OVERHAULED 2022 INFINITI QX60 OOZES LAVISHNESS

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

THE RIDE: Four-door, six- or seven-passenger mid-size 2022 Infiniti QX60 AWD.

DOWN THE ROAD: After a hiatus in 2021, the QX60 is back, all redesigned but retaining its power train. Based on an all-steel frame, the power in the Infiniti is plenty to push the 4,655-pound plus vehicle. The luxurious ride is quiet and graceful whether you are on the highway or testing the Infiniti’s off-road prowess.

TECH & PERFORMANCE: Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter V-6 engine putting out 295 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 270 pounds-feet of torque @ 4800 rpm. It is now coupled with a 9-speed auto, replacing the previous continuous variable transmission. Tow capacity is creditable at 6,000 pounds. The four-wheel-drive system can be driven in auto, 2WD, 4Hi or 4Lo modes depending on road and weather conditions. Up front is a MacPherson strut and a multilink independent takes up the rear. The power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering is accurate and direct. Depending on road/weather conditions, driver has a choice of standard, eco, sport, personal and snow modes via the drive selector.

LOOK & FEEL: We test-drove the well-equipped Autograph trim, which is packed with tech and luxury goodies. An even more pronounced hood meets the double-arch mesh grille surrounded by digital piano key LED headlights and daytime running lights. Also distinct are body-side moldings with chrome accents. A huge bin under the cargo hold will come in handy to hide personal belongings. Total passenger area is nearly 141 cubic feet. The InTouch infotainment system comes with a 12.3-inch touch screen atop the dashboard. Wood trim on the doors and the dashboard above the glove box conveys a tasteful appearance. Standard are tri-zone auto a/c, eight-way power semi-aniline/quilted front heated/cooled seats, head-up display, removable center console, roof rails and power slide/tilt moon roof and rear lift gate, seven USB ports and a total 10 cup/bottle holders.

SAFETY FIRST: Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all rows, front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, blind spot-, forward collision- and lane departure warnings, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, hill start and distance control assists, front/rear park sensors, adaptive cruise control, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitor are standard.

OUT THE DOOR: Based at $63,250 (with options totals $65,645), plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges.

BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, 255/50R22; wheelbase, 114.2 inches; length, 198.2 inches; Width, 66.9 inches; Height: 69.7 inches; fuel capacity, 18.5 gallons; city, 20 mpg; highway, 25 mpg; Web site: www.infinitiusa.com

WHY DIG IT: Welcome back, QX60! You have been missed. Boasting a powerful engine backed by a sumptuous cabin, and impressive tow capacity, the midsize SUV is a winner in our eyes. And that would make it a champ amid tough rivals in the ring such as the Acura MDX and Audi Q7.