Infiniti QX60 Hybrid-2014

PREVIEW

No, your eyes are not deceiving you: The 2014 Infiniti QX60 looks exactly the same as last year's JX35, which itself was a new addition to the company's lineup. That's because the JX and QX60 are the same vehicle other than some minor feature shuffling and the debut of a hybrid version. This luxury three-row crossover's name change was spurred on by the adoption of Infiniti's new model nomenclature: "QX" denotes an SUV and the numbers following indicate where a given model stands in Infiniti's lineup (a higher number means a higher standing).

Like the JX, the QX60 is related to the Nissan Pathfinder. The QX60 and Pathfinder's mechanicals are very similar, so the differences pertain mostly to styling, interior design and feature availability. The QX60 projects a more luxurious vibe inside and out, but above all, it's an excellent vehicle for parents looking for a family hauler. Within its spacious cabin, the QX60 can seat adults in all three rows (with a maximum passenger count of seven) and features second-row seats that recline and slide nearly 6 inches forward and back, offering expansive legroom and making third-row access a breeze. Materials quality is top-notch and various high-tech luxury and safety features are here in abundance, including systems that help you avoid blind-spot collisions or incidents while backing up.

This year does bring a new choice, however. In addition to the standard V6-powered QX60, there is also the QX60 Hybrid. The latter sports a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that, with the help of an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, promises V6 power with four-cylinder fuel efficiency. Indeed, given its output of 250 horsepower and its EPA combined fuel economy estimate of 26 mpg, the Hybrid looks to handily achieve those objectives.

You've likely gathered by now that the 2014 Infiniti QX60 makes for a pretty good family rig. Still, we have a few quibbles. One is that the pairing of the standard V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) just doesn't provide the accelerative grunt and refinement commonly expected for this class of vehicle. Similarly, the QX60 lacks the athletic handling that's otherwise typical for an Infiniti and instead aims for a plusher ride.

To a large extent, how the QX60 stacks up will depend on your priorities. If you want a luxury crossover that's relatively fun to drive, the sportier 2014 Acura MDX and 2013 BMW X5 are going to be better choices. If it's maximum space you want, the bigger 2014 Buick Enclave bests the QX60 in regard to cargo capacity. The two-row Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h (hybrid) shouldn't be ignored either, if you aren't set on getting a third row. But if you've got a family to haul around and appreciate a sense of style burnished by technology, the 2014 Infiniti QX60 is a great choice.

FEATURES

The 2014 Infiniti QX60 is a seven-passenger SUV offered in both conventional gas engine (QX60) and gas-electric hybrid-powered (QX60 Hybrid) versions. Each comes in a single trim level and offers a choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.

Standard features for the QX60 include 18-inch wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, foglights, LED taillights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, a sunroof, a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, a six-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch central touchscreen display, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and iPod/USB interface.

The QX60 Hybrid's standard feature list essentially mirrors that of the standard QX60.

Optional features for the QX60 and QX60 Hybrid are obtained via various packages, which vary according to trim level.

The Premium package (QX60) features remote ignition, power-folding mirrors, driver memory settings, driver seat power lumbar, a heated steering wheel, a 13-speaker Bose sound system and an enhanced keyless entry/ignition system that can remember the last driver's audio, climate and navigation settings. The Premium Plus package (QX60) includes front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera system, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, voice controls (audio and navigation), Bluetooth audio connectivity and the Infiniti Connection telematics service. The Hybrid Premium package (QX60 Hybrid) includes the features of both of those QX60 packages.

The Driver Assistance package (both trims) includes adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system with automatic brake assist, a rear cross-traffic warning and back-up collision intervention system (automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't take action), a blind spot warning system, Active Trace Control (automatically adjusts engine output and braking to enhance cornering feel) and the Eco Pedal (the accelerator pedal automatically pushes back if the driver is driving in a fuel-wasting fashion).

The Theater package (both trims) adds a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system as well as a 120-volt power outlet.

The Deluxe Touring package (QX60) requires the Theater package (but can't be had with the Driver Assistance package) and adds 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a powered third-row seat, an advanced climate control system with air filtration and a 15-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.

The Technology package (QX60), which requires the Deluxe Touring package, adds a lane departure warning and prevention system, as well as blind spot intervention (applies braking if the QX60 approaches another vehicle detected in its blind spot) to the Driver Assistance package features.

The Deluxe Technology package (QX60 Hybrid) includes everything in the Deluxe Touring and Technology packages.

INTERIOR

Flexible seating is one of the QX60's hallmark features. The second row tilts and slides 5.5 inches fore and aft (even in the hybrid version thanks to a super-slim battery pack), allowing passengers to reach and exit the third row with ease, even with a child seat installed in the second row. The third row offers enough headroom for 6-foot passengers, but clearance gets a little tight beyond that. Both second- and third-row seatbacks also recline.

Although cabin room is generous for passengers, cargo capacity tops out at 76.5 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded. That's not a bad number for a luxury crossover, but the Enclave and MDX give you more space. On the upside, the hybrid QX has the same amount of cargo volume as the regular V6 version.

