Infiniti QX60

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid, at 2013 New York Auto Show

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The Infiniti QX60 is a three-row luxury crossover vehicle. Available in regular and QX60 Hybrid versions, the seven-passenger QX60 competes with the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKT, and, in a way, the Volvo XC90.

If you're looking for the Infiniti JX, after the 2013 model year, it's here in the 2014 Infiniti QX60. There's no mistake that the QX60 looks almost exactly the same as the 2013 JX; under a new naming strategy at Infiniti, all the models in the lineup have new alphanumeric badges, with 'Q' denoting coupes or sedans and 'QX' referring to crossovers. The numbers following refer, roughly, to relative size.

Compared to any of the earlier Infiniti utility vehicles or crossovers, the QX60 is more elegant and family oriented, rather than truck-like or off-road-oriented. This remains a sleek, modern, and well-detailed vehicle, with a long hood that removes any hint of minivan, plus a roofline that drops slightly and looks softer. The double-arc grille up front and crescent-shaped rear roof pillar pull the look away from predictable, and the shaping of the side sheetmetal really helps reduce the visual bulk. There's a rich and restrained look to the cabin trims and practical luxury ruling out over all-out opulence.

While the JX only offered one powertrain--a 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)--the QX60 model line is joined by a QX60 Hybrid. The new powertrain substitutes a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine that has a single 15-kilowatt electric motor, with a clutch on either end, between the engine and the CVT. The combined powertrain is rated at about 250 hp. The electric motor assists the engine (making around 250 hp) when accelerating, or captures energy to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack when coasting or decelerating. It doesn't, however, have the ability to run the vehicle solely on electric power, even at low speeds--unlike its closest competitor, the Lexus RX 450h hybrid crossover (which only has five seats). The Hybrid is projected to earn an EPA Combined rating of 26 mpg, while the standard model delivers 20 mpg with all-wheel drive, 21 mpg if you order the front-wheel-drive model. Both models offer a choice between FWD and AWD.

We'd hardly call the QX60's third-row adult-friendly for long distances, but the seven-passenger capability it affords will be appreciated by large families. There's also some packaging innovation--for instance, the ability to move the second-row seat forward even if a child safety seat is latched into place, to give third-row access. And if no safety seat is installed, kids can climb to the third row through a 19-inch gap afforded by the articulating second-row seat. It's worth noting that the battery in the QX60 Hybrid doesn't take up any load-bay space, so cargo capacity is unaffected--which isn't always the case in hybrid versions of conventional vehicles.

All the safety features--and in particular, those with leading-edge active-safety technology--in the QX60 might help win over busy moms and dads. An excellent Around View Monitor is standard, while there's an optional Backup Collision safety camera, which scans the area immediately behind the tailgate when the QX60 is put into reverse; and that's in addition to Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Brake Assist, and a blind-spot detection system.

Although we've found the interface for the infotainment and navigation interface to be convoluted compared to the best in this class, the QX60 does include some excellent standard features--like a moonroof with electric sunshade--plus options such as a Theater package for entertaining those in the back seat and a Bose WaveGuide audio system for everyone, as well as available cooled front seats and heated second-row seats.

Infiniti hasn't yet announced final pricing for the 2014 QX60 at the time of posting, and it's likely to reconfigure the model's feature set somewhat.