A luxury SUV is an ideal ride for anyone who puts a premium on comfort but needs plenty of space for passengers, cargo, or gear. Infiniti is one of the foremost luxury automotive brands and has an exciting lineup of five SUVs in various sizes and configurations. If you’re shopping for a luxury SUV, here’s what’s in store for drivers within Infiniti’s high-end SUV offerings.
QX30
Crossovers are a popular choice among drivers who need more space than a car provides but aren’t necessarily interested in the passenger capacity of a larger SUV or a minivan. The QX30 nicely fits this niche in the Infiniti lineup, offering a smooth ride, elegant cabin, and generous list of standard features.
The QX30 has been completely redesigned for 2017, with four separate trims available. The base model is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a rearview camera. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 208 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 24 city/33 highway miles per gallon, among the best in this class. It’s paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. You’ll also enjoy 19.2 feet of cargo space with a split-folding rear seat if you need to expand.
As a finalist for Motor Trend 2017 SUV of the year, there’s little to find fault with in the QX30, though some competitors offer better appointments in the base model (such as leather upholstery) and more standard technology. In addition, some drivers will dislike the relatively noisy ride.
QX50
The second crossover option among the Infiniti lineup is the QX50. While this model is a good choice for those who are looking for a great value and performance among the luxury SUV class, the styling is considered somewhat dated and it lags behind rivals in both fuel economy and interior space.
Like the QX30, this compact SUV has seating for five, though it has more legroom and passenger space than the entry-level model in the Infiniti SUV lineup. It features 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is slightly less than the QX30, and 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. You’ll also enjoy soft-touch materials and substantial comfort, including standard leather upholstery and heated seats.
Other standard equipment includes:
- A rearview camera,
- dual-zone automatic temperature control,
- a power moonroof,
- Bluetooth, USB, and satellite radio,
- a 7-inch touch screen,
- proximity key entry,
- and push-button ignition.
When it comes to power, the QX50 is near the top of its class, equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 325 horsepower. However, with this high-end performance comes low fuel economy: 17 city and 24 highway miles per gallon, below average among comparable SUVs. The QX50 offers just one trim, with options grouped as packages.
QX60
Infiniti enters the midsize luxury SUV class with the QX60; while it’s not the highest rated vehicle in this class, it gets big points for offering great standard features, excellent safety scores, and a spacious interior at a comparably low price point. In fact, it was named the best 3-row luxury SUV for families by U.S. News and World Report.
The QX60 offers seating for up to seven, including the rare third row that’s comfortable even for adults, with plenty of leg and headroom throughout the cabin. The quiet interior is appointed in leather and maple. While cargo space is limited with all three rows in use, folding the seats down expands capacity to 76.5 cubic feet.
Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, four USB ports, a rearview camera, push-button start, a moonroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower; a hybrid version is also available. Even with the standard version, you’ll get 20/27 city/highway miles per gallon, among the best fuel economy in this class.
This SUV has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and is designated as a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety.
QX70
Another midsize SUV offering from Infiniti, the QX70 features a powerful engine and superior handling but is limited by its outdated styling and relatively cramped interior. In fact, it’s smaller than the QX60, with no third row and seating for only five passengers. You’ll have about 25 cubic feet of cargo space or 65 feet with the rear seats folded down. However, the interior is elegant and plush, with an easy-to-use infotainment system that earns points among those who are less tech-savvy.
While a touchscreen is not standard on the QX70, you will enjoy base model comforts like leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a premium Bose audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a power moonroof, satellite radio, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Fans of the QX70 also tout the 325-horsepower V6, which comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. As with the QX50, though, you’re trading power for fuel economy; this model gets just 17/24 city/highway miles per gallon.
QX80
At the top of Infiniti’s SUV lineup is the QX80, classified as a large SUV with seating for eight, or seven if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. Named one of U.S. News and World Report’s best large luxury SUVs for families, this vehicle gets high marks for its peppy performance, spacious cargo area, and refined interior. And although it’s packed with standard features, it’s one of the less expensive options in this class.
You and your passengers will enjoy high-quality leather upholstery and plenty of space in the first two rows, though the third row is not ideal for full-grown adults. Cargo space comes in at 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 49.6 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both rows folded.
Technology abounds in the QX80, which comes standard with rare features like navigation system with 3-D graphics, an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, and a 360-degree four-camera system. Drivers can also take advantage of Infiniti’s virtual personal assistant, with 24/7 access to travel arrangements, directory assistance, weather or traffic conditions, and emergency assistance.
Although the a 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine boasts impressive acceleration, you’ll pay at the pump; EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 city/20 highway miles per gallon for rear-wheel drive miles and 13/19 when you opt for all-wheel drive. And despite its large size, the QX80 impresses with its sharp, agile handling.
Regardless of your needs and priorities, there’s an Infiniti SUV to fit your lifestyle among this impressive lineup.
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