2023 Infiniti QX60 Review: Luxury Built for Family Life

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 occupies an increasingly difficult position in the luxury SUV market. Buyers shopping for a three-row premium SUV now have more choices than ever before, ranging from established luxury names such as the Acura MDX and Lincoln Aviator to highly capable mainstream alternatives that offer many of the same features for less money. Standing out in this segment requires more than a long equipment list or an attractive badge. Families expect comfort, technology, practicality, safety, and refinement all wrapped into a vehicle that feels genuinely special to own.

Infiniti understands that challenge. Rather than chasing aggressive performance numbers or attempting to reinvent the segment, the QX60 focuses on creating a luxury experience that feels welcoming and comfortable for everyday family life. It is a vehicle designed around the realities of school runs, weekend trips, airport pickups, and long highway journeys, yet it attempts to deliver those experiences with a level of sophistication that elevates it beyond a typical family SUV.

That philosophy becomes apparent the moment you step inside. While some competitors emphasize sportiness and others focus heavily on technology, the QX60 places comfort at the center of the ownership experience. The seats are exceptionally supportive, cabin materials are thoughtfully selected, and the overall layout prioritizes ease of use over complexity. Nothing feels intimidating or unnecessarily complicated, which becomes increasingly valuable in a vehicle likely to serve as a family’s primary mode of transportation.

The QX60 also benefits from Infiniti’s effort to move further upmarket in recent years. The exterior design carries a cleaner and more upscale appearance than earlier generations, while the interior feels considerably more premium than the Nissan Pathfinder with which it shares some underlying engineering. Although informed buyers will recognize the relationship between the two vehicles, the Infiniti succeeds in creating a noticeably more luxurious atmosphere.

Not everything is perfect. Some rivals offer stronger performance, more advanced technology, or greater cargo capacity. The segment has evolved rapidly, and several competitors have introduced newer platforms and more ambitious powertrains. As a result, the QX60 occasionally feels conservative compared with the latest entries from luxury brands eager to push boundaries.

Even so, there remains a strong argument for the Infiniti. Luxury family vehicles do not need to be revolutionary to be successful. They need to be comfortable, dependable, easy to live with, and pleasant to drive every day. The 2023 Infiniti QX60 excels in many of those areas, making it a compelling option for buyers who prioritize refinement and practicality over headline-grabbing specifications.

Our Take

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 succeeds because it understands its audience. This is not a luxury SUV designed for enthusiastic driving or for impressing passengers with futuristic technology. Instead, it focuses on delivering a comfortable, refined, and genuinely family-friendly experience that feels premium without becoming overly complicated. For many buyers, those qualities matter far more than acceleration times or oversized touchscreens.

Its biggest strengths are ride comfort, seating quality, cabin refinement, and overall ease of use. While competitors such as the Acura MDX and Genesis GV80 may offer stronger performance or more modern technology, the QX60 remains one of the most relaxing and comfortable three-row luxury SUVs in its class. Buyers who value those characteristics will find a lot to like here.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable and exceptionally supportive seating in all three rows
• Premium cabin with a genuinely upscale atmosphere
• Smooth V6 engine paired with a much-improved 9-speed automatic transmission
• Strong safety credentials and extensive driver-assistance technology
• Quiet highway manners make it an excellent long-distance family vehicle
• Standard luxury features are generous throughout the lineup

Cons

• Cargo space trails several key rivals
• Infotainment system is functional but not class-leading
• Handling lacks the athletic character of the Acura MDX
• Only one engine choice available
• Higher trims approach the pricing territory of stronger competitors

What’s New for 2023

Infiniti makes a handful of meaningful updates to the QX60 for 2023, focusing primarily on equipment rather than mechanical changes. Every trim now includes a wireless phone charging pad as standard equipment, while a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen becomes standard across the lineup. Buyers also benefit from Infiniti Premium Care, which includes scheduled maintenance for three years. Additional trim-specific appearance changes and feature adjustments help improve overall value, but the QX60’s core formula remains unchanged. The 295-horsepower V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and available all-wheel-drive system carry over from the previous year, reflecting Infiniti’s confidence in the platform introduced during the major redesign.

