By Larry Lark, contributor
If you want your SUV to make a statement, consider the new 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph.
The QX60 cuts a sleek profile that piques one’s interest. And the posh, finished to the nines interior takes it over the top. Oh, and it does deliver performance, functionality and versatility.
“The 2022 Infiniti QX60 really does offer the best of all worlds,” said Jeff Pope, group vice president of Infiniti Americas. “Our all-new SUV is beautiful outside, its interior is serene and is full of technology that takes the stress out of driving, all of which allow its owners to conquer life in style.”
The other three QX60 trim levels are Pure, Luxe and Sensory.
With seven seats standard, Infiniti paid careful attention to ensure the driver and passengers in each row ride in the utmost comfort. All QX60’s feature heated, 8-way power-adjustable “zero gravity” front seats with power lumbar adjustment. The driver’s seat features dual occupant memory functionality linked with the outside mirrors. The second-row bench seat features 60/40-split fold and one-touch release for effortless third-row access, even when child safety seats occupy the second row.
QX60 is rated at 6,000 pounds towing capacity and includes trailer sway control, tow hitch, transmission oil cooler and tow electric control unit as standard.
Powered by an award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine teamed with an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, the duo generates 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. A five-mode drive selector and idle stop/start system are standard. My tester included Intelligent All-Wheel Drive enhanced with a direct coupling engagement that seamlessly transfers up to 50% of its available power nearly instantly to the rear wheels for better traction.
The top-of-the-line Autograph trim level provides executive-level comfort for all passengers. In addition to semi-aniline, brown saddle leather-appointed seating with contrast stitching and quilted leather, the QX60 Autograph adds exclusive second-row captain’s chairs, a lightweight removable second-row console, 10.8-inch crystal-clear head-up display with dual free-form mirrors, smart rear view mirror, adaptive front lighting system, and color-contrast black roof and roof rails.
That’s all cream on top of a comprehensive standard feature package highlighted by a navigation system with premium traffic, Bose performance audio system with 17 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi Hotspot, power panoramic moonroof, motion-activated power rear lift gate, advanced climate control system, and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Intelligent cruise control is also provided, along with hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, steering assist, speed limit assist, and speed adjust by route.
I found myself cranking the oldies on XM radio, with 60’s and 70’s rock never sounding better en route to UW Homecoming. And the QX60 handled I-405, I-90, and the backroads of Hwy. 203 with equal grace on a trip to the Snoqualimie Casino Sportsbook.
Almost forgot about the heated, ventilated and massaging front seats. Must be getting old.
Completing the QX60’s mind-blowing list of equipment is its extensive array of safety features.
The complete list includes predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, auto-leveling, high beam assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and intervention, around view monitor with moving object detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and front pre-crash seat belts.
Base Price: $64,275
Price As Driven: $65,175
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
