The used-car market has a way of turning yesterday’s luxury into today’s bargain, and few vehicles illustrate that better than the first-generation Infiniti QX60. What started life as the JX35 before Infiniti reworked its naming scheme grew into a genuinely competitive three-row luxury SUV — one that took on the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, and Volvo XC90 with a steadily expanding suite of safety and driver-assist technology. By the end of its run, the QX60 offered some of Infiniti’s most advanced features — and now those well-equipped examples can be had for a fraction of their original sticker price.
The first generation of this popular luxury SUV is no longer new, but the used market offers a wide selection of well-equipped units at reasonable prices. Below, we’ll guide you through the major QX60 updates to help you find the best model year, along with a few key considerations.
We’re specifically looking back at the final years of the first Infiniti QX60 (2019 and 2020), sourcing technical data from the manufacturer.
What You’ll Pay Today (And What About That CVT)
On the secondary market, the first-generation Infiniti QX60 (2013–2020) offers accessible three-row luxury, though its valuation strongly reflects its mechanical reputation. Depending on mileage, trim, and overall condition, used prices generally range between $8,000 and $18,000. Earlier model years, particularly the 2013 JX35 and 2014–2016 QX60 variants, sit toward the lower end of that spectrum, often trading between $8,000 and $12,000. Well-maintained late-model examples (2018–2020) with lower mileage and updated technology can command anywhere from $14,000 to $18,000.
However, the primary shadow hanging over this generation is its Jatco-sourced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Known for premature juddering, hesitation, and sudden failure, a broken CVT can quickly turn an affordable purchase into an expensive liability. If the unit fails out of warranty, a full replacement typically costs between $4,500 and $7,500 including labor and software recalibration.
Sourcing a remanufactured unit through an independent transmission shop may drop costs to $3,500–$5,000, whereas dealership replacements using original equipment regularly hit $6,000 to $8,000+. Because these transmissions are sealed units that mechanics rarely rebuild by hand, complete assembly replacement is standard—often equaling a substantial portion of the vehicle’s overall market value.
The Life and Times Of The Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60 is a popular luxury three-row SUV that first debuted for the 2013 model year wearing the JX35 badge. A year later, as Infiniti transitioned to a new alphanumeric naming convention, the QX60 nameplate was born. Built on Nissan Pathfinder underpinnings, it quickly earned a reputation for its comfortable ride, plush interior, and a strong emphasis on family-friendly features, as well as a continuously evolving safety story. The QX60 had a few signature tricks, including the ability to provide easy access to the third row even with a child seat installed.
The QX60 concluded its initial run after 2020, paving the way for an all-new, fully redesigned second-generation QX60, which arrived in 2022. Along the way, a few milestone model years are worth understanding as you research. The outgoing first-generation QX60 remains a compelling option on the second-hand market, often available at highly reasonable prices.
Key Specs, Features, and Model Years of the Infiniti QX60
The 2016 model year was a big one for the QX60. For 2015, sales of this model were up by a third in the USA, making the QX60 the second-best-selling Infiniti at the time (right behind the Q50 sedan). To help maintain the momentum, a mid-cycle refresh for 2016 updated the QX60’s bumpers and lights, added new steering and suspension hardware and calibrations for a more engaging and comfortable drive, and applied acoustic glass to the front windows to reduce cabin noise. More advanced safety equipment also became standard across various trim levels.
For 2017, the 3.5-liter V6 engine received over 50% new parts and components, including direct fuel injection. The result was 30 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque, with no penalty to fuel consumption. A CVT remained the sole transmission option — more on that later. Elsewhere for 2017, the QX60’s equipment packages were updated and enhanced, with a Motion-Activated Liftgate, High Beam Assist, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror added to the Deluxe Technology Package. The rear-seat theater package received upgraded screens and headphones, and all models gained an 8-inch color display, up from the outgoing 7-inch unit.
2019 Infiniti QX60 Specifications
Engine
3.5-liter V6 gas NA
Horsepower
295 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque
270 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission
CVT
Drive
AWD
For the 2018 model year, an innovative Rear Door Alert system was added to the safety equipment list. This clever feature helps remind drivers to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle, particularly if the rear doors were opened before departure but not reopened after parking.
Then in 2019, Infiniti made Blind Spot Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, and predictive Forward Collision Warning (which could detect emergency braking two cars ahead) standard across all grades. The 2019 model year also introduced a revised trim structure, now offering four models: Pure, Pure AWD, Luxe, and Luxe AWD. A new Limited package brought unique interior and exterior treatments. The ProASSIST package, if equipped on the model you’re considering, adds Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, and High Beam Assist.
The 2020 QX60 was a carryover model, mechanically and feature-wise identical to the 2019. All said, choosing a 2019 or 2020 model will get you into the very best technology and safety equipment the first-generation QX60 has to offer.
2019 Infiniti QX60 Specifications
Wheelbase
114.2 inches
Length
200.6 inches
Width
77.2 inches
Height (with rails)
68.8 inches
Clearance
6.5 inches
Designers used a flat platform floor to enhance both the QX60’s stance and interior flexibility. Second-row seating can be adjusted forward and backward by 5.5 inches, allowing legroom and cargo space to be balanced on the fly. Wide door openings and that same 5.5-inch seat slide make for easy entry to the third-row seats as well. Here’s one of the QX60’s best party tricks: the multi-mode second-row seat has a unique movement function that lets it slide forward out of the way even with a child seat installed, ensuring passengers can easily access the third row regardless. Additionally, both rear seating rows are split-folding and able to recline for added comfort and flexibility.
Sources: Infiniti NHTSA
