I Took the 2026 Infiniti QX60 on a Family Road Trip—Here’s Why It’s One of the Best SUVs for a Family of Four

Hint: it passes the mom test

Author image: Deena Campbell Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large

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Published Jul 15, 2026

Courtesy of Infiniti

I’ve been a mom for almost 10 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the true test of any three-row SUV isn’t the daily school drop-off, it’s a road trip. Hours on the road have a way of exposing every flaw, from uncomfortable seats and clunky technology to a trunk that can’t fit everyone’s luggage. So when I took the 2026 Infiniti QX60 on an almost six-hour drive from New Jersey to Pittsburgh with my husband and two kids, I quickly discovered what it was really made of. By the time we arrived, I was impressed by how seamlessly it handled the realities of family travel. It strikes a sweet spot between luxury and practicality, with thoughtful features that genuinely make life easier without feeling over-the-top.

For context, I drive a 2012 Honda Pilot. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, comfortable and has never let me down. Over the years, I’ve also test-driven my fair share of luxury SUVs, and my husband and I often rent different vehicles when we travel. It’s given me a solid gauge of what makes a practical family car work—and which premium features are actually worth paying for. These are my honest thoughts on the Infiniti QX60.

Courtesy of Infiniti

It Doesn’t Feel Like You’re Driving a School Bus

The three-row SUV category can sometimes feel like an arms race to see who can build the biggest vehicle, but the QX60 takes a different approach. It seats up to seven passengers, but it never feels oversized…at least from behind the wheel. It comfortably housed my family of four with enough room to house their bags of snacks, devices and water bottles.

We also never argued about the temperature, which is saying a lot for our family. Every QX60 comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control, so the kids can set their own temperature in the back while the adults keep things just the way they like up front. The Autograph trim takes it a step further with Infiniti’s Advanced Climate Control System and a Plasmacluster air purifier. Everyone gets their own climate bubble, and there’s one less thing for parents to referee.

Courtesy of Infiniti

The Third Row Isn’t Just for Groceries

We spent most of our road trip with the third row folded flat, and that’s exactly where the QX60 shines. Unlike some SUVs where the back row is an afterthought reserved for toddlers, the QX60’s third row can comfortably accommodate older kids or even adults for shorter drives. Access is also refreshingly easy thanks to Infiniti’s one-touch second-row seats, which slide and tilt forward, even with a child seat installed on certain configurations.

Even with all three rows in use, cargo space remains practical. Our trip had enough room behind the third row for several medium-sized suitcases, which means a family weekend getaway doesn’t require a Tetris challenge.

Courtesy of Infiniti

It Has Plenty of Power

Under the hood is a 268-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. If those numbers don’t mean much to you, here’s the takeaway: It never felt like it was working too hard. Whether we were merging onto busy highways, climbing hills through Pennsylvania or passing slower traffic, acceleration was smooth.

The nine-speed transmission also deserves credit. Gear changes are seamless, and the cabin stays quiet at highway speeds, making conversations (and the occasional Frozen soundtrack) a lot easier to enjoy.

Fuel economy is another pleasant surprise. EPA estimates put the front-wheel-drive model at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, while all-wheel drive drops highway fuel economy by just one mpg. For a luxury SUV this size, those are numbers I can absolutely live with.

The Tech Is Legit

Some luxury vehicles are determined to prove they’re futuristic by hiding everything behind confusing touchscreens. Thankfully, the QX60 avoids that trap.

Every model comes with a crisp, 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation loaded quickly, my phone connected automatically every time I got in, and switching between maps, podcasts and playlists was a breeze. There wasn’t a learning curve, which is exactly what we needed when navigating unfamiliar roads.

I also appreciated that Infiniti kept physical buttons for common functions like climate controls. It’s a small detail, but being able to adjust the temperature without digging through menus makes a huge difference while driving.

If you opt for one of the higher trims, especially the Autograph, the cabin starts feeling closer to a boutique hotel than an SUV. Think quilted semi-aniline leather seats, open-pore wood trim, ambient lighting and heated, ventilated and even massaging front seats!

Then there’s the available 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system, which genuinely impressed me. Whether my kids insisted on Disney singalongs or I switched to Beyoncé after they fell asleep, the sound was rich, crisp and immersive enough that I found myself turning the volume up just because I could.

Deena Campbell

Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large

Oversees fashion and beauty content.
Former Beauty Director at Marie Claire; editorial lead at Allure, Essence, and L’Oréal-owned beauty platforms
Advocate for inclusive storytelling in style, beauty, and wellness

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