After driving a 2015 Infiniti QX60 deluxe touring trim for years, the upgrade to the 2023 Luxe trim model brought a mix of expected improvements and surprising changes. This review dives into the user experience of transitioning between these two models, focusing on what stands out – both positively and negatively – in the newer QX60.
The first and most immediately noticeable upgrade in the 2023 Infiniti QX60 is its modern aesthetic. Stepping into the Luxe trim, the updated design language is evident, presenting a refreshed and contemporary look compared to the 2015 model. Accompanying this visual upgrade is a significant improvement in audio quality. The 2023 QX60’s sound system, although still Bose, delivers a noticeably richer and more immersive audio experience than the older 2015 setup. This suggests enhancements in speaker placement or audio tuning contribute to the superior sound.
Delving into the specifications, the core mechanical changes lie in the transmission type and enhanced tow capacity of the 2023 model. The interior has undergone a complete redesign, prompting a period of familiarization with the new button layouts and control schemes. While some aspects of the new interior are appreciated, others require adjustment, highlighting that interior design preferences are subjective and take time to adapt to.
However, the experience isn’t entirely positive. A surprising aspect of the 2023 QX60 is the perceived reduction in interior space. Despite specifications suggesting similar front seat room dimensions, the 2023 model feels more compact from the driver’s seat. This sensation might be attributed to a more steeply raked windshield, creating a narrower field of view and a somewhat confined feeling compared to the 2015 QX60. The user reports a distinct feeling of being “compacted,” contrasting with the more open feel of the older model.
Another critical area of change is in the driver-assist safety features. While both models are equipped with safety technologies, the implementation differs. The 2015 QX60 had a straightforward system where safety assists were either ON or OFF, encompassing both warning and reactive measures like automatic emergency braking. In the 2023 model, the safety assist settings are more granular, allowing for separate adjustments for warnings and intervention. However, a significant and concerning change is the apparent removal of the self-braking feature when rapidly approaching a slower vehicle – a pre-collision or emergency braking system that was present and appreciated in the 2015 model. The user tested various scenarios and found that while the 2023 QX60 warns of excessive speed relative to a leading vehicle, it does not automatically initiate braking or provide pedal feedback to prevent acceleration in critical situations as the 2015 model did. This omission is a notable downgrade in perceived safety and a step back from the user-appreciated features of the older model.
Finally, the steering wheel in the 2023 Infiniti QX60 is smaller in diameter than in the 2015 model, another change requiring acclimatization. This contributes to a different driving feel, which, like the interior layout, is a matter of personal preference and adjustment over time.
In conclusion, while the 2023 Infiniti QX60 Luxe trim offers advancements in design, audio, transmission, and potentially other areas, the user experience reveals some trade-offs. The perceived decrease in interior spaciousness and, more importantly, the apparent removal of a crucial pre-collision braking safety feature from the driver-assist system are significant points of concern. For this user, the changes, particularly in safety features, are considerable enough to favor retaining the 2015 Infiniti QX60 for the foreseeable future, pending more substantial and unequivocally positive updates in future generations. This personal review underscores the importance of thoroughly evaluating feature changes in newer models, especially concerning safety, even when upgrading within the same vehicle line.
