Used 2017 INFINITI QX70

Formerly known as the FX, the 2017 Infiniti QX70 crossover SUV has long boasted sporty driving manners over rugged capability. As such, it targets — and adeptly competes with — luxury vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X6, but at around $47,000 starts far less than its German rivals. The 2017 QX70 touts its performance-oriented nature with a muscular exterior design, though its sleek and sloping roof limits this crossover SUV’s interior cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln MKX or Lexus RX. But for drivers who want a sporty 5-passenger SUV with performance, presence and style at a price that undercuts competitors, the QX70 remains an alluring option.

The 2017 Infiniti QX70 crossover SUV isn’t your run-of-the-mill luxury SUV. With its standard rear-wheel-drive layout and potent 325-horsepower engine, this Infiniti crossover SUV is decidedly sporty. Throw in a near 50/50 weight distribution, independent suspension and lower ride height, and it’s clear the QX70 was made more for on-road performance than rugged utility or off-road antics. This Infiniti has plenty of grip and is fun to drive vigorously, a trait that’s few and far between for SUVs. While a V8 is no longer offered, the 3.7-liter V6 packs plenty of power, while the rev-matching 7-speed automatic transmission quickly and smoothly ticks through gears. The QX70’s optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system enhances performance on both dry pavement and snowy roads. With only seven inches of ground clearance and no terrain-specific settings, we’d hesitate to venture very far off-pavement.

With its curved dash, snug nature and oblong analog clock, the 2017 QX70 is similar to its sibling the QX50 in that it feels more like a sports sedan than an SUV. All QX70 models feature a 2-row/5-passenger configuration. Interestingly, the larger QX70 now has less rear legroom than its ostensibly littler brother, the QX50. However, the QX70 boasts more rear cargo room, especially with the rear seats folded. Drivers will appreciate a cockpit that focuses on the one behind the wheel, though both front seats are roomy and comfortable. Watch out for blind spots created by the QX70’s stylishly swept roof.

The QX70’s sophisticated suit backs up its performance intentions. Big, wide, brawny yet elegantly curvaceous, Infiniti’s brawler still stands out even among a sea of SUVs suddenly vying to be performance vehicles. The QX70 continues to be distinguished by its sports-car-like long hood, side air vents just aft the front wheels, raked roof and twin exhaust outlets. Aluminum roof racks included in the recommended Premium package grant an extra dose of utility. Standard wheels are 18 inches, with more substantial 21s available.

AROUND-VIEW MONITOR
This optional feature goes far beyond the standard rearview system by combining four cameras around the vehicle to create a 360-degree bird’s-eye view. The Around View Monitor makes parallel parking a breeze and helps the driver to see objects otherwise not in view.

SPORTY PERFORMANCE
SUVs are not usually associated with performance driving manners, but the Infiniti QX70 is among those that blend just that with the higher seating position and cargo-carrying practicality for which SUVs are known.

The Infiniti QX70 crossover SUV is dressed well even in base form. Standard features include leather interior, power tailgate, power-operated and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 11-speaker Bose AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD audio system with USB port, rearview camera and 7-inch color central display.

The QX70’s options list is refreshingly short. Aside from opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) instead of the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), most options are bundled into four packages. The Premium package includes navigation, AroundView bird’s-eye camera system, Bluetooth audio streaming, power-adjustable steering wheel with entry/exit assist, and roof rails. A Sport package adds paddle shifters, interior accents, 21-inch wheels and climate-controlled front seats, while the Limited package has dark exterior finishes, unique front bumper, wood interior accents and more. The Technology package bundles adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-departure prevention. Surprisingly, blind-spot monitoring isn’t offered on the QX70.

With the former 5.0-liter V8 no longer offered, the sole engine powering the 2017 Infiniti QX70 crossover SUV is a 3.7-liter V6 good for 325 horsepower. The only transmission choice is a 7-speed automatic with both manual-shift mode and Adaptive Shift Control, which basically pays attention to how you’re driving and adapts shift patterns accordingly. The QX70 comes standard in rear-wheel-drive form (RWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional for those seeking improved traction.

3.7-liter V6
325 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
267 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (RWD), 16/22 mpg (AWD)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.