Driving Experience

The QX60 immediately reveals its priorities once you get behind the wheel. Infiniti did not engineer this SUV to chase lap times, dominate mountain roads, or compete directly with performance-focused luxury crossovers. Instead, the company focused on creating a vehicle that feels relaxed, predictable, and comfortable during the types of journeys most owners actually make. That decision shapes nearly every aspect of the driving experience.

Around town, the QX60 feels lighter than its dimensions suggest. Visibility is generally good, steering effort remains light during low-speed maneuvers, and the SUV never feels intimidating despite its three-row footprint. Parking lots, school drop-off lines, and crowded urban streets are handled with surprising ease for a vehicle capable of carrying seven passengers.

One of the most noticeable improvements compared with the previous generation is the replacement of Infiniti’s old continuously variable transmission. The 9-speed automatic transmission transforms the character of the vehicle. Acceleration feels more natural, highway merging requires less planning, and the drivetrain responds more confidently when drivers request additional power. The transmission is not always perfect, occasionally hunting for gears at lower speeds, but it remains a substantial improvement over the CVT that many owners criticized in earlier QX60 models.

The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 deserves credit as well. In an era where many manufacturers have shifted toward smaller turbocharged engines, Infiniti continues to rely on traditional displacement. The result is smooth and predictable power delivery that suits the QX60’s personality. With 295 horsepower available, the SUV never feels underpowered during everyday driving. Passing slower traffic, climbing steep grades, and carrying a full load of passengers can all be accomplished without drama.

Long-distance travel is where the QX60 feels most at home. The suspension is tuned with comfort as a clear priority, absorbing expansion joints, broken pavement, and rough highway surfaces with impressive composure. Rather than transmitting harsh impacts into the cabin, the suspension isolates occupants from imperfections in the road, helping reduce fatigue during extended journeys. Families spending hours on interstate highways will likely appreciate this characteristic more than sharper handling.

The quietness of the cabin further reinforces that relaxed personality. Wind noise is well controlled, road noise remains subdued on most surfaces, and the V6 rarely draws attention to itself unless pushed hard. The result is an environment that feels noticeably more premium than many mainstream three-row SUVs and competitive with several luxury rivals.

Drivers hoping for a sporty experience may find the QX60 less exciting than alternatives such as the Acura MDX. Body movements become noticeable when pushed through tighter corners, and the steering prioritizes ease of use over feedback. Yet criticizing the QX60 for lacking athleticism somewhat misses the point. This SUV was designed to transport families comfortably rather than encourage aggressive driving, and viewed through that lens, it succeeds remarkably well.

The available all-wheel-drive system adds an additional layer of confidence, particularly in rain, snow, or poor weather conditions. Most owners will never take the QX60 off-road, but the system helps maintain traction and stability when road conditions deteriorate. Combined with the comfortable ride and predictable handling characteristics, it contributes to the sense that the QX60 is a vehicle designed to make everyday driving easier rather than more exciting.

Ultimately, the QX60’s greatest strength is consistency. It does not excel in one dramatic area while struggling in another. Instead, it delivers a calm, refined, and reassuring driving experience that aligns perfectly with the expectations of luxury family SUV buyers. For many households, that balance may prove more valuable than sharper handling or quicker acceleration.

Comfort, Interior & Family Practicality

Comfort is arguably the QX60’s most convincing argument against its competitors. Infiniti has long been known for producing some of the most supportive seats in the industry, and that expertise is immediately apparent here. Front occupants benefit from excellent cushioning, generous adjustability, and long-distance comfort that remains impressive even after several hours behind the wheel. Higher trims elevate the experience further with upgraded materials, additional adjustments, and available massage functions that reinforce the vehicle’s luxury ambitions.

The second row is equally successful. Unlike some three-row SUVs that treat rear passengers as an afterthought, the QX60 provides enough space for adults to travel comfortably. Legroom is generous, seat cushions offer good support, and access to climate controls and charging ports helps make longer trips more pleasant. Families with growing children will particularly appreciate the room available in the middle row, which often becomes the most heavily used seating area in vehicles of this type.

Even the third row performs reasonably well by segment standards. No midsize luxury SUV can completely escape the packaging limitations associated with a third row, but Infiniti has done a respectable job maximizing available space. Children will have no complaints, and adults can tolerate shorter journeys without feeling cramped. The availability of captain’s chairs on higher trims also improves access to the rear seats and adds a more premium atmosphere throughout the cabin.

