The 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure serves as the entry-level trim for Infiniti’s midsize three-row luxury crossover, combining a spacious cabin, family-friendly utility, and a robust V6 engine at a more accessible price point compared to upper trims like the Luxe or Essential.
When evaluating midsize luxury crossovers, balancing passenger comfort, cargo flexibility, everyday usability, and upfront cost is essential for family buyers. The 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure represents a specific value proposition within the automotive market, offering core luxury features and standard safety equipment without requiring buyers to pay for advanced tech packages they may not need. This comprehensive review examines the design, powertrain performance, interior packaging, safety ratings, and ownership costs of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure to help prospective buyers determine if this model aligns with their driving needs and lifestyle requirements.
Identity and Market Positioning of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure
The Infiniti QX60 has long occupied a practical niche in the luxury crossover segment. Rather than chasing the aggressive styling or track-focused handling of European rivals, the QX60 prioritizes smooth highway cruising, predictable road manners, and an accessible third row. The "Pure" designation denotes the baseline configuration of the vehicle. However, unlike some luxury brands that strip base models of essential features, the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure comes remarkably well-equipped out of the box.
Positioned below the Luxe and Essential trims, the Pure trim strips away certain luxury upgrades—such as the Bose premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance packages—while retaining the core mechanical architecture, chassis tuning, and interior layout of its more expensive stablemates. For budget-conscious luxury shoppers or families needing three rows of seating without the premium price tag of a fully loaded model, the Pure trim serves as a pragmatic entry point into the brand.
Powertrain and Performance Specifications
Beneath the sculpted hood of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure lies a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. This powerplant generates 295 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Unlike many modern competitors that have transitioned to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, Infiniti retained the smooth, linear power delivery of a traditional V6, making highway merging and passing maneuvers effortless.
The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) featuring manual shift modes. While enthusiasts often approach CVTs with skepticism, Infiniti’s D-Step Logic simulates gear shifts under hard acceleration to mimic the feel of a traditional stepped automatic transmission, reducing the characteristic engine drone.
Buyers could configure the 2020 QX60 Pure with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The AWD system monitors wheel slip and dynamically transfers power to the wheels with the best traction, providing added confidence during inclement weather or light winter driving. Fuel economy is competitive for a three-row V6 crossover, with EPA estimates rated at approximately 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, and 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive variants.
| Specification | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DD) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DD) |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 295 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 270 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 20 / 27 mpg | 19 / 26 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (with proper equipment) | 5,000 lbs (with proper equipment) |
Interior Comfort and Passenger Accommodation
The interior packaging remains one of the strongest selling points of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure. The vehicle utilizes a spacious cabin architecture designed to seat up to seven passengers comfortably across three rows.
Leather-appointed seating comes standard, featuring heated front seats with 8-way power adjustability for the driver and 6-way power for the front passenger. The second row features a 60/40-split folding bench seat with a sliding and reclining function. A standout feature of the QX60 is its proprietary second-row slide-and-glide technology, which allows the second-row seat to slide forward and tilt even with a child safety seat installed. This clever engineering detail provides effortless access to the third row without needing to uninstall car seats—a common pain point in family crossovers.
Cargo capacity is generous. Behind the third row, users have access to 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row flat expands cargo capacity to 40.8 cubic feet, while folding both rear rows down opens up a maximum of 76.2 cubic feet of flat storage space, making it capable of handling large furniture, luggage, or sports equipment.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
While technology suites have evolved rapidly, the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure features a dual-display infotainment system centered around an 8-inch upper touchscreen. The interface supports Bluetooth hands-free phone integration, streaming audio, Siri Eyes Free, and multiple USB connection ports for device charging and media playback.
However, prospective buyers should note specific technological limitations of the 2020 model year. Unlike newer automotive releases, the 2020 QX60 does not feature factory wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. Smartphone connectivity relies primarily on standard Bluetooth or USB tethering for basic functions.
The dashboard layout retains physical buttons and knobs for core climate control and audio functions, which many drivers prefer over entirely touch-sensitive interfaces for ease of use while driving. An advanced drive mode selector allows drivers to toggle between Standard, Sport, Eco, and Snow modes to alter throttle response and transmission mapping according to driving conditions.
Safety Ratings and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a paramount concern for family vehicle buyers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Infiniti QX60 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, performing exceptionally well in frontal and side crash tests. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the vehicle top marks ("Good") across major crashworthiness evaluations.
