Infiniti QX60 gets new CVT programming designed to simulate the shifting of a conventional automatic transmission.

 

Infiniti QX60 is a three-row luxury crossover that puts families first. Based on the versatile Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60 has plenty of room for adults or growing children in all three rows, and the second-row seats slide and recline to enhance passenger comfort. Moreover, we've found the ride to be exceedingly comfortably on a variety of surfaces, with little road noise making its way into the cabin. The interior also benefits from top-notch materials and user-friendly technology features, and the QX60's pricing is significantly lower than that of some rivals.

Nissan/Infiniti’s move into continuously variable transmissions has proved wise -- though we once used to comment, without fail, on the presence of a CVT (usually to complain), they’re becoming ever-more prevalent and seemingly getting better all the time. In fact, I’ve heard more griping about those new nine-speeds lately.

Now if they could just iron out the steering. We’re not going for razor-edge precision in a three-row SUV, obviously, but the electric power steering is synthetic, dull, numb, etc.

A full suite of safety systems is offered on the QX60 3.5 and QX60 Hybrid, including a Backup Collision Intervention system that watches for approaching objects from the sides and rear when the vehicle is in reverse. It can detect objects in the vehicle's path up to about 5 mph, and will identify cross-traffic approaching from the rear at up to 15 mph, and once it does will apply the brakes for the driver. Lane Departure Warning is useful though a bit too sensitive, we think, while the Around View Monitor is an essential safety aid for busy parents, providing a stitched-together overhead view of what surrounds the vehicle.

Infiniti QX60 with a healthy list of standard equipment--glass moon roof and rear-view monitor included. Several large packages bring those active-safety features or infotainment upgrades as options. The QX60 Hybrid, by the way, sells for about $3,000 more than the standard QX60.