LOOKS

Since this launch of the JX in the 2013 model year, this has been an attractive vehicle, but it gets an improvement for 2016. A new look to the grille and improved headlights and taillights come off as very well-executed.

Inside, you’ll sense the luxury feel from the moment as soon as you enter the vehicle -- nothing cheap or plasticky to be found, and it’s designed better than much of the competition in this category. The leather-appointed seats are welcoming and a key part of making the ride enjoyable.

Head space is abundant, and there is lots of leg room. Seating is also adjustable. The middle row can be moved up to fit people into the back seat, even if you have a car seat in place. Back row isn’t overly roomy, but is about as good as you’ll find in the class.

Both the second and third rows have reclining seats. Second and third row also fold down if you to transport cargo -- You get a decent amount of space (76.5 cubic feet), though others in class do have it beat in overall cargo space.

18-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard, but you can upgrade to 20-inch wheels.  The center console has a unique two-level design.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

The 2016 QX60 features a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 265hp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque.

FWD is standard, but you can upgrade to add Intelligent AWD, something I would recommend for those in states with harsh weather. Transmission is a CVT, with manual shifting mode. Towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds.

The Infiniti Drive Mode knob lets you choose a setting based on how you want to drive and conditions on the roads; Options are: standard, sport, snow or eco modes.

The V6 is not an overly powerful engine, but still offers a solid, smooth ride. It’s about what you need in a large family vehicle like this. Acceleration is adequate, but won’t blow you away. If you’re looking for a hot rod, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a smooth, quiet and enjoyable ride for the family, the QX60 is up your alley.

And don’t think that means the QX60 is boring. It’s still sporty at times due to upgrades in the steering and suspension, just not as much as some people might like.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
The optional rear-seat entertainment in the QX60 is well-designed by Infiniti -- with dual 7-inch screens in back of front-seat headrests, not hanging in middle of the car blocking the view.

There’s a lot to love, and some things not to, in the tech options inside the QX60. The infotainment interface has a large array of buttons that can be a bit confusing to some drivers, but overall once you master them it all works very well.

Sound system options from Bose are very strong, something for music lovers to consider, and voice controls work well. Oddly, it’s not a standard feature for music to stream via Bluetooth, something I find strange in a modern luxury vehicle.

Among options on the safety side (coming in the Deluxe Tech package) are: Intelligent cruise control, blind spot warning, backup collision intervention. distance control assist, heated second row seats, Lane Departure warning and prevention, blind spot intervention system, predictive forward collision warning and more. In other words, everything you need to protect yourself from almost any type of accident that could happen.

A crown jewel of the vehicle’s tech features is the optional Aroundview monitor, the 360-degree camera system that lets you see literally everything around your vehicle as you are exiting a parking spot … even from a top view. It’s great technology that also detects moving objects as you back out, so you can avoid hitting anything or anyone. And if it does sense something as you back out, the vehicle will stop itself -- which no doubt will prevent some bad things from happening and is one of the best steps towards cars helping prevent accidents of all kinds (braking for front collisions is common, not so for rear).

The other very cool tech feature, especially for parents, is Infiniti Connection’s Remote Services, which you can set up by smartphone. You will receive notifications if someone is driving your car over a set speed limit, or driving it in an area you have deemed off limits. You can also remotely lock or unlock the doors.

MPG

The 2016 Infiniti QX60 offers fuel mileage of 19 city/26 highway/22 combined. In my time testing it, I was a bit under those numbers. Overall it ranks slightly below its competitors in terms of fuel mileage, based on my experience.

Side note: You can also opt for a hybrid version of the QX60 if you want to boost those mpg numbers a bit and maintain the level of luxury.

PRICE

My test vehicle was priced just over $59,000; the base price starts about $42,600 (FWD), $44,400 for AWD. Base model is affordable for the class, but can get pricey when you start to add options.

BOTTOM LINE

Since it was introduced by Infiniti as the JX, their three-row crossover has been a strong offering, and continues to improve with the 2016 version of the QX60.

It’s a smooth, quiet, comfy, luxurious ride; Engine prowess vs. the competition could be improved, but that’s won’t be the first item on every buyer’s must-have list.

Others in the class include Acura’s MDX, Audi’s Q7, Volvo’s XC90 and more, and all are worth checking out. I would consider the Infiniti more luxurious inside than the MDX, more affordable than the Q7, and perhaps most evenly matched with the XC90.

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