After first appearing in the refreshed 2017 Pathfinder, Nissan’s updated 3.5-liter V-6 is starting to propagate across the company’s broader lineup. The second application of this more powerful engine is in the 2017 Infiniti QX60, the three-row luxury crossover that’s closely related to the Pathfinder. The QX60’s starting price rises $500, to $44,095, reflecting the powertrain upgrade and a few other bits of new equipment.
The new engine’s direct injection, revised air-intake system, and a few other tweaks endow the QX60 with 30 more horsepower than before, for a total of 295 horsepower, and 22 more lb-ft of torque, now up to 270 lb-ft. The new engine still mates with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is available with either standard front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for $1800 extra. EPA fuel-economy numbers for the AWD version stay the same, at 19/26 mpg city/highway, while front-drive QX60s lose 1 mpg in the city for a new rating of 20/27 mpg city/highway. Also new for 2017 is an upgraded infotainment system, called Infiniti InTouch. Newly available options include a motion-activated power liftgate and in-car Wi-Fi. The latter two features are offered as options, with the liftgate part of the Deluxe Technology package and the Wi-Fi capability offered as part of the Theater package, which now also includes larger monitors mounted on the backs of the front headrests.

First Drive: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Driven: 2016 In...