Infiniti QX60 2022 first car | Road tests

Auto123 goes with one the first car of 2022 Infiniti QX60.

Picton, Ontario – In an ideal world where high development costs do not exist and where resources are limited, a complete update of the model would be done every five or six years, or even sooner. Some models meet this required schedule, but in others, such as the Infiniti QX60, the long-awaited redesign can wait and wait.

The first copies of the Infiniti JX35 arrived on our roads sometime in 2012 as a 2013 model, a three-row crossover that came with two other models at the time. Bad tongues will say that the JX – which will eventually be called the QX60 – was a marshmallow car, whether in the behavior of the suspension too soft or even because of the elasticity of the CVT gearbox. Sadly, they were right.

It’s true that compared to the other two utility models of the time – you remember the EX35 and FX37 models right? -, the JX35/QX50 almost looks like a small car without its sliding rear doors. However, it was the lack of awareness of public needs that quickly adopted this more luxurious cousin of the Nissan Pathfinder. So much so that the QX60 is the best-selling model of the Infiniti brand, with 35% of sales in Canada.

Needless to say, this first full overhaul is important in the eyes of the brand’s decision makers. I was able to drive the new version for a few hours in the Picton area of ​​Ontario. Here is what I learned from this first contact.

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Create a refined silhouette
Compared to the outgoing model, the new design ditches the creases in the sheet metal and windows in favor of a theme closer to the brand’s origins. We have already seen this with the QX50 and even more so with the QX55: we are no longer trying to attract attention at all costs. The 2022 QX60 is more discreet with this window that sits on the horizontal belt line. In addition, as is becoming increasingly common in the industry, the last pillar on the sides has been darkened, to “remove” the roof from the bodywork.

Both ends of the cross are not smooth with the familiar grille, but it is more attractive with low lights and details inspired by origami in it. Infiniti, like Nissan with the Pathfinder in particular, displays its lettering proudly, be it at the base of the front grill, in the center of the tailgate or even inside the rocker panels on the sides. In fact, the QX60 2.0 should age well over the years.

The only drawback of the exterior … for fans of the original design: the model’s fake chrome exhaust pipes remained in place. The actual pipe is under the car. On the other hand, this simple procedure will be inexpensive to replace in several years.

Infiniti QX60 2022, interior | Photo: V. Aubé

The interior is different from that of the Pathfinder
From the first look inside, you realize that the atmosphere of 2012 has been replaced by a more interesting world. The dashboard, with a central strip that crosses from left to right, also retains the ventilation nozzles, while the central touch screen, although it is located on a leather-covered panel, does not seem to obstruct the view as is the case with other settings elsewhere in the industry.

The central console with this piano black surface is covered with many haptic keys which, in my opinion, are pleasant to use, each finger press accompanied by a slight vibration. Fortunately, there are still a few buttons, dials or levers here and there, solutions maybe less “designer”, but oh so much more intuitive.

Behind the wheel, QX60 – with the exception of the base model (Clean) – a new digital screen takes care of providing advanced information to the person holding the wheel, the latter which is also part of the list of Pathfinder options. In the future, zero gravity chairs can also be accompanied by other massage functions, but as with many of these systems, they tire of these artificial pressures very quickly. Sure it’s relaxing, especially with the heating system as a bonus, but nothing beats a real massage… by a massage therapist!

At the back, the position is exactly the same as that of the model sold until 2020. Passengers in the second row have the right to a soft bench seat that can move forward or even tilt using this small button on the side of its base. The goal here is to leave more space for the occupants who must sit on the third bench. Not surprisingly, only children or people “not too tall” will sit comfortably here.

Infiniti QX60 2022, rear three quarters | Photo: V. Aubé

Driving a car
One of the features of the first generation that angered the motoring press – including yours truly – was this fixed gearbox that made acceleration painful and screaming. The good news is that this unit has been retired, in favor of a nine-speed automatic transmission. After all, Pathfinder has rights too. It would be inappropriate to retain the old transmission in a more elegant style.

The 3.5-liter V6 is still there, but it’s undergone minor tweaks to improve efficiency and fuel economy. Like the Pathfinder that was tested earlier this summer, the 2022 QX60 can finally boast a low level of driving pleasure. When the right foot sinks to the floor, the gears engage naturally, the 6 cylinder making a continuous sound. Infiniti still added paddles behind the steering wheel, a detail that should be reserved for Sport mode (if you ask me) and even with the latter, the gear change has nothing to do with that of the legendary GT-R with its double clutch. gearbox.

Fortunately, the engineers didn’t just change the gearbox. The new platform is more rigid and visible in corners, thanks to the stronger suspension. The car doesn’t go much anymore when pushed a little; in the previous example, this part of the car was dizzy. The current electric drive is not as precise as that of the Z, but we feel an improved relationship with the pavement. Even sound insulation has been improved, mainly with more insulating materials, but also acoustic glass. Ultimately, the 2022 QX60 is a better choice (than in the past) for long trips, at least as far as the driver is concerned.

Infiniti QX60 2022, three-quarter front | Photo: V. Aubé

The last word
The big Nissan has been bombarded from all sides for several seasons, the manufacturer was even forced to lower its expectations for the coming years. This is especially true for Infiniti’s luxury wing which is still struggling to break into an important niche like that of compact SUVs for example.

The good news is that the most popular model in the series is finally getting an update and everything shows that the general public of the product will be happy with this second generation. The ride is more exciting, the cabin is more inviting and the design is more beautiful.

The car is definitely not perfect and the average use is difficult to improve, the third seat is reserved for small children and the navigation is not very easy sometimes through the various menus of the infotainment system, but the fact remains that the new model will be quickly forgotten. his predecessor. What’s more, the QX60 is less expensive than most of its direct competitors.

2022 Infiniti QX60 technical sheet FREE

2022 Infiniti QX60 Sensory technical sheet

2022 Infiniti QX60 LUXE technical sheet

2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph technical sheet

Infiniti QX60 2022, hatchback | Photo: V. Aubé

We like

Beauty design
Driving license
Interesting interior

We like a little

Small space in the back
Driveways are (almost) useless
There is no lightning on the horizon

Great competition

Acura MDX
Audi Q7
BMW X5
Buick Enclave
Cadillac XT6
Genesis GV80
Land Rover Discovery / Range Rover Sport
Lincoln Aviator
Lexus RX L
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Model Tesla X
Volvo XC90

Infiniti QX60 2022, grille | Photo: V. Aubé

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