Material quality represents another significant step forward compared with older Infiniti products. Soft-touch surfaces are used extensively throughout the cabin, while available quilted leather upholstery and carefully integrated trim pieces create an upscale appearance. The design itself avoids excessive complexity, favoring clean lines and logical control placement over dramatic styling experiments. As a result, the interior feels elegant rather than trendy, which may help it age more gracefully than some competitors.

Family usability extends beyond seating comfort. Numerous storage areas are distributed throughout the cabin, including large door pockets, practical center-console storage, multiple cupholders, and thoughtfully positioned compartments for phones and everyday items. These details may not appear in marketing brochures, but they become important during daily ownership when families are constantly carrying drinks, electronics, bags, and miscellaneous personal belongings.

Cargo space is one of the few areas where the QX60 does not lead the segment. Several competitors offer larger numbers on paper, particularly behind the third row. However, the Infiniti remains practical enough for most real-world situations. Grocery runs, airport pickups, sports equipment, and family vacations can all be handled without difficulty, especially when the third row is folded. Buyers who regularly maximize cargo capacity may find stronger alternatives elsewhere, but most families will consider the available space entirely adequate.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the interior is how cohesive everything feels. The seats, materials, storage solutions, controls, and overall layout all support the same objective: creating a comfortable environment for families who spend significant time on the road. While some competitors may offer flashier technology or more dramatic styling, few match the QX60’s ability to make everyday travel feel effortless and relaxing.

Technology & Infotainment

Technology is one area where the QX60 lands somewhere between modern and traditional. Buyers coming from older Infiniti products will view the system as a significant improvement, while shoppers cross-shopping the latest offerings from Genesis, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo may find it less impressive. The reality sits somewhere in the middle. Infiniti has equipped the QX60 with enough technology to satisfy most families, even if it does not redefine expectations within the segment.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen now comes standard across the lineup, giving the cabin a more contemporary appearance than older Infiniti models. The display is bright, reasonably responsive, and positioned in a way that makes it easy to glance at while driving. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, Android Auto is available, and the system includes multiple USB ports spread throughout the cabin to keep passengers connected during longer journeys. Families traveling with multiple devices will appreciate not having to fight over charging opportunities.

What the system lacks is the wow factor found in some competitors. Graphics are clean but not especially memorable, menu structures are straightforward rather than innovative, and the overall experience prioritizes familiarity over cutting-edge presentation. That may sound like criticism, but there is an argument that simplicity works in the QX60’s favor. Many owners will spend far more time using navigation, streaming music, and making phone calls than exploring advanced vehicle settings hidden within complicated software menus. From that perspective, Infiniti’s approach remains effective even if it is no longer class-leading.

Higher trims strengthen the technology package with features such as a large head-up display, premium Bose audio, navigation upgrades, and a digital rearview mirror. Combined with standard wireless charging and available Wi-Fi connectivity, the QX60 provides the technology most luxury buyers expect, even if it does not deliver the same futuristic atmosphere as some newer rivals.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has never been the primary reason buyers choose a three-row luxury SUV, but the QX60 performs respectably within its segment. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive versions lose only a small amount of efficiency. Those figures place the Infiniti near the middle of the competitive landscape rather than at either extreme.

Part of that balance comes from the naturally aspirated V6 engine. Unlike some rivals that rely on turbocharging, hybrid systems, or smaller-displacement engines to maximize efficiency, Infiniti takes a more traditional approach. The benefit is smoother and more predictable power delivery. The trade-off is that fuel economy remains good rather than exceptional. Buyers seeking the absolute best efficiency in the segment will find stronger alternatives, particularly among hybrid-powered competitors.

For many families, however, the difference may prove less significant in daily ownership than specification sheets suggest. The QX60 delivers respectable range between fill-ups, performs well on long highway journeys, and avoids some of the complexity associated with hybrid powertrains. While premium fuel requirements increase operating costs slightly, overall efficiency remains competitive enough that most owners are unlikely to view it as a major weakness.