With a rich combination of leather, wood and metal accents, this is a classy Infiniti interior in every respect. Infiniti's electronics interface is one of the best available, as its combination of physical buttons, a touchscreen and a rotary knob make it easy to accomplish tasks. We also like the optional 360-degree camera system, as its top-down view of the vehicle in relation to its surroundings is very useful when it comes time to park in tighter spots.

UNDER THE HOOD

The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 265 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque. A CVT is the only available transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.

In Autoexpress testing, the identical JX35 equipped with all-wheel drive dashed from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. This isn't bad for a three-row SUV, but it's still well off the pace of quicker models like the Acura MDX or turbocharged Lincoln MKT.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway) for the front-drive version, while the all-wheel-drive version drops slightly to 21 mpg combined. In extensive Autoexpress testing, however, we've found the QX60 typically struggles to match these mileage numbers in real-world driving. Properly equipped, an all-wheel-drive QX60 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The QX60 Hybrid features a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that joins forces with a 15kW electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is rated at 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Official EPA numbers stand at an impressive 26 mpg combined (25 city/28 highway).

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2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Fuel economy rated at 26 mpg city, 28 highway, 26 combined. 2. Power comes from a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 15 kW electric motor and a compact lithium-ion battery. 3. Powertrain output totals 250 horsepower with 248 lb-ft of torque. 4. Base price for the QX60 Hybrid is $45,545 including delivery; AWD costs $1,400 more.

PREVIEW

Like a teenager, the Infiniti brand is in the midst of a revolution. Its automotive hormones are pumping and things are changing – both physically and emotionally. With luck at the end of this difficult period the company will be smarter, stronger and more mature.

Executives at Nissan’s luxury division are running at redline to redefine the brand’s image. Over the past couple years they’ve relocated the corporate headquarters from Japan to Hong Kong and they’ve really focused on growing the business in global markets so Infiniti doesn’t have to rely as heavily on North America. But one of the biggest changes that’s been made, and really the only one visible to consumers, has to do with their product nomenclature.

Familiar nameplates like G, M and FX have been scrapped like rusted out pickup trucks. Starting with the 2014 model year, sedans and coupes are designated “Q” while crossovers and SUVs are graced with “QX.” These letters precede two-digit numbers denoting a vehicle’s size. It’s logical but a bit confusing at first glance.

In keeping with this strategy one recognizable face, the Infiniti JX crossover, has been rechristened QX60. Also new for 2014 is the availability of a hybrid drivetrain. The gasoline-electric version of this three-row hauler aims to deliver increased fuel efficiency with no sacrifice in capability or performance.

INTERIOR

In spite of its radical name change the QX60 is essentially the same vehicle as the JX35. This means drivers and passengers are treated to a pleasantly premium cabin with oleo-soft leather, squishy plastics and superb build quality.

The second-row seats are nearly as nice as the front chairs, but like hotdog slices in SpaghettiOs, the aft-most bench is probably best left to kiddies. Behind the third-row is a small but useable storage space that clocks in at nearly 16 cubic feet; you could probably fit a few grocery bags back there. Fortunately the seatback folds flat opening up a generous cargo space.

Unlike other hybrids on the market today, designers were very subtle with the QX60. Many gasoline-electric vehicles shout at you with gaudy green badges and more stickers than found on the bumper of a hippie’s VW Beetle. Only two hybrid nameplates appear on the vehicle’s exterior – one on each front fender. Additionally there’s a small placard under the hood that indicates there’s a gasoline-electric powertrain in the vicinity. Drive a Prius if you want to shout about your eco-friendly intentions.Along with its familiar interior accommodations, the QX60’s exterior is also instantly recognizable. It’s wrapped in the same smooth, flowing, almost puffy-looking body as the JX. It’s tastefully styled and instantly identifiable as an Infiniti.

UNDER THE HOOD

The standard Infiniti JX — sorry — QX60 is hauled around by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It’s a member of Nissan’s world-famous VQ family, which practically guarantees smooth, responsive performance. It delivers 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque and is matched exclusively to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s either the best thing since sliced cold cuts or the worst experience this side of eating one of those plastic-encased gas station sandwiches.

In lieu of a bent six, hybrid versions of the QX60 feature a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Similarly they’re matched to a CVT; sorry, there’s no escaping the moaning noises and slipping sensations associated with these gearless cogboxes.

Infiniti calls this technology its “Direct Response Hybrid” system; it’s the third electrified vehicle to join the lineup. All together the powertrain delivers a total of 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of twist, numbers that stack up very favorably to the V6-powered version of the vehicle. In everyday driving you won’t notice a difference between the two.Augmenting the gasoline engine is a 15 kW electric motor, two clutches and a small lithium-ion battery pack, the latter of which is cleverly mounted under the third-row seat. In this location it eats up zero interior or passenger space.

The result of that gasoline-electric fusion is a 24 percent improvement in fuel economy over the standard drivetrain; that’s no small potatoes. Equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive the QX60 hybrid stickers at 26 miles per gallon combined. It’s expected to deliver 28 mpg on the highway and 26 around town.

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