2013 Infiniti JX

Nissan’s luxury sub-brand sells stylish vehicles that deliver mixed results. Fit and finish is usually good, especially in the quiet, luxurious interiors. But Infiniti often falls short of competitors in fuel economy and handling. Some of its vehicles also score low in our owner satisfaction surveys, and most new models scored average for predicted reliability. New vehicles come standard with a full suite of active safety and driver assist systems. The brand’s lowest-priced option is a two-row compact SUV with a variable compression engine that attempts to deliver both fuel economy and sporty performance. The brand’s larger midsized, three-row SUV is roomy and quiet, with competitive fuel economy and quick acceleration. The largest Infiniti is a large three-row, high-end SUV that competes against Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz. With options, its price can cross $100,000. Among Infiniti’s discontinued vehicles, some sedans and coupes can be recommended among used luxury cars.

An SUV large enough for three rows of seating without the bulk of a full-size model, the JX offers a spacious, quiet, luxurious, and well-finished interior with room for seven. It has a comfortable ride, but its handling lacks agility. Power comes from a 265-hp, 3.5-liter V6, paired with a continuously variable transmission. This powertrain delivers smooth and adequate acceleration, while returning 19 mpg overall on premium fuel. However, towing capacity is a low 3,500 pounds. A family-friendly feature is the ability to gain access to the third row, even with a child seat installed in the second row. Infiniti changed the JX name to QX60 from 2014 onward. The surround-view camera system displays a bird's-eye view around the car when parking, this is an advantage given the impeded rear view. The QX can also brake automatically when reversing to avoid hitting something behind it. A hybrid version was offered for the 2014 model year.