for 2026. Independent owner feedback on CarComplaints and the QX60 Forum for 2022–2026 models shows substantially fewer complaints per car than the first generation.
For long-term reliability: follow the maintenance schedule. Synthetic oil at 5,000-mile intervals, transmission fluid at 30,000–45,000 miles, and consistent multi-point inspections are the difference between a QX60 that reaches 180,000 miles and one that doesn't. INFINITI of Akron's certified technicians handle the full maintenance schedule with OEM parts.
INFINITI QX60 Trim Guide: Which One to Buy
- PURE — Best choice for buyers who want genuine leather, the full safety suite, and the new Google infotainment without paying for features they don't use. Excellent value.
- LUXE — The most popular trim. Adds the head-up display, ventilated seats, and a better audio system. The sweet spot for most buyers.
- SPORT — New for 2026. Choose this if you want the QX60's distinctive look without the AUTOGRAPH's material premium. Gloss black wheels and an exclusive interior color set it apart visually.
- AUTOGRAPH — For buyers who want the best materials and the massaging seats. Semi-aniline leather and the Klipsch audio system are worth the premium if those things matter to you daily.
Who the INFINITI QX60 Is For
The QX60 is the right vehicle for families who need three rows of seats, value genuine luxury materials over sport tuning, and want current technology — particularly Google's infotainment ecosystem — without paying Lexus or BMW prices. It is not the right vehicle for buyers who prioritize driving dynamics above all else, who need adults to ride comfortably in the third row on long trips, or who regularly tow more than 6,000 lbs.
The best way to decide is to drive one. Browse our current QX60 inventory and schedule a test drive at INFINITI of Akron — we carry all four trims and are located at 3332 S. Arlington Rd, Akron, OH 44312, 30 minutes from Canton and 15 minutes from Hudson.