Infiniti->ke36 has announced a mid-cycle refresh for the QX60->ke1261 ahead of its formal debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show->ke222 in Detroit. The changes are relatively minor, but help improve passenger comfort, as well as adding levels of customization.

The QX60->ke5350 has been around since 2013, but confusingly made its debut as the JX35 in 2012. The name change came courtesy of Infiniti’s rebranding efforts to streamline its model designations. The three-row, seven-passenger crossover->ke288 shares its bones with the Nissan Pathfinder->ke548 – something that hasn’t changed for the 2016 model year. The familiar 3.5-liter V-6, CVT transmission, and optional hybrid->ke147 drivetrain carry over unchanged.

Infiniti says the 2016 updates will help push the QX60 as a global sales leader for the brand. The QX60 posted a respectable 24-percent growth in year-over-year sales between 2014 and 2015, and Infiniti expects that trend to continue.

“The new QX60 will become an important part of Infiniti’s global growth strategy as the global premium crossover market continues to grow,” says Francois Bancon, Infiniti’s Vice President Product Strategy. “The new model builds on the characteristics that have made QX60 an increasingly popular choice with premium buyers, offering enhanced design, driving dynamics and best-in-class levels of interior comfort and convenience.”

Infiniti will continue to offer the QX60 in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, as well as V-6 and hybrid drivetrains. AWD continues as an option on hybrid models, as well. Follow along as we detail out the changes for the 2016 model year.

Updated 02/24/2016: Infiniti announced prices for the 2016 QX60 which will be put on sale later in the spring. For the 2016 model year, the QX60 will be offered in four models – QX60, QX60 AWD, QX60 Hybrid and QX60 Hybrid AWD, and will come with a price increase of only $200 over the 2015 model year.

Continue reading to learn more about the Infiniti QX60.

Exterior

The QX60’s overall design remains familiar, though its front grille, rear taillights, and other key areas receive welcome retouches. The grille has the most drastic change, with a larger, more pronounced opening and a new mesh-style insert. The mesh continues to the lower grille and redesigned fog lights are far more stylish than before. Updated headlights now sport bi-xenon bulbs with LED accents and daytime running lights. The fog lights are also LED. Flush-mounted sonar parking sensors front and rear help clean up the design.

The QX60 still carries other familiar shapes, including the “double-wave” hood, sloping roofline, and crescent-cut D-pillar. The curved beltline continues to run from the budging front fender and over the chrome door handles, ending over the taillights. The Nissan Pathfinder hidden behind the chrome trim and Infiniti grille is still easy to spot.

A total of seven colors are available. They include Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Hermosa Blue, Majestic White, Graphite Shadow, plus the new Hagane Blue and Jade Green.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Updates to the QX60 continue inside, though like the exterior, the changes are hard to spot. Those familiar with the QX60 will see an updated gear shifter and soft-touch leather now wrapping the upper instrument panel. The tri-zone climate control system has been revised as well. It still incorporates the microfilter, but now has better airflow for first and second row occupants. The QX60 continues to offer its Advanced Climate Control System with Plasmacluster air purifier as an option.

Aside from those changes, the QX60’s interior carries over from the 2015 model year. The sculpted dashboard continues to offer a well-designed layout with vertically stacked controls. Up top is the touch screen infotainment system. Below that, the HVAC controls inhabit a horizontal strip easily visible by the driver. The secondary controls for the infotainment system reside below that, offering menu functions and shortcuts to often-used features like navigation and camera screens. Dedicated radio controls are down low, just ahead of the updated gear shift lever.

Second row passengers continue to enjoy a comfortable seating arrangement with the 60/40 folding bench seat. The seatback recline and the bench can move fore and aft up to six inches, adjusting for second and third row leg room. With the second row slid forward, the third row enjoys a decent amount of legroom. Headroom for all three rows is generous, the standard moonroof and optional panoramic moonroof helps open up the cabin.

Despite all the glass, the noise, vibration, and harshness levels inside the 2016 QX60 are improved over the previous model. Infiniti added a new acoustic windshield to cut down on wind noise, while new, liquid-filled engine mounts help cut vibrations from the powertrain.

Drivetrain

The Infiniti QX60’s powertrain carries over almost unchanged, with the exception of those improved engine mounts and an updated suspension system. Non-hybrid QX60s come powered the familiar 3.5-liter V-6. The V-6 provides 265 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 248 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine has a variable induction control system, which Infiniti says improves volumetric efficiency at low and middle engine speeds. The engine is mated to a “sport-tuned” CVT with Infiniti’s D-Step logic that is said to provide higher levels of response while mimicking the shift patterns of a conventional automatic. Manual shift mode is included. Expect fuel economy to stay the same as the 2015 model, wich the EPA rates at 21/27/23 mpg for FWD models and 19/26/22 mpg on city, highway, and combined test loops.