Practicality & Cargo Space

The QX60’s cargo figures do not immediately dominate the segment, but numbers alone fail to tell the full story. What matters more is how effectively the available space works in real-world situations, and here the Infiniti performs considerably better than its specifications might suggest.

Behind the third row, there is enough room for groceries, backpacks, sports equipment, or several carry-on bags. Fold the third row flat, and the QX60 transforms into a far more accommodating family hauler capable of handling larger luggage, home-improvement purchases, or the gear required for a weekend getaway. The load floor is relatively easy to access, and the available motion-activated liftgate proves genuinely useful when approaching the vehicle with full hands.

Practicality extends beyond the cargo area itself. Infiniti includes numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin, including large cupholders, bottle holders, center-console storage, and thoughtfully positioned compartments that help families manage the countless small items that accumulate during daily life. These details rarely appear in advertisements, yet they often determine how convenient a vehicle feels after months or years of ownership.

While rivals such as the Acura MDX, Hyundai Palisade, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L can offer more outright cargo volume in certain configurations, the QX60 strikes a sensible balance between passenger comfort, luxury, and utility. Most families will find the available space more than adequate for everyday use, which ultimately matters more than winning a comparison chart by a few cubic feet.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety is one of the areas where the QX60 makes its strongest case against competitors. Infiniti understands that buyers shopping for a three-row luxury SUV are often transporting children, family members, and passengers on a daily basis, so the company has equipped the QX60 with an extensive collection of standard driver-assistance technologies rather than reserving important features for expensive option packages.

Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist are all included across the lineup. More importantly, these systems are generally well calibrated. They provide useful assistance without constantly interrupting the driving experience or overwhelming the driver with excessive warnings. The result is a vehicle that feels protective rather than intrusive.

Available ProPILOT Assist adds another layer of convenience for long-distance travel. Combining adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, the system helps reduce fatigue during highway journeys and heavy traffic situations. It is not intended to replace the driver, nor is it among the most advanced hands-free systems on the market, but it performs its intended role competently. Combined with the QX60’s strong crash-test performance and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, it helps reinforce the vehicle’s family-oriented mission.

Competitors Worth Considering

The Acura MDX remains one of the most direct competitors because it approaches the segment from a different perspective. Where the Infiniti emphasizes comfort and refinement, the Acura introduces a more engaging driving experience, sharper handling, and a stronger sense of athleticism behind the wheel. Buyers who enjoy driving may naturally gravitate toward the MDX, while those prioritizing ride quality and relaxation may find the Infiniti more appealing.

The Lincoln Aviator offers a more overtly luxurious personality. Its cabin feels richer, its available powertrains are more powerful, and its overall character leans closer to traditional American luxury. The trade-off is a higher price tag and potentially higher ownership costs. Buyers seeking a more premium atmosphere may prefer the Lincoln, but the Infiniti often represents the better value.

Genesis has become increasingly difficult to ignore in this segment, and the GV80 presents one of the strongest alternatives available today. It combines striking design, premium materials, advanced technology, and a more modern interior environment than the QX60. In many ways, the Genesis raises the benchmark for what buyers should expect from a luxury SUV at this price point.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L deserves consideration for a completely different reason. It blends family practicality with genuine off-road capability, something the Infiniti does not attempt to offer. Families who spend time towing, exploring trails, or traveling in challenging conditions may find the Jeep’s versatility appealing. On the other hand, buyers focused primarily on on-road comfort will likely find the Infiniti’s refinement more satisfying.

Even the Nissan Pathfinder complicates the QX60’s position. The two vehicles share significant engineering, and informed buyers will quickly notice similarities. The Infiniti counters with a more premium interior, additional technology, improved materials, and a more upscale ownership experience, but the existence of a closely related mainstream alternative inevitably creates comparison shopping. Whether those luxury upgrades justify the price difference depends largely on how much value a buyer places on refinement and premium features.

