Instrumented Test
Those who don’t slavishly follow every tidbit of news in the automotive world should be forgiven if they mistake the Infiniti QX60 for a brand-new model. In fact, the QX60 is simply the new name for the previous JX35, after the company-wide rebranding that commenced with the 2014 models.
This rechristening is not a case of putting old wine in a new bottle, as the three-row JX35 crossover was a fresh design introduced for the 2013 model year. Its assigned task was to provide Infiniti an entry to battle competitors such as the Audi Q7, the Mercedes GL-class, and the BMW X5. One key difference is that the QX60 uses a front-drive car-based platform borrowed from the Nissan Pathfinder.
One other key difference is the addition of this new hybrid version of the QX60. Among the luxury brands, this is the first and only hybrid crossover with three rows of seats. The QX60 Hybrid AWD is EPA rated at 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Those numbers are 6 and 3 mpg higher than the conventionally powered equivalent, which itself was recalibrated to get 1 more city and 2 more highway mpg for the 2014 model year. Those figures are very good for a machine that stretches 196.4 inches and weighs nearly 4800 pounds. As usual, our more flamboyant driving style yielded lower fuel economy, but even if our observed 20 mpg with the hybrid is down 6 mpg from the EPA combined figure, it is up 4 mpg from the 16 we saw from the JX35 when we tested it.
Blown Four Holer
These benefits are achieved by transplanting the hybrid powertrain from the QX60’s Nissan twin, the Pathfinder. Basically, this means supplanting the nonhybrid model’s 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with a 230-hp, supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a small 20-hp electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack. But the hybrid’s benefits don’t come for free. After all, Infiniti did add a second powertrain—or the better part of one. But the price bump is a reasonable $3000. If you drive the national average of 13,000 miles a year and pay $4 for a gallon of gas, you’ll break even in six and half years if you get the EPA mpg—longer if you drive like we do.
Although the hybrid model weighs about 200 pounds more than the standard QX60 and is down 15 ponies and 5 lb-ft of torque, we measured essentially identical performance, with both cars hitting 60 in 7.8 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 16 seconds flat at 90 mph. However, the hybrid seems less eager to play than the standard model. The accelerator pedal feels heavy and calibrated to deliver substantial thrust only after a decisive push. This sensation intensifies if you engage Eco mode.
And when you do take advantage of maximum performance, you quickly become aware that the hybrid’s big four-banger isn’t as smooth as the V-6 in the conventional QX60. It produces vague moans and drones that are completely absent with the V-6. The CVT’s tendency to hold constant rpm accentuates the engine’s lapses in refinement. Otherwise, the QX60 hybrid goes down the road much like the standard model. The electric power steering is a little vague on-center, and the suspension calibration is hardly sporting, but the ride is comfortable and well controlled. Grip and braking performance are similar to the standard model, although the regenerative braking is not a willing partner for performing perfectly smooth stops.
All About the Package
Fortunately, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t compromise the excellent packaging of the QX. With the lithium-ion battery tucked under the floor, the generous space in the second- and third-row seats is retained, as is the flat load floor. And the QX provides great access to the third row, thanks to the clever way the second-row seat slides forward and stacks flat against the front seatbacks. For such a commodious machine, the QX looks remarkably sleek, with clean flowing lines and an attractive taper to its roof. Designing a roomy vehicle isn’t difficult. Neither is designing a pretty one. The trick is combining both attributes, and Infiniti has managed that handily with the QX60.
As you’d expect from a luxury brand, comfort, convenience, and entertainment features abound and our example was fitted with just about every one on offer, including more than $13K in options, which brought the sticker price to nearly $61K. We would be more judicious before checking the box for every add-on. If you do so, the QX60 is an excellent choice with either powertrain thanks to its excellent utility and attractive styling. And if you want improved fuel economy, the hybrid model also offers that as well. But take a test drive first to make sure that you can live with its compromises in refinement and eagerness.
