Infiniti’s three-row QX60 crossover now comes with a 9-speed automatic

New for 2023 is the standard wireless smartphone charging mat, a standard frameless rearview mirror, and updated lower bumper accent colors (gloss black on Luxe and dark gray on Sensory and Autograph trims ).

Standard seating for up to seven people is offered with bucket seats up front, a middle row bench seat for three passengers and a third row for two passengers.

This can be reduced to six passengers by replacing the middle row bench seat with twin captain’s chairs.

While most of it is new, the second-generation QX60 carried over the outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter direct-injection V-6 gasoline engine, rated at 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque .

There was no carryover with the transmission, however. Infiniti introduced a nine-speed automatic to replace the previous generation’s CVT, just as Nissan did with the new 2022 Pathfinder, which is similar to the QX60.

Our tester was the Autograph AWD, which came with six-passenger seating with two middle-row captain’s chairs.

One of its strong points was the new transmission, which shifted almost imperceptibly through its range in the same way a CVT does.

There are paddles mounted on the steering wheel for those who want to choose when to change gears, making for an even sportier drive.

The tester had plenty of power from the V-6 engine with our normal load of two or three adults and some light cargo.

We had more than enough pickup for routine passes and gentle climbing. We didn’t try any steep mountain roads and we didn’t tow a trailer.

The QX60’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive has direct coupling that automatically transfers up to 50 percent of available power to the rear wheels when wheel slip begins. No driver intervention required.

On the outside, the new QX60 is sportier and more stylish than before, albeit a little boxier.

Inside, there’s a more premium look, but the cabin is surprisingly similar to the Pathfinder.

Engineers designed the new QX60 to have a sportier driving experience, with the trade-off being a slightly stiffer ride. Those of us who enjoy crisp handling and beefy suspension will appreciate this.

Fuel economy has improved slightly, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/26 highway/23 combined for front-wheel drive models and 20/25/22 for all-wheel drive.

All 2023 QX60 models come with the 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch interactive display, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility.

Standard on all grades are first- and second-row leather seats, a panoramic moonroof, power liftgates and rear parking sensors. The Autograph model comes with plush padded semi-aniline leather upholstery.

Also standard are eight-way heated “zero-gravity” front seats with power lumbar adjustment. The driver’s seat has memory for two occupants which includes the outside mirrors.

The second-row bench seat features a 60/40 split-fold function, along with a one-touch release for access to the third-row seat for two passengers, even with child safety seats in the his place in the middle row.

Entry-level Pure models include 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic rear braking, blind spot warning, six USB ports including charging points in all three rows, LED headlights and taillights rear seats and three-zone automatic climate control with headliner-mounted vents above the second and third rows.

On the Luxe model, there are 20-inch wheels, slim roof bars, a 12.3-inch Infiniti Dynamic Gauge Display, enhanced ProPilot assistance system with Navi-link, navigation, an around-view monitor with detection of moving objects, lane departure prevention, traffic. Sign recognition, remote engine start and heated front seats.

With the Sensory model, extras include driver and front passenger seat massagers, heated second-row seats (outboard positions), power return for third-row seats, advanced climate control with air purifier Plasmacluster air and grape polyphenol filter, wireless smartphone charger, motion-activated power liftgate, open-pore black ash wood trim, enhanced interior ambient lighting, illuminated kick plates and Bose Performance Series audio with 17 speakers.

There’s an additional USB port in the third row, for a total of seven throughout the interior.

The Autograph model has additional features such as upgraded leather seats with contrast stitching; double second-row captain’s chairs; a removable second-row console; a 10.8-inch front screen with two free-form mirrors, smart rearview mirror; Adaptive front lighting; and black roof and roof rails with color contrast.

With all-wheel drive, the Autograph model can tow trailers weighing up to 6,0000 pounds. Comes with improved transmission cooling and a hitch receiver. Otherwise, standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Available on the Luxe model is an upgrade from the standard nine-speaker audio system to the 17-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system ($900).

The Vision package ($1,500) is available on Luxe and Sensory models, which includes adaptive front lighting, a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror.

On Sense models with all-wheel drive, the Tow Package ($900) adds a hitch receiver, wiring and an upgraded transmission oil cooler, which increases towing capacity to 6,000 pounds on the Autograph AWD model.

Of the available exterior colors, three are available at no extra cost: Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow and Glacier White. For an additional $695, there’s Mocha Almond, Mineral Black, Warm Titanium, Moonbow Blue, and Grand Blue. And for $900, there’s the “super premium” Deep Bordeaux.

Autograph models have exclusive standard two-tone exterior paint, combining Graphite Shadow, Warm Titanium, Moonbow Blue, Deep Bordeaux, Majestic White or Grand Blue with a high-contrast black roof.

Our Autograph tester came in the Warm Titanium exterior color ($695 extra) with the black roof.

Interior colors include Graphite and Sandstone Leather; Saddle Brown is available in sensory and autograph trims and was included in our tester.

Originally called the JX, the QX60, introduced in 2014, is Infiniti’s only three-row crossover, though the brand also offers the QX80, a large, traditional truck-based SUV with three rows of seats.

The QX60 is based on the architecture of the Pathfinder crossover, and both vehicles are produced at Nissan’s assembly plant near Nashville, Tenn. The engine comes from Nissan’s powertrain facility about 80 miles southeast of Nashville.

There’s 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat, about the same as in a midsize sedan. With the third seat folded, that space opens up to 41.6 cubic feet, and with both rear seats folded, it expands to 75.4 cubic feet.

Besides the premium paint, the only option on our Autograph test vehicle was the Lighting Package ($795), which added welcome lighting and an illuminated cargo skid plate. Radiant illuminated footplates and floor mats were included at no extra cost.

The total sticker price for our 2023 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD model was $68,195, including shipping and extras.

G. Chambers Williams III’s automotive columns have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

2023 Infiniti QX60

The package: Mid-size crossover utility vehicle, five-door, six- or seven-passenger, V-6 engine, front- or all-wheel drive.

Highlights: Completely redesigned for 2022, this is Infiniti’s three-row crossover, and it’s among the best in its class. It has a lot of power, luxury, safety and high-tech gadgets. Also new is a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.

Negatives: Sportier handling provides a slightly harder ride than before; the interior isn’t as quiet as it used to be at highway speeds.

Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, naturally aspirated, gasoline.

Transmission: 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Power/Torque: 295 HP/270 lb.-ft.

Length: 198.2 inches (198.7 with front license plate holder).

Rod weight range: 4,393-4,655 lbs.

Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, anti-lock.

Load volume: 14.5 cubic feet (behind third seat); 41.6 cubic feet (third-row seat folded); 75.4 cubic feet (both rows of rear seats folded).

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds standard; 6,000 lbs with optional tow package (Sensory, Autograph AWD).

Side airbags: Front seat mounted side curtain, roof mounted for both rows, standard.

Electronic stability control: Standard.

Fuel capacity/type: 18.5 gallons/unleaded (premium recommended but not required).

EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/26 highway/23 combined (front-wheel drive); 25/20/22 (AWD).

Main competitors: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lincoln Aviator, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90.

Base price range: $49,200 – $62,600 (front-wheel drive), $51,200 – $65,500 (all-wheel drive), plus $1,195 freight.

Tested price: $68,195 including freight and extras (2023 Autograph AWD).

Road rating: 9.3 (out of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual retail price may vary.