Ultimately, the QX60 succeeds not by dominating any single category but by delivering one of the most balanced luxury family SUV experiences available. It may not be the sportiest, the most luxurious, or the most technologically advanced option in the segment, yet it consistently performs well across nearly every category that matters to families.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

The Luxe trim represents the sweet spot in the 2023 Infiniti QX60 lineup because it delivers the features most buyers actually want without pushing the price into territory occupied by stronger luxury competitors. Moving up from the base Pure trim adds valuable equipment such as ProPILOT Assist, additional convenience features, and a more premium ownership experience, while still maintaining a reasonable gap below the Sensory and Autograph models. The higher trims certainly introduce attractive upgrades, particularly in terms of interior materials and luxury touches, but they also move dangerously close to the pricing of vehicles like the Genesis GV80, Acura MDX Advance, and Lincoln Aviator. For that reason, the Luxe trim offers the best balance of value, comfort, technology, safety, and long-term satisfaction for the majority of buyers.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2023 Infiniti QX60 succeeds because it understands what many luxury SUV buyers actually want. While competitors often focus on performance figures, increasingly complex technology, or dramatic styling, the QX60 concentrates on the fundamentals that matter during everyday ownership. It is comfortable, quiet, spacious, easy to drive, and thoughtfully designed for families who spend significant time on the road.

Its strongest qualities reveal themselves gradually rather than immediately. The seats remain comfortable after hours behind the wheel. The suspension absorbs rough pavement without constantly reminding occupants of imperfections beneath the tires. The cabin stays quiet at highway speeds, making conversations easier and long-distance travel less tiring. These characteristics may not generate headlines, but they are exactly the qualities that many families appreciate most after months and years of ownership.

The QX60 is not without weaknesses. The infotainment system is functional rather than class-leading, cargo capacity trails some competitors, and the driving experience lacks the athletic character found in vehicles such as the Acura MDX. Buyers seeking cutting-edge technology or a more engaging personality behind the wheel may find stronger alternatives elsewhere.

Yet the Infiniti remains highly competitive because it delivers balance. Few vehicles in this segment combine luxury, comfort, safety, practicality, and value as effectively. It avoids major compromises while providing a premium experience that feels genuinely suited to family life.

For buyers seeking a three-row luxury SUV that prioritizes refinement over flashiness and comfort over sportiness, the 2023 Infiniti QX60 deserves serious consideration. It may not be the most exciting choice in the segment, but it is one of the easiest to live with every single day.

FAQ

Is the 2023 Infiniti QX60 more luxurious than the Nissan Pathfinder?

The QX60 shares some engineering with the Pathfinder, but the ownership experience feels noticeably more premium. Infiniti upgrades the interior materials, seat comfort, noise isolation, technology, and overall cabin presentation. While informed buyers will recognize the relationship between the two vehicles, the QX60 provides a substantially more upscale environment that better aligns with luxury-SUV expectations.

Is the Infiniti QX60 a good family SUV for long road trips?

Yes. In fact, long-distance comfort is arguably one of the QX60’s greatest strengths. The seats provide excellent support, highway ride quality is exceptionally smooth, cabin noise remains well controlled, and the available driver-assistance technologies help reduce fatigue during extended journeys. Families who regularly travel by road will likely appreciate these qualities more than additional horsepower or sportier handling.

Is the 2023 Infiniti QX60 worth buying over the Acura MDX?

That depends on what matters most to the buyer. The Acura MDX offers sharper handling, a more engaging driving experience, and a sportier personality. The Infiniti QX60 counters with a more relaxed ride, a quieter cabin, and a stronger focus on comfort. Buyers who prioritize family comfort and refinement may prefer the Infiniti, while those who enjoy driving may lean toward the Acura.

Does the Infiniti QX60 feel outdated compared with newer luxury SUVs?

Not entirely, but some areas show their age more than others. The overall design remains attractive, the interior is well assembled, and the technology covers most modern needs. However, competitors such as the Genesis GV80 and newer offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz provide more advanced infotainment systems and a stronger sense of technological innovation. The QX60 remains competitive, but it is no longer the segment’s technology benchmark.

Which type of buyer should choose the 2023 Infiniti QX60?

The ideal QX60 buyer is someone seeking a premium family SUV rather than a performance-oriented luxury vehicle. Buyers who value comfort, quietness, seat quality, safety, and ease of use will likely appreciate the Infiniti more than shoppers focused on acceleration figures, aggressive styling, or the latest technology trends. It is a vehicle designed to make daily life easier and more comfortable, and it performs that role exceptionally well.