The Infiniti QX60 is relatively new in the crowded crossover market. Technically, 2014 is the QX60’s first year in production, but its literal existence dates back to 2013 when Infiniti->ke36 introduced the three-row crossover as the JX35. Thanks to the automaker’s nomenclature shake-up for the 2014 model year, the JX became the QX60 with no major changes happening to the vehicle itself. Infiniti has made things simpler with its new naming structure, keeping sedans named with the prefix Q and the SUVs->ke145 named with the prefix QX.

I recently spent a week utilizing the 2014 Infiniti QX60 for its intended purpose. I hauled people, their stuff, and even attached a car seat for my toddler. The rear-seat DVD system kept passengers entertained, and the all-wheel-drive system helped the QX60 navigate a few torrential Florida downpours.

I spent the majority of the week’s driving on the highway with a smaller portion stuck in city traffic. The Infiniti felt at home in both situations, especially with its optional Intelligent Cruise Control system. Speaking of optional equipment, my QX60 tester came equipped with over $14,000 in extras. To say it was loaded would be an understatement.

Even without the extra goodies, the QX60 comes with a laundry list of features befitting a premium brand.->ke505 But does that make this crossover a good buy?

Keep reading past the jump to find out.

TopSpeed Garage

Exterior

The QX60 looks rather good for a three-row crossover. Its overall proportions are well balanced, and the detailing in its exterior adornments match its upper-level branding. While the QX60 shares much of its styling with the Nissan Pathfinder, the Infiniti has a look still uniquely its own.

Up front, the QX60 has the Infiniti corporate grille, making it unmistakable for anything else. The coupe-like roof enjoys a nice kink in its D-pillar that adds some visual flair. Around back, a spoiler hangs over the rear glass, lending a sporty look to the large crossover.->ke288 The chrome accents surrounding the license plate lend some excitement to the QX60’s hind end.

The chrome bright work continues around the SUV’s sides, brightening up the lower rocker panel area, the door handles, side window surrounds, and roof rails. Of course, the front grille is coated in the chrome-like material. The optional 20-inch alloy wheels complete the look. Offsetting the shiny stuff is a darkish paint called Midnight Garnet. Depending on the lighting, it looks either deep-maroon or purple.

Interior

Things inside continue the dark theme, though the color changes to a deep saddle brown. Wood trim and a few satin chrome pieces accent the otherwise-dim cabin. The brightest bit is the eight-inch color infotainment screen. The touchscreen worked well in nearly every circumstance, though the search function powered by voice control is rather limited in what it can search for. You’d think Disney World would be easy for me to find.

Other functions of the infotainment system worked as expected. SirusXM is easy to navigate, as are the other functions that control the sub-systems of the QX60. The screen also controls the HVAC systems, both front and rear. Adjusting the rear-seat fan speed and temperature does require pushing a physical button on the dash before arriving at the desired controls on the touchscreen. It’s not bad, just an extra step. Front controls are all available via physical buttons and are easy to manipulate.

Passenger comfort is surprisingly good for all around, even in the third row. The second-row bench is a 60/40 split and moves forward and aft, allowing just the right positioning. When not used, the third row folds flat and the second row can be moved completely rearward, offing considerable amounts of legroom.

Up front, controls and ergonomics are good; buttons land where they should and nothing felt out of reach. I did have two nit-picky complaints while sitting behind the wheel. First, the gear selector just feels cheap. Second, there are unfinished plastic edges along the lower spokes on the steering wheel. They weren’t sharp but weren’t comfortable to hold either. Otherwise, driving the QX60 was a pleasurable experience.

Drivetrain

Giving the QX60 motivation is Nissan’s ubiquitous, 3.5-liter V-6. It’s an aluminum-block construction with aluminum heads that carry four valves per cylinder. Port injection delivers the fuel and variable intake valve timing tires to make the most of the premium fuel. In this application, the V-6 puts out 265 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 248 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 revs. The transversely mounted engine is mated to Nissan’s other omnipresent part, the CVT transmission.

The V-6 and CVT pair work well together, and the CVT doesn’t call attention to itself. Acceleration off the line is a bit sluggish, and engine drone becomes noticeable under hard throttle. Just waltzing around is an uneventful experience -- a good thing for a luxury crossover.

My tester came equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system. Though I didn’t take it off-road or up snowy inclines (hard to find in Florida in September), but the weather did throw some torrential downpours my way. Standing water along smoothly paved roads proved no challenge for the AWD system, as I didn’t feel one tire slip, even when purposefully trying to do so.

Of course, the AWD did prove to have its downfall. The added mass and driveline complexity surely didn’t help my underwhelming fuel economy. The QX60 holds an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. My average over the week of mixed driving totaled 18.9 mpg. Admittedly, I didn’t find myself using Eco mode much as it seemed to neuter the driving experience too much.

Pricing

Like I mentioned before the jump, my QX60 tester came nearly fully loaded. Its base price stickers at $42,950, but with more than $14,000 worth of options, its total MSRP sits at $57,240. The $995 destination fee is included in that.

The options included were the chrome roof rails ($490); the Technology Package that includes all the active and passive safety features ($2,800); the Theater Package that includes the twin seven-inch monitors with wireless headphones ($1,700); the Deluxe Touring Package that includes the 20-inch wheels, Bose sound system, advanced climate control, heated second-row seats, power up-folding third row seats, the secondary moonroof, and the maple interior accents ($3,450); the Illuminated Kickplates ($305); the Premium Package that includes memory front seats, heated steering wheel, and the intelligent key with remote start ($1,550); and lastly the Premium Plus Package which includes the eight-inch infotainment system with Infiniti Connection, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, among other things ($3,000).

Competition

2015 Acura MDX

The MDX is a pretty evenly stacked competitor for the QX60. Three rows fit seven passengers; a 3.5-liter V-6 sends power to all four wheels; technology abounds over every inch; and both share a sticker price around the upper $50k mark.

The MDX is refreshed for 2015, gaining that new V-6 (verses the older 3.7-liter) and a new design style. The refreshed cabin features improved ergonomics Entry and exit to the third row is now easier, thanks to a redesigned rear suspension system that removes interior obstacles. Gas mileage is roughly the same as the QX60, listed at 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

Pricing for the MDX starts at $42,290 and rises to $56,505.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class->ke402

If you’re working with a larger budget, the Mercedes GL-Class falls within the same vehicle category. Seven passengers fit within three rows of seats while a V-6 drives all four wheels. Unlike the QX60 and MDX, the Benz’s V-6 comes with twin-turbochargers helping produce 362 horsepower. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel, a 4.7-liter V-8, and a 5.5-liter V-8 are also available. All of the engines are backed by a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption for the twin-turbo V-6 comes in at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Power does come at a price.

Speaking of price, the Mercedes commands a premium over the others listed here. The starting price is $63,600 and runs up to $119,450 for the 5.5-liter V-8 monster.

Conclusion

Sure, I’ve got my quibbles with a few details of the QX60, but overall my impression of the crossover is skewed very positive. With plenty of room for seven passengers and a seating configuration that adjusts well to changes, the Infiniti proved to be a great people hauler. Its never-ending list of optional extras makes it a great toy for technophiles, not to mention those who value active and passive safety systems.

While the V-6 proved to be thirsty, it did motivate the QX60 with reasonable swiftness. The CVT kept things smooth, but was able to act rather sporty when asked to.

All that works in the QX60’s favor as being a strong pick for a premium family hauler. Though the segment is full of competitors, the Infiniti separates itself pretty well.