Infiniti has announced the 2017 model year will bring a host of updates for its popular QX60. Headlining the updates is a heavily revised 3.5-liter V-6 with direct fuel injection and other improvements, along with an updated infotainment system and an upgraded rear-seat theater package. Exterior and interior designs aren’t changing, however, as Infiniti gave the QX60 a hefty update for 2016.

The QX60 continues to be based on the Nissan Pathfinder, so it’s no surprise Infiniti’s version is getting similar updates as the 2017 Pathfinder. Both are FWD-biased, unibody crossovers with three rows of seating that can fit seven passengers.

Introduced in 2012 as the JX35, the Infiniti got a name change in 2013 as part of the brand’s nomenclature realignment. Now a member of Infiniti’s QX SUV segment, the QX60 is joined by the QX30, QX50, QX70, and the QX80.

So without further ado, let’s look at the updates for the 2017 Infiniti QX60.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Infiniti QX60.

2017 Infiniti QX60

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Infiniti QX60
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 295
  • Torque: 270
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Nothing really changes for 2017 on the exterior. The QX60’s design is only a year old, having gone under a major mid-cycle refresh for the 2016 model year. Nevertheless, the exterior continues to look very close to the original JX35 from 2012. Thanks to the new grille, headlight, and lower fascia design, the oncoming view of the crossover is modern. It also ties in with Infiniti’s corporate design language found on each of its products.


Loads of chrome trim helps add a pop of color, regardless of paint choice. Speaking of which, there are seven available colors to choose from. They include Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Hermosa Blue, Majestic White, Graphite Shadow, plus the new Hagane Blue and Jade Green. 18-inch wheels come standard and 20-inch wheels can be had optionally. Both come wrapped with all-season rubber.

The QX60 might be a unibody crossover, but it still comes with a two-inch trailer hitch receiver and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Interior

Unlike the outside, there are big updates for the QX60’s interior. The driver now has access to the updated InTouch infotainment system with Infiniti’s InTouch Services. Available on the Premium Plus package, the system adds a Vehicle Health Report and Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth, and vehicle information.


Rear passengers can avail themselves of the optional Theater Package. It now has dual, eight-inch screens, up one inch from last year, and comes with a new 12-volt power plug, a USB port with audio/video connectivity, and a HDMI port. Staying connected to the outside world is also easier with the available Wi-Fi hotspot. It comes with the Theater Package and has 2GB of data in a three-month free trial.

A new Motion Activated Liftgate is bundled inside the Deluxe Technology Package, which also includes High Beam Assist and auto dimming side mirrors.

Active safety features are also getting an upgrade, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Warning, Distance Control Assist, and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

Drivetrain

There are big changes under the Infiniti’s hood. The familiar 3.5-liter V-6 is upgraded with direct fuel injection, a new air intake system, electronic variable timing (e-VTC), and a mirror bore coating. Combined, these improvement give the engine a 30-horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque boost over last year’s engine. That equates to a total of 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

As before, the DOHC V-6 is transversely mounted in the engine bay, and comes connected to Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is available. The system automatically sends power to the rear wheels when traction becomes an issue.

The QX60 continues to utilize a Drive Mode Selector, allowing the driver to tailor the ride for specific situations. The modes include Standard, Sport, Eco, and Snow, and are selectable via the rotary dial mounted on the center console. These modes change throttle response and transmission “shifts” to account for the varying needs of the driver.

The suspension upgrades from the 2016 model year refresh continue over unchanged. It includes new shocks for a more refined ride, an improved steering system for better feedback and a reduction in turns from lock-to-lock. And like before, the QX60 continues to offer Infiniti’s Vehicle Dynamic Control system with the optional Active Trace Control. The systems work to automatically apply the brakes in a specific pattern during a turn for better control. Acceleration is accomplished more smoothly as well, as the system sends power to the wheels.

Prices

Prices have slightly increased for the 2017 model year. The “base” QX60 in FWD carries a $43,100 price tag – an increase of $500 over the 2016 model. Opting for the AWD model, prices jump to $44,900. That’s actually a decrees of $500 from 2016.

Option packages are where the money is. There are currently seven package available. They include the Premium Package ($1,800), the Premium Plus Package ($2,900), the Driver Assistance Package (1,850), the Theater Package ($2,150), the Deluxe Technology Package ($7,300), the 20-inch Wheel & Tire package ($1,000), and the Wi-Fi hotspot package ($450).

Some of the package come included when selecting other package. For instance, the 20-inch wheels come bundled with the Driver Assistance Package. Check all the right boxes, and the packages can push a QX60 AWD’s price to $60,500.

Competition

2017 Acura MDX

The MDX is heavily revised for 2017, including a new exterior look and some welcomed interior advancements. Gone is the controversial beaked grille, replaced with a much prettier pentagon shape. The powertrain is familiar – it’s Honda’s 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 making 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and powers either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on what driveline option you choose.

The MDX continues to be Acura’s prime, three-row, seven-passenger crossover with a willingness to go most anywhere and handle whatever your family throws at it.

Read more about the 2017 Acura MDX here.

2017 Audi Q7

The U.S.-spec Q7 is finally getting the heavy refresh our European friends enjoyed last year. The three-row, unibody crossover now has a much more angular appearance, dropping that rounded blob shape from before. The liens and stylings are far more purposeful now. The interior matches Audi’s current high-end designs, and offers a low-hanging, horizontal dashboard with the latest in technology.

Powertrain options include a 2.0-liter turbo four and a 3.0-liter V-6. The four-cylinder makes 252 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, while the V-6 makes a respectable 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

Conclusion

The updates for the 2017 model year make the Infiniti QX60 all the more likeable, though not overly more practical. The three-row crossover already did a fine job at transporting the family to and from soccer practice and school plays, so that wasn’t an issue. However, the kids will appreciate the new eight-inch video screen as part of the optional Theater Package, while the driver will love the added power and torque from the refreshed V-6.

It’s not without its faults, however. We’ve complained in the past about the CVT being a killjoy during a week-long evaluation process, and the steering does transmit some torque steel when in hard acceleration. Otherwise, the Infiniti continues to be competitive in the luxury crossover segment and is worth a look.