Standard safety equipment on the Pure trim includes:
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW): Monitors not just the vehicle immediately ahead, but also the vehicle traveling in front of that one to anticipate sudden braking events.
- Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with Pedestrian Detection: Automatically applies the emergency brakes if a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected and the driver fails to react.
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW): Alerts the driver to vehicles lingering in adjacent blind spots during lane changes.
It is important to note that more advanced driver-assistance features—such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Backup Collision Intervention, and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection—were reserved for higher trim levels (Luxe and Essential) or optional technology packages that may not be present on a base Pure model.
Ownership Costs, Maintenance, and Reliability
When considering a used 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure, understanding long-term ownership costs is vital. Luxury vehicles generally entail higher maintenance and repair costs compared to mainstream economy brands, but the QX60 utilizes mechanical components shared across the Nissan-Infiniti corporate family, which helps keep replacement part costs relatively manageable.
Regular maintenance includes standard oil changes using synthetic 0W-20 oil every 7,500 miles, periodic brake pad and rotor replacements, and scheduled CVT fluid inspections. While early-generation Infiniti CVTs faced reliability concerns, the unit utilized in the 2020 model year benefited from years of iterative engineering refinements. Nonetheless, verifying service records to ensure the transmission fluid was maintained according to factory recommendations is strongly advised when purchasing a pre-owned unit.
Insurance premiums for the QX60 Pure tend to be moderate, influenced favorably by its strong crash test scores and standard safety equipment. Fuel costs will depend heavily on annual mileage and whether the buyer selects the front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.
Comparative Advantages and Disadvantages
Evaluating the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure alongside its competitors reveals clear strengths and weaknesses that should guide the purchasing decision.
Advantages
- Value Retention and Pricing: Pre-owned QX60 models offer significant depreciation savings compared to their original MSRP, delivering three-row luxury at a mainstream price point.
- Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned specifically for comfort, absorbing road imperfections and highway expansion joints with ease.
- Child Seat Accommodation: The ingenious sliding second row makes daily family logistics significantly easier than in many competing crossovers.
- V6 Performance: The smooth, responsive V6 engine avoids the hesitation sometimes associated with smaller turbocharged four-cylinders.
Disadvantages
- Outdated Infotainment: The dual-screen setup lacks modern graphics and modern smartphone mirroring integrations like wireless Apple CarPlay.
- Fuel Economy Limits: A naturally aspirated V6 paired with a CVT cannot match the fuel efficiency ratings of newer hybrid three-row competitors.
- Stiff Competition: Segment rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Highlander offer more modern cabin layouts and comprehensive standard safety technology suites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No, factory wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is not available on the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure. Smartphone connectivity is limited to Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free calling, and USB media playback. Owners looking for modern smartphone integration typically rely on aftermarket head unit modifications or portable dashboard displays.
What is the towing capacity of the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure?
When properly equipped with a dealer-installed tow package and hitch, the 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This is sufficient for pulling small utility trailers, pop-up campers, or small recreational watercraft. Always verify the specific tongue weight and payload limits in the owner's manual before towing.
How many seats does the QX60 Pure have?
The 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure features a standard three-row configuration designed to seat up to seven occupants. The cabin layout consists of two bucket seats in the front row, a 60/40-split folding bench in the second row, and a 50/50-split folding bench in the third row.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the Pure trim?
All-wheel drive is optional. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard on the base 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure, while Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system was offered as an available mechanical upgrade for an additional cost when purchased new.
How reliable is the 2020 Infiniti QX60 transmission?
The 2020 model utilizes a refined version of Infiniti's Continuously Variable Transmission. While older iterations of the QX60 transmission experienced documented durability issues, the 2020 model year benefits from later manufacturing revisions. Routine fluid maintenance and gentle driving habits are critical to ensuring long-term mechanical longevity.
Final Recommendation
The 2020 Infiniti QX60 Pure is a sensible choice for families seeking a comfortable, spacious, and conventionally powered three-row luxury crossover without paying for superfluous technological gadgets. Its primary appeal lies in its smooth V6 performance, serene highway ride, and innovative second-row seating flexibility.
Before purchasing a pre-owned model, buyers should inspect the vehicle's service history, verify whether it is equipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and test-drive the infotainment system to ensure it meets their personal connectivity expectations. For families prioritizing interior room and long-distance cruising comfort over cutting-edge dashboard tech, the QX60 Pure delivers solid, everyday value.