For those looking for better fuel economy, the QX60 continues to offer a hybrid powertrain. The main power source is a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. An electric motor powered by a Lithium-ion battery pack provides power in low-speed conditions and extra grunt during acceleration and higher speeds. The engine and electric motor provide a total of 250 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid drivetrain receives a similar upgrade in its mounting hardware, helping reduce NVH.

New shock absorbers and springs give the QX60 a more refined and smoother ride. We had no complaints about the 2015 QX60’s ride when we tested it last, but Infiniti says improvements were made nonetheless. Also improved is the steering system, which is said to give greater feedback while shortening the lock-to-lock turns, reduced down to 2.9 turns.

The crossover 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.

Cornering and stability have been improved as well, thanks to an upgraded Vehicle Dynamic Control system that links with the QX60’s Active Trace Control system. Working together, the system automatically applies the brakes in a specific pattern during a turn, and then helps smoothly apply engine torque during acceleration. The QX60 rides on 235/65R18 all-season rubber.

Drivetrain Specifications

Safety

Safety is not lost on the QX60. The crossover comes packed to the brim with the latest active and passive safety gadgets on the market today. On the active side, the Infiniti has Forward Emergency Braking, which automatically brakes the vehicle should the driver fail to do so, helping to avoid hitting an object ahead. Forward Collision Warning acts in conjunction with FEB, warning the driver of an obstacle. Backup Collision Intervention works like the FEB system, but only when in reverse. The BCI automatically stops the vehicle should something move into its rearward trajectory.

Of course, the QX60 comes with Nissan’s 360-degree, Around View Monitor camera system. Now upgraded with Moving Object Detection, the system warns if moving objects approach the vehicle during low-speed maneuvers.

The QX60 also includes a bevy of passive safety systems that include front, side, and side curtain airbags should a crash occur. The 2015 QX60 received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, scoring “Good” in every crash category. This rating should not change for the 2016 model year.

Prices

Infiniti has kept roughly the same pricing for the 2016 model year as it had for 2015. The base MSRP rises by $200 for the entry-level V-6 and FWD model. Opting for AWD increases the price by $1,800. Those wanting the go green with shell out more green, to the tune of $52,050 for the FWD version of the QX60 Hybrid. Choosing AWD on the Hybrid bumps the price to $53,450. These prices don’t include the destination and handling fee of $995. Of course, taxes and other fees are tacked on as well, at the time of purchase.

Competition

Acura MDX

The MDX is pretty evenly stacked against the QX60. It features three rows with room for seven, it comes powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, is offered as a FWD or AWD, is loaded with technology, and has a similar price range. The MDX saw its last refresh in 2015, so it’s still fresh. Improved ergonomics for the driver and an easier-entry third row top the list of changes.

The MSX starts at $42,000 and increases to $56,500 with higher-level trim levels and options.

Read our full review on the Acura MDX here.

Audi Q7

The Q7 is currently in a transmission period. The current 2015 and even the 2016 model carries over unchanged since its last refresh. The 2017 model, however, is completely redesigned with new looks inside and out. If you like the high-tech minimalist take on your vehicles, you’ll love the new Q7. Opt for the current model, and you’ll live with a decent three-row SUV that suffers from chintzy interior trim and a somewhat dated exterior appearance. The current 2016 Audi Q7 is available with the 3.0-liter TDI V-6 turbodiesel, though its availability is extremely limited thanks to the whole Dieselgate debacle. Finding a pre-owned example is more likely. The Q7 can also be had with the supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine.

Prices start around $50,000 and expand into the $60,000 range.

Read our full review on the Audi Q7 here.

Conclusion

The changes to the QX60 should help keep this mid-sized crossover competitive against its list of strong, three-row contenders. Thanks to the upgraded suspension parts, improved driving dynamics are expected, while the straight-line ride should be more comfortable. Lessened NVH levels will surely help with passenger comfort as well.

The QX60, along with its Pathfinder cousin, are solid, family-friendly crossovers that don’t sacrifice much in the quest to straddle the line between minivan and sports car. That might be an odd statement to make, but it’s exactly what Nissan is trying to do; mix good driving performance with the ability to haul seven people.