Luxury SUV Showdown: Infiniti QX60 vs Audi Q7 – Which One Delivers More Value?
When it comes to luxury three-row SUVs two models often find themselves in the spotlight – the Infiniti QX60 and the Audi Q7. Both bring unique traits to the table that appeal to different types of drivers. In this detailed comparison we dive into the features performance pros and cons to help you figure out which SUV fits your needs best.
Design and Exterior
Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60 offers a sleek and bold new design that emphasizes elegance without feeling over-the-top. With its recent redesign Infiniti gave it an aerodynamic silhouette featuring a wide grille and new LED headlights that contribute to a modern presence. The floating roofline and clean lines give the QX60 an edge making it stand out in a crowded segment.
Wheel options start from 18-inch alloys and go up to 20 inches giving buyers choices to customize their ride visually. But some reviewers point out that the QX60 doesn't feel as rugged as competitors. "The QX60 is all about sleekness but it lacks that muscular appeal that SUVs like the Q7 deliver" says Alex Collantes an automotive reviewer.
Audi Q7
In contrast the Audi Q7 emphasizes a more European aesthetic. It has a boxier look with sharper edges and a front fascia dominated by Audi's signature grille. The Q7 delivers a more utilitarian style with standard roof rails that give it an adventurous vibe. Optional matrix LED headlights take the futuristic styling further.
One area where the Q7 stands out is in its paint options and trim customization. Audi is known for precision and it offers the Q7 in multiple colorways from metallic paints to matte finishes that feel bespoke. However some might say that the Q7 looks too conservative. "I feel like the Q7 could use more flair especially when parked next to something like the QX60 which just pops" says Collantes.
Interior and Cabin Comfort
Infiniti QX60
Step inside the QX60 and you’ll notice premium materials right off the bat. It offers leather-appointed seating across all trims with semi-aniline leather available on higher models. The dash layout emphasizes simplicity with a 12.3-inch infotainment display that flows into the central stack seamlessly.
But while the cabin is elegant Infiniti has focused more on style than space. Although there’s enough legroom in the first and second rows the third-row seat feels cramped for adults. This might be an issue for families planning long road trips. "The QX60's third row is best suited for kids and shorter adults" says Collantes.
Highlights:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is wired)
- Massage seats available on higher trims
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7’s interior is all about technology and precision. It offers a dual-screen MMI infotainment system with a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch lower screen for climate and vehicle settings. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit also replaces traditional gauges with a digital driver display giving the Q7 an edge for tech-savvy buyers.
While the materials are premium Audi doesn't include leather as standard on base trims which feels like a miss for a luxury vehicle. However space is one of the Q7’s strong suits. Even the third row provides more room than what the QX60 offers though cargo space suffers slightly when all three rows are in use.
Key Features:
- Bang & Olufsen premium sound system optional
- Four-zone climate control for ultimate comfort
- Advanced driver assistance systems standard
Engine and Performance
Infiniti QX60
The QX60 offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission the powertrain feels smooth but not particularly sporty. The QX60 is more about comfort and it handles well for city driving though it lacks the agility needed for spirited cornering.
Drivers have the option of front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) which adapts to changing road conditions. But for drivers who crave a more engaging ride the QX60 may feel underwhelming. "The engine feels adequate but it doesn't excite. It’s fine for daily commutes but don’t expect thrills on a twisty road" says Collantes.
Pros:
- Comfortable suspension
- Good fuel economy for its size
Drawbacks:
- No hybrid option
- Lacks driving dynamics
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 offers two engine options – a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 261 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 with 335 horsepower. The latter also features a mild-hybrid system that improves efficiency and provides smoother start-stop functionality.
The Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip even in harsh conditions. The Q7 handles corners more confidently than the QX60 but some might find the ride a bit stiff on rough roads. "Audi has nailed the performance aspect but you do sacrifice a bit of ride comfort especially on uneven surfaces" says Collantes.
Strengths:
- Superior handling
- Mild-hybrid available for better efficiency
Weaknesses:
- Base engine feels underpowered
- Stiff ride on bumpy roads
Technology and Infotainment
Infiniti QX60
Infiniti equips the QX60 with a 12.3-inch touchscreen along with a 10.8-inch head-up display on higher trims. The system is responsive though some users report that it lacks the intuitive flow found in competitors' systems. The absence of wireless Android Auto is also a drawback for Android users.
However wireless Apple CarPlay works seamlessly and the optional Bose premium sound system elevates the in-car experience. USB ports are spread across all three rows ensuring everyone can stay connected.
Pros:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Intuitive head-up display
Cons:
- No wireless Android Auto
- Interface could be more user-friendly
Audi Q7
Audi takes tech seriously and it shows in the Q7. The dual-screen MMI system provides high-quality visuals but some might find the layout overwhelming at first. The Virtual Cockpit gives the driver a fully digital dashboard which is highly customizable.
One downside is that the infotainment system can be prone to lag during startup though updates have improved performance over time. Also the sheer number of menus might frustrate those looking for simplicity. "It’s an impressive system but it can feel like overkill especially if you're not into tech-heavy interfaces" says Collantes.
Highlights:
- Virtual Cockpit sets a high bar
- Optional 23-speaker sound system
- Can feel overwhelming for new users
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both the Infiniti QX60 and Audi Q7 offer a comprehensive suite of safety features though they each excel in different areas.
Infiniti QX60
Infiniti’s ProPILOT Assist system includes adaptive cruise control lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition. It works well but some drivers mention that it can feel too conservative cutting off acceleration when not necessary.
Audi Q7
Audi's driver assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and a night vision assistant as an option. The lane-keeping system feels smoother than Infiniti's but the adaptive cruise control occasionally gets confused in stop-and-go traffic.
Pricing and Value
- Infiniti QX60: Starts at $50,000
- Audi Q7: Starts at $60,000
While the Q7 offers a more luxurious driving experience its higher starting price may not justify the added value for everyone. The QX60 undercuts it by about $10,000 offering a lot of bang for your buck but with fewer premium touches.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Infiniti QX60 and Audi Q7 have their strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a tech-forward luxury SUV with superior handling and customization options the Audi Q7 is the better pick. However if you prioritize value comfort and sleek design the Infiniti QX60 provides excellent bang for your buck especially with its lower starting price.
So which one wins this battle? The answer depends on what you value more. Performance and cutting-edge tech? Go for the Q7. Comfort design and savings? The QX60 should be on your radar.