ArcaMax

Three years ago, a luxury-brand crossover like the Infiniti QX60 wasn't all that remarkable because there were lots of others a lot like it -- especially under the hood.

Fast-forward three years and the QX60 stands out because it's one of just two remaining luxury-brand crossovers in its class that still comes standard with a V6 engine and without a turbocharger (or a "mild hybrid") system. The only other one being Acura's MDX. The rest -- including the Audi Q7 and the Lexus RX350 (which no longer offers a third row) -- no longer even offer them as optional engines.

And that's why the QX60 is suddenly much more remarkable -- and desirable -- than it was just three years ago.

What It Is

The QX60 is a midsize, luxury-brand crossover based on the Nissan Pathfinder. It comes standard with three rows of seats -- and a V6 engine.

Prices start at $49,650 for the base Pure trim with front-wheel drive; adding the optional all-wheel-drive system increases the MSRP to $51,650. Both come standard with a panorama sunroof, heated leather seats, three-zone climate control, a nine-speaker audio system and a 12.3-inch touch screen.

The next-up Lux trim adds 20-inch wheels, an LCD main gauge cluster, roof rails and navigation. This trim lists for $55,700 with FWD and $57,700 with AWD.

Next up is the Sensory trim, which adds massaging driver and front-passenger seats, a 17-speaker Bose premium audio system, power-folding third-row seats and a household-type 120V power outlet, among other upgrades. It lists for $59,050 with FWD and $61,050 with AWD.

The top-of-the-line Autograph trim swaps out the second-row split bench for a pair of captain's chairs, adds adaptive headlights, a digital rearview mirror and comes standard with a tow package (rear hitch plus wiring, transmission oil cooler and trailer sway assist) if ordered with AWD.

It lists for $63,200 with FWD and $66,100 with AWD.

What's New for 2024

The '24 QX60 carries over into 2024 unchanged.

What's Good

-- Standard V6, as opposed to the turbo fours in rivals like the Audi Q7 and Lexus RX350.

-- All trims are available with -- but don't require that you buy -- AWD.

-- Can pull up to 6,000 pounds.

What's Not So Good

-- Less cargo space and second-row legroom than in the Acura MDX.

-- Only tows 3,500 pounds -- unless you step up to the pricier Sensory or Autograph trims, the only trims available with the tow package that increases the towing capacity to 6,000 pounds.

-- Standard eye-movement monitoring system pesters you if it thinks you're showing signs of being "drowsy" or "distracted."

Under the Hood

Unlike almost everything else that used to come with a V6, the QX60 still does. All trims have the same 3.5-liter V6 that makes 295 horsepower, paired up with a standard nine-speed automatic and standard FWD.

Three years ago, this would have been as remarkable as getting cheese with your burger -- no extra charge. Now it's almost like getting the burger and the cheese -- while everyone else gets something made with crickets and forget the cheese.

For instance, the Audi Q7 -- nominally a rival -- comes standard with a 2.0-liter four that makes just 216 horsepower, paired up with an elaborate (and cost-adding) mild-hybrid system that shuts off the little four as often as conditions permit, in order to "save gas."

But you won't save much.

Even with two fewer cylinders (and 34 fewer horses), the Q7 rates an unimpressive -- given all its putative "efficiency" advantages -- 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. The QX -- without any of the Audi's "efficiency" advantages -- still manages to post higher gas mileage numbers, 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

And you don't have to spend $9,850 -- the difference in MSRP between the $49,650 to start QX60 and the $59,500 to start Q7 -- to not "save gas."

On the Road

What you have here is an extremely nice Pathfinder that has a different (less "SUV") look than the Nissan-badged Pathfinder -- and the same standard V6 engine, a feature you can't get anymore in rivals such as the Q7 and RX350.

On the downside, the Q's V6 is paired with a compliance transmission . That is to say, a nine-speed automatic with multiple overdrive gears that is programmed to upshift into them sooner rather than later, so as to cut engine RPMs in order to increase mpg. This programming can be countermanded -- by mashing the accelerator pedal -- but having to do so runs counter to what ought to be the experience in a luxury-brand vehicle such as this.

But which would you rather have? A V6 -- one that doesn't need a turbo -- paired with a compliance transmission?

Or no V6 -- and a 2.0-liter four, instead?

At the Curb

The QX60's kinship to the Pathfinder is well hidden -- unless you look under the hood. Or under the very different exterior.

In addition to the same V6 that comes standard in the Pathfinder, you can get luxury features that aren't available in the Pathfinder, most notably the Sensory trim's standard massaging front seats. If you've not yet experienced these, you ought to try them out. It's the difference between flying coach for four hours and flying first class for the same four hours, which won't feel like you just did.

The sensory also comes standard with an excellent 17-speaker stereo.

All trims come standard with significantly more total cargo-carrying capacity than the Q7, which has just 59.6 cubic feet all told. The Infiniti has 75.4 cubic feet. However, it also has just 14.5 cubic feet of space when its third row is in place -- the same (just about) as the Audi's negligibly less 14.2 cubic feet behind its third row.

The Rest

The QX60 offers a stout 6,000-pound maximum tow rating, which is competitive with current midsize pickups and significantly more than most crossovers, including the MDX -- which tops out at 5,000 pounds.

On the downside, the Lincoln Aviator comes standard with a 5,600-pound max tow rating -- while the Q is available with a 6,000-pound max tow rating. If you spring for either of the two top trims (Sensory and Autograph) which greatly increases the price you'll pay.

Otherwise, the QX60 is only rated to pull a maximum of 3,500 pounds -- the same as (or less than) almost all of its rivals.

The Bottom Line

It is likely that the V6 you can still get standard in this rig won't be available for much longer. Once it isn't, the QX will be a lot more like all the rest -- and for that reason will be much less appealing than it is right now.

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Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

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