ENGINE, HORSEPOWER
One key on the road is you want to have the power to keep moving and maneuver in a variety of situations.
The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter, V6 engine that is paired with a CVT automatic transmission. Its numbers are 295 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, and this is the only powertrain offered. Front-wheel drive is standard, but All-wheel drive is an optional feature that is worth getting.
The power in the QX60 is decent, but it’s one area where the QX60 struggles compared to its competition from Audi, Acura and others.
When you need to get going fast, the oomph is lacking, and you can hear some engine whine. It gets up to speed, just more slowly and noisier than some rivals. It’s also less sporty of a ride than others in the class, though handling is still decent. Also, it’s not made to handle any type of offroading situation.
On the plus side, the ride in the QX60 is exceptionally smooth and quiet, a feature you should expect in a luxury vehicle.
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
Tech and safety are areas where the QX60 excels, and the experience they offer will enhance a road trip.
The infotainment system — with its 8-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth for streaming audio and phone calls — was excellent, with easy-to-use dials and controls and responsive voice commands, which allows you to keep your eyes on the road and control things verbally. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included for smartphone integration.
The in-car DVD system is great for long trips, with wireless headphones that allow kids to watch and listen in back while the adults up front can still listen to music on the vehicle’s sound system.
You also need to keep your electronics charged on a long road trip, and the six USB chargers in the QX60 will help you do that easily. You also get satellite radio, an excellent Navigation system that will get you anywhere you need to go accurately.
Music lovers will enjoy the QX60’s optional 13-speaker Bose audio system.
And if you want safety, as all families do, the 2020 QX60 received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This is in part due to standard safety features like: Automated emergency braking, Blind-spot monitoring, Forward-collision warning.
Many other safety features are optional, including: Lane-departure warning, backup-collision intervention, and adaptive cruise control.
In short, if you are looking for a safe SUV for your road trip, which also offers forward-looking technology, the QX60 should be one you consider.
My only complaint is that the QX60’s lane departure warning can be a bit overzealous on the freeway at times, but you can turn it off.
MPG
I averaged 23 mpg in mostly highway driving during my trip in the QX60, an AWD model. The official numbers on the FWD model are 20 city/27 highway, with the AWD official numbers being 19 city and 26 highway. All in all, these are impressive numbers for the luxury crossover segment.
PRICE
You’ll pay around $45K for the base (Pure) model of the 2020 Infiniti QX60, and a few grand more for the Luxe version. Be aware that most of the package options are only available on the Luxe version, so you’ll need to go that route to pile on the features. Warranty coverage is also strong for the segment, with a Limited warranty for 4 years or 60,000 miles, and a Powertrain warranty for 6 years or 70,000 miles.
The QX60 generally can be leased for $400 to $500 per month, and vehicle rental rates will vary if you just want to give it a try and take one on the road for a week or two.
BOTTOM LINE
Among luxury SUVs, the 2020 Infiniti QX60 is as versatile and family-friendly as any of its rivals. Other than power, where some rivals do outshine it, it provides a positive, welcoming environment that families will love, whether it is taking you to a vacation destination or just on a ride around town.
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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.
