2016 INFINITI QX70 Review

The 2016 Infiniti QX70 carries over unchanged from the previous model year.

An edgy design helps set the 2016 Infiniti QX70 luxury crossover apart from other luxury crossover SUVs. But it lacks versatility, and if that's an important quality for you, there are other crossovers that likely will serve you better.

The luxury crossover SUV segment is a fairly large one and it grows almost every year, but the 2016 Infiniti QX70 is still a stylish standout. We like how the QX70 blends characteristics of sports car and SUV, as the low, swooping roof line crowns an SUV-like lower body. But the QX70 offers more than just looks. It has responsive, sporty driving manners that few rivals can match and an interior with premium materials and excellent fit and finish. The QX70's technology interface, though far from trendy, also remains one of the easiest to use.

The 2016 Infiniti QX70 is a luxury crossover for those who prefer sporty to utilitarian.

The QX70 gives up some versatility in the name of sportiness, though. Its sloping roof line cuts into rear seating and cargo space, and the sport-tuned suspension limits the QX70's usefulness for light off-roading and may feel a bit stiff to some, especially on potholed urban streets. A bantamweight towing capacity and the lack of any engine choice other than a 3.5-liter V6 are other drawbacks.

If you're shopping for a luxury crossover, you could compare the QX70 to a slew of other options. If the QX70's interior size is to your liking, you may save some money by opting for sport-oriented small crossovers like the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. Alternately, you can get roomier accommodations from the three-row Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Mercedes-Benz's new GLE Coupe is another option if you like sleek styling but want something with a fresher look. But if performance and style are priorities, the 2016 QX70 is a solid choice.

The 2016 Infiniti QX70 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 generating 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic with a manual shift feature is the only transmission offered. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

In Edmunds testing, a V6-powered QX70 AWD accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds, quick for a midsize luxury SUV. Towing capacity for all-wheel-drive models is limited to a modest 2,000 pounds, a good bit less than many of its competitors.

The EPA's fuel economy estimate for the rear-wheel-drive QX70 is 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). Numbers for the all-wheel-drive model drop to 18 mpg combined (16/22).

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Infiniti QX70 includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The Premium package adds the around-view monitoring system, and the Technology package adds lane-departure warning and lane-keeping systems, along with a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the QX70 its highest score of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset test. The nonprofit institute also rated the QX70's seats and head restraints "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

In Edmunds brake testing, a V6-powered model stopped from 60 mph in 120 feet, a distance that's about average for a luxury crossover.

To experience the 2016 Infiniti QX70 in its element, point it in the direction of the nearest winding stretch of asphalt. There you'll find its sport-tuned suspension gives it the kind of confident handling seldom seen in such a tall vehicle, a feeling that's enhanced by its strong brakes and precise steering. The V6 engine produces a throaty exhaust note and quick acceleration, and it pairs well with the quick-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission.

The trade-off for driving a QX70, however, is a ride quality that's definitely on the firm side. Buyers who place a priority on responsive handling will likely find this trade-off acceptable, but even they should be aware that the optional 20- and 21-inch wheels can make the ride a little too rough to live with in day-to-day driving.

While the QX70 places a heavy emphasis on performance, designers didn't give short shrift to the interior. The passenger cabin is a stylish space outfitted in high-quality materials including soft leather upholstery accented with genuine wood and brushed metal trim.

When it comes to desirable technology, the QX70 offers a long list of options, including a 360-degree camera system that knits together the images from four different cameras to produce a single top-down view of the vehicle's surroundings that can be invaluable in situations like squeezing through tight openings in traffic. Unlike with some of its competitors, all controls are refreshingly straightforward and easy to use, including the intuitive touchscreen interface that's supported by a useful controller knob and button array.

The standard front seats offer all-day comfort, while the power-adjustable side bolsters on the optional sport seats provide an extra measure of support in aggressive driving. The rear seats' limited head- and legroom makes them best for kids and smaller adults, though, and certainly limits the QX70's practicality. So, too, does the cargo hold. Even though it offers a decent 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats, there are just 62 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. That's about what you'd expect from a small crossover, and many midsize competitors offer more.

While better suited for people than cargo, the 2016 QX70 offers 62 cubic feet of space with the rear seats down.