INFINITI QX60 vs. Nissan Pathfinder

Statement-Making Silhouettes

The INFINITI QX60 makes a unique statement with its elegant minimalism, offering a sense of calm amidst the noise of everyday life. Its smooth exterior features clean lines, a graceful roofline, and an origami-inspired double-arch grille with paper-like slats that create a 3D effect. Meanwhile, the Nissan Pathfinder is bold and rugged in its stance, designed to appear tough and trail-ready. Its angular silhouette and commanding proportions help it fully live up to its adventurous name.

The QX60’s Digital Piano Key headlights and available INFINITI Radiant® Grille Emblem enhance its refined presence, helping you see clearly, stand out, and leave a lasting impression. The Pathfinder, by contrast, features more traditional lighting elements. Where the INFINITI embraces elegance and expressive detail, the Pathfinder takes a purely practical approach that favors function-first design.

Cabin as Sanctuary

Step inside, and the differences between these SUVs become even clearer. The QX60 honors its luxury heritage with premium materials and elevated amenities designed to help you unwind. The Pathfinder offers some similar comfort features, like standard Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and available ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

But the INFINITI goes further, with standard features in the QX60 that are either optional or unavailable in the Pathfinder, including:

• Leather seating
• 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and memory
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Panoramic moonroof

Meanwhile, the Pathfinder prioritizes durability and utility over creating a serene cabin environment.

The INFINITI QX60 also enhances the experience with theatre-style seating, standard welcome lighting with illuminated entry, and available ambient lighting—comforts the Pathfinder does not offer.

Grace Under Pressure

The INFINITI QX60 and the Nissan Pathfinder deliver over 260 horsepower: the QX60 with a 2-liter VC-Turbo 4-cylinder and the Pathfinder with a 3.5L V6. Each pairs its engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission and drive modes for versatile handling. While both have suspensions that soften road imperfections, only the QX60 uses acoustic laminated glass and sound-absorbing materials to create a quieter, more serene cabin. The Pathfinder wears its road warrior rep like a badge of honor to muscle through harsh terrain and off-road obstacles; the QX60 prefers to maintain its composure.

Both can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. Perhaps surprisingly, though, the INFINITI’s 286 lb-ft of torque enables it to accomplish that with its base trim and front-wheel drivetrain. Compare that to the Nissan’s standard 259 lb-ft of torque, which only allows a towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds. You’ll have to upgrade to one of the Pathfinder’s 4x4 trims to get the same amount of towing power.

Efficiency That Goes the Distance

Both SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), offering practical advantages that enhance everyday driving. FWD systems are typically lighter and use fewer mechanical components, reducing resistance and allowing the engine to work more efficiently. This translates to better fuel economy, and the numbers speak for themselves:

• INFINITI QX60 Fuel Economy (FWD): EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway MPG^*
• Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy (FWD): EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG

With identical 18.49-gallon fuel tanks, the QX60 lets you travel farther between fill-ups, likely leaving the Pathfinder behind as it searches for its next stop at the pump.

Further enhancing the QX60’s efficiency is its active front grille shutter technology, which minimizes aerodynamic drag and helps maximize every mile. The Pathfinder, by comparison, does not offer this feature.

Seamless and Streamlined

While the Pathfinder starts with a respectable 8-inch touchscreen in its center stack, the INFINITI QX60 increases that by more than 50% to a 12.3-inch display. Both models include the requisite Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, although it comes wireless as standard in the QX60, while in the Pathfinder, you'll need to bring a cord or move up to a higher trim.

Speaking of connectivity, the QX60 also comes standard with wireless charging, a Wi-Fi Hotspot, and five USB ports, compared to the Pathfinder’s optional charging and four ports. While both offer speed-sensitive volume, the INFINITI’s available 17-speaker Bose® Performance Series audio system is notably more immersive than the Pathfinder’s 13-speaker Bose® setup.

Smart Design, Refined Touches

Beyond simple capacity, family logistics demand smart, flexible space that can keep pace with the rhythm of your life. Both SUVs offer reclining second-row captain’s chairs and easy access to the third row, but the INFINITI QX60 delivers it all with a touch more gentility. While the Nissan Pathfinder requires two steps to adjust the second-row seats, the QX60 offers available one-touch power return for added ease.

And, of course, the QX60’s available Zero Gravity massaging front seats are designed for all-day comfort. The Pathfinder’s EZ Flex® Seating System is certainly practical—ideal for stowing soccer bags and coolers—but if you’re looking for an interior that feels more like a natural extension of your home, the QX60’s elevated layout and finishes may suit you better.