Infiniti QX60 Value: Better Three-Row Luxury SUV?
The Infiniti QX60 is often the better value three-row luxury SUV for buyers who prioritize passenger comfort, standard safety tech, and a lower starting price over sporty handling or brand prestige. It undercuts rivals like the Acura MDX and Lexus TX by thousands of dollars while offering a plush ride and a genuinely usable third row.
Background: The QX60’s Place in the Lineup
Infiniti introduced the QX60 for the 2013 model year as a replacement for the JX35, and it quickly became the brand’s best-selling vehicle. The second generation arrived for 2022 with a complete redesign: it dropped the old continuously variable transmission for a nine-speed automatic, added a more powerful V6, and upgraded the interior materials. The current model competes in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, where it faces the Acura MDX, Lexus TX, Lincoln Aviator, and the Volvo XC90. Unlike those rivals, the QX60 is built on a front-wheel-drive platform (with all-wheel drive available), which helps keep weight down and improves fuel economy.
How the QX60 Delivers Value
Value in this segment means getting the features and space you need without paying for extras you don’t. The QX60’s base Pure trim starts around $50,000, which is roughly $5,000 less than a base Acura MDX and about $8,000 less than a base Lexus TX. Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-speaker audio system, and a full suite of driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The second-row captain’s chairs, which are standard on most trims, make it easier to reach the third row and are a feature that often costs extra on competitors.
Interior Space and Comfort
The QX60 seats up to seven people, and its third row is one of the most usable in the segment. With the second row slid forward, a 5-foot-9 adult can sit in the third row for short trips, which is more than can be said for many rivals. The cabin uses soft-touch materials, available semi-aniline leather, and a clean dashboard layout that is easy to navigate. The second-row seats slide and recline, and the third row splits 60/40 and folds flat to expand cargo space from 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 75.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. That cargo volume is competitive with the Lexus TX (20.1 to 97.0 cubic feet) and the Acura MDX (16.3 to 71.4 cubic feet), though the QX60 trails the TX in maximum space.
Performance and Driving Experience
Every QX60 uses a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available for about $2,000 more. The V6 provides adequate acceleration—0-60 mph takes about 6.5 seconds—but the QX60 is not sporty. The steering is light and the suspension is tuned for comfort, which suits its family-oriented mission. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with FWD, which is decent for the class. The nine-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the available drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, and Tow) let you tailor the response. The QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is more than the MDX (5,000 pounds) but less than the Aviator (6,700 pounds).
Common Problems and Reliability
The first-generation QX60 had a notorious issue with its CVT transmission, which led to premature failures and a class-action lawsuit. The 2022 redesign replaced that CVT with a conventional nine-speed automatic, which has been much more reliable. However, some 2022 and 2023 owners have reported issues with the infotainment system freezing or the wireless charger overheating. There have also been a few recalls for the 2022-2024 models, including one for a fuel pump that could crack and leak, and another for the rearview camera image not displaying. These are not widespread, but they are worth checking on a used model. Overall, the QX60 has an average predicted reliability score from J.D. Power, which is slightly below the Lexus TX but above the Land Rover Discovery.
Comparing the QX60 to Its Main Rivals
When you compare the QX60 to its direct competitors, its value proposition becomes clear. The Acura MDX offers sharper handling and a more powerful base engine (290 hp) but has a smaller third row and a higher starting price. The Lexus TX is larger and offers a hybrid option that gets up to 36 mpg combined, but it costs thousands more and has a less luxurious interior for the price. The Lincoln Aviator has a more powerful standard engine (400 hp) and a more opulent cabin, but it is significantly pricier and less reliable. The Volvo XC90 is the safest choice in the segment, but its third row is tight and its base engine is less powerful. The QX60’s main advantages are its lower price, its comfortable ride, and its user-friendly infotainment system.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The QX60 has not been crash-tested by the IIHS as of 2025, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is the highest award. The NHTSA gave the 2022 QX60 a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for semi-autonomous highway driving. The system works smoothly and is less intrusive than some rivals. The QX60 also offers a surround-view camera and front and rear parking sensors, which make parking this large SUV easier.
Cost of Ownership and Warranty
The QX60’s starting price is about $50,000, and a fully loaded Autograph trim with AWD and all options tops out around $65,000. That is still less than a base Lexus TX or a loaded Acura MDX. Infiniti includes a 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is competitive with the segment. However, the QX60’s fuel economy is average, and its maintenance costs are typical for a luxury SUV. Depreciation is slightly higher than the Lexus TX, but lower than the Aviator. Insurance costs are similar to rivals. Overall, the QX60 offers a lower total cost of ownership than most of its competitors, especially when you factor in the lower purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Infiniti QX60 reliable? The second-generation QX60 (2022 and newer) has been more reliable than the first generation, which had CVT problems. The nine-speed automatic is solid, and the V6 is a proven engine. However, some early models had infotainment glitches and a few recalls. Overall, it is average for the luxury segment.
How much does the Infiniti QX60 cost? The 2025 QX60 starts around $50,000 for the base Pure trim and goes up to about $65,000 for the top Autograph trim. Adding all-wheel drive costs about $2,000. These prices are lower than most competitors.
Is the QX60 good on gas? The QX60 gets 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 20/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. That is average for a V6 three-row SUV, but the Lexus TX hybrid gets 36 mpg combined, which is much better.
Does the QX60 have a third row? Yes, the QX60 seats seven with a standard second-row bench or six with available captain’s chairs. The third row is roomy for a child or small adult, and it folds flat to expand cargo space.
Is the QX60 good for towing? The QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is more than the Acura MDX (5,000 pounds) but less than the Lincoln Aviator (6,700 pounds).
What are the main differences between the QX60 and the Pathfinder? The QX60 is the luxury version of the Nissan Pathfinder. They share the same platform and engine, but the QX60 has a more upscale interior, a quieter cabin, and a higher price. The Pathfinder is a better value for budget-conscious buyers.
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