2014 Infiniti QX70

SPECIFICATIONS

1. The QX70 is the new name given to the old Infiniti FX class of cars. 2. The QX70 is available with a 3.7L V6 which makes 325 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and a 5.0L V8 which makes 390-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a seven speed automatic transmission. 3. All-wheel drive is optional on 3.7L V6 models, while V8 models comes standard with AWD. 4. Pricing starts at $44,950 for a base, rear wheel drive QX70. Our tester came in at $57,945.

PREVIEW

It’s easy to like the Infiniti portfolio thanks to its focus on performance and premium features. With the Infiniti QX70, the brand brings those elements to a bigger vehicle, but doesn’t make its mid-sized luxury crossover any less approachable.

For 2014, Infiniti renamed its entire lineup. This QX70 is last years FX37, a midsized crossover that uses the same 3.7-liter V6 and all-wheel drive system as the brands sport-sedan. Buyers can opt for a more powerful engine under the hood of the QX70, as a 5.0-liter V8 is still available. Instead of a beefy V8, Infiniti lent us a V6 model loaded to the headliner with tech features. As luxury buyers want both a distinctly noticeable vehicle and the latest and greatest technology, our QX70 could prove to be quite the car.

INTERIOR

Drivers frustrated by the nagging safety systems will find comfort in the well-designed and appointed interior at the least. Seats are soft and supportive, hinting at the cars sport-sedan underpinnings. It doesn’t hurt that they can be both heated and cooled, either.

Rear seat accommodation is a bit disappointing. It’s a tight and the middle passenger will be playing footsies with their neighbors because of the driveshaft tunnel. If you regularly play chauffeur to two passengers, the QX70 will suffice, otherwise it just won’t work.

Trunk-space is disappointing. At just 24.8 cubic feet, it’s not much better than the carrying capability of the compact Mercedes-Benz GLK. The QX70’s cargo opening is fairly high and the trunk isn’t very deep. Folding the rear seats helps quite a bit, expanding the space to 62 cubic feet, which is on par with competing vehicles in the segment. The QX70 managed to get about 16 mpg in combined driving situations and isn’t rated much better by the EPA, at 18 mpg combined.

UNDER THE HOOD

Get the QX70 in motion and it’s clear that this car is aiming for something that the usual luxury crossover isn’t. While the competition shoots for a car-like drive with more capability and ends up at a compromise, the QX70 delivers an enjoyable drive and says nay-nay to any notions of going off-road.

The 3.7L V6 engine has an easily appreciated raspy roar and gets amusingly gruff at higher revs. The seven-speed transmission sends 325 hp to the rear-wheels, while the front wheels can get up to 50 percent of power if needed. This feeling of being thrust about really helps maintain the car-like feel of the QX70. Speed sensitive steering helps to give it impressive handling traits without feeling too artificial or vague.

If shoppers are looking for a cool car, Infiniti has designed one of the sexiest crossovers available. But tech is also sexy and Infiniti packs the QX70 with so much tech, it practically drives itself.