Infiniti QX70: Jalopnik's Buyer's Guide
The Infiniti QX70 is a slightly bigger version of the G35-based QX50, and that's not a bad thing. What do you need to know before you buy an Infiniti QX70? Don't worry, we'll tell you everything right here in our Buyer's Guide.
In our Buyer's Guide, we called the Infiniti QX50 a "decent-handling wagon version of an old G35 that offers good value for the segment and loves to drink fuel." With the QX70, much of that holds true.
Like the QX50, the QX70 sits on the Infiniti FM platform, a front-midship, rear-wheel drive sports sedan architecture that underpins the old Infiniti G35 and current Nissan 370Z. In addition to the basic structure, the QX50 and QX70 feature the same powertrain, suspension, brakes and steering setups.
But even after the QX50's 4.5-inch stretch for the 2016 model year, the QX70 is still five inches longer, five inches wider and a couple inches taller, though neither vehicle offers a third row.
So the QX70 is basically just a scaled up version of the QX50 with sharper looks and a few more available luxury features and a $10,000 higher price tag.
What’s New About The 2016 Infiniti QX70
The Infiniti QX70 began life at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, where it debuted as the second generation Infiniti FX. A 2009 model, the "performance crossover" showed the world the wild side of CUVs. The low, sloping roof and the phallic-shaped front end is what Infiniti referred to as a "fusion of sports car and SUV design."
The new FX promised "exceptional levels of power, refinement, safety and driving exhilaration." On the power front, the new FX got a 390 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 instead of the old 320-horse 4.5-liter V8, and the 3.5-liter V6 in the base trim got about 30 more horsepower for a total of 303.
Those engines came bolted to a new seven-speed automatic with available paddle shifters. The suspension also got an update, with the old model's front MacPherson struts replaced with a double-wishbone setup. In addition, the new car got available Continuous Damping Control and Rear-Active Steering.
The interior was also all-new for 2009 and saw new driver's assist features like Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist and Around View Monitor.
Aside from standard Bluetooth in 2010, the FX saw few changes the next two years. In 2012, Infiniti gave their SUV a new front fascia, standard heated front seats and a new Limited Edition FX35 AWD.
In 2013, the FX35 became an FX37, as the 303-horse 3.5-liter V6 was replaced with a 325 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Also new for '13 was the addition of Advanced Moving Object Detection to the Around View Monitor.
In 2014, the FX changed its name to the QX70, and in 2015, the 5.0-liter V8 model got the axe, leaving only the QX70 and QX70 AWD. The QX70 remains unchanged for 2016.
Which One We’d Buy
The Infiniti QX70 comes as a single trim with either rear or all-wheel drive. Both models get hydraulic power steering, double wishbone front suspension, a multilink rear suspension design, 12.6-inch vented disc brakes in the front and 12.1-inch vented rotors out back.
The QX70 comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6, seven-speed automatic, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic HID bi-functional xenon headlamps, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rearview monitor, Infiniti Intelligent Key, Bose 11-speaker Premium Audio System, leather seats, 10-way power driver's seat, eight-way power passenger seat, Bluetooth, Electric lift gate closure assist, seven-inch vehicle information display.
If we had to buy a QX70, we'd drop the extra $1,450 and get the all-wheel drive model. Without any options, an all-wheel drive QX70 would cost us $48,295. That's still much cheaper than a BMW X5, but pricier than a better-equipped, all-wheel drive Lexus RX. But, as is often the case for Infinitis, there are deals to be had on the QX70, especially in the used car market or as a lease.
Important Facts At A Glance:
MSRP: $45,850-$47,300 Top Speed: 150 MPH (estimated)
Acceleration: ~6.5s to 60 (estimated) MPG: 17/24/19 (RWD)
Engines: 3.7-liter V6
Max Horsepower/Torque: 325 hp/267 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 4,209-4,321 pounds IIHS Rating: Not Fully Tested
Transmissions: Seven-speed automatic
Drivetrain Layout: Front-mid engine, RWD/AWD
Photo credit: Infiniti