There’s a first time for everything, and for me, it was visiting Nashville, Tennessee, to test drive the redesigned 2026 Infiniti QX60. I was excited to visit Infiniti’s North American hometown, and on first impression, this SUV certainly matched the vibe of its gracious Southern home. It seemed to say: stylish tranquility can exist in our everyday family drives.
For a crossover SUV with three rows and a starting price of $51,200, I could not wait to immerse myself in the drive vibe lifestyle. And who doesn’t love a little self-care in the car, right? And that is very much part of the Infiniti aesthetic.
Taking style cues from the recently redesigned and larger QX80—and we know how much I loved driving that 3-row beauty—as well as tweaks to the redesign that rolled out in 2022, I could see where the best of the full-size SUV lives within the QX60. Here’s what I loved most on our first drive.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Infiniti’s guest for this test drive, but all opinions are my own.
The QX60 Brings Comfort and Power to Your Drive
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 looks smaller than you might think a 3-row SUV would
The influence of Japanese philosophy inside and out was what struck me first; the front grille inspired by waving bamboo, the piano key headlights and tail lights, the quilted leather seats. I also love that the tech was updated to help manage the drive ahead. Overall, it has a refined feeling throughout that creates a comfortable cabin for the ride.
My family of 3 loved the full-sized QX80, but for a small family, we could easily imagine life in the QX60. With its upgraded tech, the new Klipsch sound system and a focus on attainable luxury, it’s all about taking style cues from its larger sibling and translating that into daily life: how we navigate, take calls without interrupting the cabin, provide comfort for those in the rear seats, and elevate the cabin with a flood of sunshine from the panoramic sunroof while we run errands.
The Infiniti QX60 is available in four trims: Pure, Luxe, Sport, and Autograph; the two lower trims have front wheel drive standard but AWD is available for an additional $2,000; the top two trims come with AWD standard. Our test model was the Autograph AWD, which starts at $66,150.
What It’s Like to Drive the Infiniti QX60
The acceleration in this 268 horsepower turbo four-cylinder felt good. This is not the same engine that powered the last redesign of the QX60 in 2022—a V6 295 HP engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission—but it is the same that was introduced last year and paired with a CVT. For 2025 Infiniti split the difference, bringing back the 9-speed to go with the 4 cylinder turbo.
While we mostly drove in the city and at lower speeds, from the stop-and-go perspective of city living the powertrain delivered quick pick-ups when I’d put my foot down and I didn’t need to apply much pressure. I could relax, trust the navigation, and feel one with the power behind the wheel- which gives a pretty effortless feel. After getting comfortable in the driver’s seat, we had to kick it up a notch and turn on the massaging seats.
It’s important to note that the QX60 requires premium unleaded fuel. For fuel efficiency, the QX60 is estimated to get 22 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined. Add the tow package to tow up to 6,000 lbs.; without it, the QX60 is limited to 3,500 lbs.
READ MORE: 11 Things in the 2025 Infiniti QX80 That Made Me Swoon
Sophistication on the Outside: Japanese Philosophy That Hits Like a [Deep] Emerald
The Japanese philosophy of ‘ma’ refers to the use of negative space and allows you to imagine yourself and your family in the QX60 and the experience you’ll have. Inside and out, we see this design aesthetic, from the Deep Emerald exterior color to a welcoming cabin filled with an intentional tranquil ambiance; its a nice way to set the mood for your drive.
In the Autograph edition Mineral Black is the standard paint color, but there are premium color options and black obsidian accents: Graphite Shadow, Moon Bow Blue, Warm Titanium, Grand Blue, Radiant White, and Deep Bordeaux. There’s a color to match every style, and the green really grew on me—I’m a pink or red kind of gal, but now I’ve got a new favorite.
The sleek daytime running lights and bamboo-inspired grille with an illuminated Infiniti emblem add to the luxurious, bright feel, similar to the QX80. But the QX60 has a unique light path that plays along the corners and edge of the front end for a kimono-style aesthetic, like a katana blade that Samurai warriors wield; we even see the katana handle aesthetic accenting the dash.
