CAR REVIEW: 2014 Infiniti QX70: New name, same class

Infiniti sometimes chooses odd names for its cars, including completely new name changes for 2014. Consider: What was the Infiniti FX in 2013 is now the 2014 Infiniti QX70.

But the name changes, for whatever reasons they occurred, don’t matter. The 2014 Infiniti QX70, just like its predecessor, is the upscale brand’s five-passenger sport utility vehicle. And it’s as close to a sports car as an SUV can get.

The Weekly Driver Test Drive

The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is an oxymoron. My test model for the week was the 325-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 edition, and it weighed nearly 4,500 pounds. But it was apparent from the first time in the vehicle, the standard definition of SUVs being utilitarian didn’t apply.

The Infiniti, standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission, is fast considering its segment. It accelerated quickly and bolted down the road with authority with 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

And the rough, noisy ride of many SUVs? Not with the QX70. It was limousine-like quiet and drove smoothly over tough roads with Infiniti’s all-wheel-drive system leading the way.

The base model offered plenty: leather seating , a moonroof, a power tailgate, a rearview camera, and an 11-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD/USB sound system and Bluetooth.

The Premium Package ($4,300) included hard-drive navigation system, AroundView monitor, and power-adjust steering wheel.

The QX70 drive was impressive, but its superior design and plush interior equally matched the ride. It was beautifully trimmed in wood leather and there was substantial head and legroom, although appreciably more in the front seat than in the backseat.

Likes:

Exterior paint color “Midnight Mocha.” But depending upon the time of the day, the QX70 color seemed rich purple to dark brown and a few other color shades.

Luxury interior design and high-end quality of materials.

Acceleration.

Overall comfort, more sporty luxury sedan than SUV.

Bi-xenon headlights are the only way to go.

Heated and cooled front seats.

Power liftgate makes grocery shopping more tolerable.

SUV or sports sedan? It’s hard to tell.

Dislikes:

Back seat tighter than expected.

Limited rear visibility.

Small cargo area. It’s an SUV, right?

Premium unleaded gas required.

Obstacle detection system uber-sensitive.

Facts & Figures: 2014 Infiniti QX70

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 7.3 seconds.
Airbags: eight.
Fuel economy: 17 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway), seven-speed automatic transmission.
Horsepower: 325
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (range): $44,950–$61,500
Manufacturer’s Web site: www.infinitiusa.com.
Price As tested: Unavailable.
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/unlimited miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/unlimited miles.

What Others Say:

“At first glance, the QX70 is the best example of its kind, the usually awkward marriage of a fast, sleek shape and a tall-wagon body. What doesn’t work for the BMW X6 actually does here from a styling and design standpoint.” — CarConnection.com.

“If you want the high seating position and usefulness of an SUV but the driving manners of a performance car, the Infiniti QX70 is one of just a handful that offer both.” — KBB.com.

“It remains one of the most driver-focused crossovers on the market thanks to a platform shared with the athletic Nissan 370Z sports car. The cushy cabin is also a strong point, although there’s less space inside than many competitors.” — LeftLaneNews.com.

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:

“It won’t win any off-road heroics, but as a luxury SUV with a sports sedan feel and power to spare, the Infiniti QX70 is hard to beat.”