READ MORE: The 2026 Infiniti QX60 Takes Style Notes From Its Big Sister For a Fresh New Look
It’s Noisy Outside, but the Interior Maintains a Sense of Calm
It can be exciting but unfamiliar driving in a new city, so I appreciated the wellness focus in the QX60: A sense of calm, especially for the ones you take on the journey with you and how they feel. It starts with easy-to-clean materials like the quilted leather-appointed seating, comfortable seats, and tech and conveniences at your fingertips, things like seat adjustments and *emotional support drinks.*
With massaging seats set to relaxing, I realized I needed to totally immerse myself before letting the drive unfold. I opened the moonroof, adjusted the ambient lighting, hit the clean option for double air filtration in a busy, construction-filled downtown, and leaned into the center console to set the navigation on the multimedia system.
Versatility in Slide and Tilt Center Seats and a Removable Center Rear Console
On a scale of easy in and out, the Infiniti QX60 also has those reclining and folding bucket seats in the second row. You can fit two rear-facing car seats in the Autograph’s captain’s chairs here; there’s plenty of leg room, but they can block access to the 3rd row. Buyers who need a 7th seat or want to leave one of the outboard seats empty for 3rd row access can opt for Pure or Luxe trims which come with a center row bench option.
Older kids and adults will enjoy the heated second-row seats as well as the removable storage/cupholder console between the center row captains chairs. I can see myself interchangeably taking this out depending on who is coming along for the drive. In the third row, there was lots of legroom for me at 5’4″, so it’s a good space for shorter passengers or kids. With vents and connectivity in the rear seats you can keep everyone charged and comfortable.
READ MORE: Infiniti QX50 Review: This Luxury SUV is Filled with Bright Springtime Feels
A Tech-Forward Interior Makes Life Easier and Feels More Connected Without Interruptions
Driving from the hotel to a local jewelry store (because, you have to stop for jewelry, right?), the connectivity and on-screen multimedia made it easy to navigate with my phone connected to the USB-C charging port. I loved that the head-up display that showed each turn to ensure I knew every step of the way. Both the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can tap into the 20-speaker Klipsch speaker audio system and deliver private, uninterrupted calls via the speakers in front seat headrests; no one else in the car can hear you.
I can see how easy it is to take control of your day, especially with the voice activated “Hey Google!” assistant. I also love that built-in Google Maps has your back to keep your navigation on point will ready adjust your arrival time if you miss a turn.
Safety features like moving object detection (cars, bikes, pedestrians, even large animals) and the 3D around view monitor give me peace of mind, but with collision prevention as a standard across all trims, this is a game changer. Even on unfamiliar roads, I felt confident that even when I didn’t the road ahead.
Cargo Space and a Foldable Third Row Deliver on Versatile Storage
With hands full of bags, sports equipment, and everything else, wave your leg under the rear bumper to activate the power liftgate. And then, you’ll be surprised at the cargo space behind the third row; I was. It could fit my shopping bags, backpack, and hat easily. However, if I needed more space and did not need to use the third row, I could easily fold the third row for ample space.
If this were my daily driver, I would keep the third row down during my daily routines and utilize the extra cargo space until my in-laws visit. I love that the extra space offers solutions for travel and multigenerational families.
Ready to Take Care of Ourselves and Live Well in the QX60
Luxury is different for everyone, and for me, the 2026 Infiniti QX60, especially in the Autograph edition, resonates with the sentiment of mindfulness and the Japanese philosophy of “ma.” Every seat curve, interior materials, stitching, and customizable settings create a supportive cabin that lets everyone in the car feel special.
Having a place for everyone and everything without sacrificing comfort or connectivity is so often what we need in our own havens; to be able to shut out the noise of the outside world and focus our attention on ourselves and each other. Because style and tranquility should be part of our everyday family drives, shouldn’t it?
