Sunday Drive: 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD — Emerald elegance meets winter confidence in Utah Valley
- The 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD makes a sophisticated statement in Utah Valley. Finished in Deep Emerald, the three-row luxury SUV features Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille and slim LED lighting that shimmered even in the overcast winter light of our test week.
- The interior of the Autograph trim is where the QX60 truly shines, featuring semianiline leather seating with intricate quilting. The 12.3-inch digital displays and open-pore wood trim create a cabin environment that feels warm and handcrafted.
- A side profile of the QX60 reveals its elegant proportions and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. During our week of daily driving through Springville and Orem, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine provided a composed and efficient performance on both city streets and the freeway.
- The Autograph trim sits at the top of the QX60 lineup, distinguished by satin chrome accents and subtle badging. This perspective highlights the refined exterior design that stood out from the typical grayscale SUVs in local parking lots.
- Utah’s winter weather met its match with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Whether navigating a surprise snowstorm in the valley or handling slick uphill residential streets, the QX60 maintained steady and predictable traction.
- Second-row captain’s chairs offer an executive feel for passengers and easy access to the third row. During Craig’s drive to Ogden with Sylvia, the laminated acoustic glass and thoughtful insulation kept the cabin remarkably quiet at freeway speeds.
Utah winters have a way of testing both patience and machinery. Between early morning commutes, freeway runs north to Ogden, and a surprise snowstorm that dusted the valley in white, our week needed capability wrapped in comfort. Enter the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD in Deep Emerald — a three-row luxury SUV that didn’t just meet our needs, it proved to be our perfect companion for the week.
At first glance, the QX60 Autograph makes a statement without shouting. The Deep Emerald paint shimmered in the winter light, offering a refreshing departure from the sea of grayscale SUVs populating local parking lots. It was a color that to us felt upscale and confident, perfectly matched to Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille and slim LED lighting.
The Autograph sits at the top of the QX60 lineup, and it was evident. Unique 20-inch alloy wheels, tasteful satin chrome accents and subtle Autograph badging distinguished it from lesser trims. Yet nothing felt overdone. Infiniti had clearly aimed for sophisticated family luxury rather than flash — a mission that aligned well with life here in Utah.
A week in the valley
We spent our week with the QX60 using it as a daily driver. Commutes to work across Utah Valley, grocery runs, evening drives and the steady rhythm of errands filled our schedule. The three-row Infiniti proved itself a comfortable and composed companion whether navigating traffic along University Parkway in Orem or easing through our Springville neighborhoods.
Under the hood, the 2026 QX60 continued with Infiniti’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. The variable compression technology remains one of the more intriguing engineering feats in the segment, seamlessly adjusting to balance power and efficiency. Paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivered confident acceleration merging onto I-15 while maintaining respectable fuel economy for a midsize luxury SUV.
The ride quality struck a near-perfect balance. It absorbed expansion joints and winter-worn pavement with ease yet remained composed and stable in corners. Steering felt precise without being overly heavy, making parking at busy shopping centers a simple affair despite the QX60’s generous proportions.
A business lunch in Ogden
Midweek brought an opportunity for Craig to point the Infiniti northbound for a lunch meeting at the Ogden offices of the Standard Examiner. The drive from Utah County to Ogden provided a perfect opportunity to stretch the QX60’s legs on the freeway.
Sylvia Abbott, his coworker, joined for the ride, and it didn’t take long for her to comment on the serene cabin. Wind and road noise were remarkably subdued, even at freeway speeds. Infiniti’s laminated acoustic glass and thoughtful sound insulation created an environment that rivaled European competitors costing significantly more.
The ProPILOT Assist system with navigation-linked adaptive cruise control proved particularly helpful on the I-15 corridor. It maintained smooth following distances and gently assisted with steering inputs, reducing fatigue on the hour-plus drive north. While he always kept his hands on the wheel and remained attentive, the system performed confidently and predictably.
Autograph interior: Where it truly shines
If the exterior drew us in, the Autograph interior sealed the deal.
The semianiline leather seating, complete with intricate quilting, felt every bit worthy of the Autograph badge. Our tester featured a striking two-tone treatment that paired beautifully with open-pore wood trim and subtle metallic accents. The overall design exuded warmth and craftsmanship rather than cold minimalism.
Second-row captain’s chairs — a hallmark of the Autograph trim — provided easy access to the third row and added an executive feel for passengers. Whether hauling family or colleagues, the QX60 offered flexibility. The third row remains best suited for children or shorter trips for adults, but it proved to be genuinely usable — a key factor for growing families.
Up front, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and matching 12.3-inch infotainment display were crisp and intuitive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto attached and worked seamlessly throughout our week. The head-up display proved especially useful during snowy conditions, allowing us to monitor speed and navigation cues without taking eyes off the road.
Cargo space behind the third row handled groceries and gear with ease, and folding the rear seats created a flat load floor for larger items.
An unusual Utah snowstorm
Our week with the QX60 coincided with something we haven’t seen much of this winter: a genuine Utah Valley snowstorm. While snowfall totals weren’t record-breaking, the timing and intensity created slick, snow-packed roads in the morning.
This is where the QX60’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system truly earned its keep.
Unlike traditional full-time AWD systems, Infiniti’s setup primarily operates in front-wheel drive for efficiency but can instantly send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when slip is detected. The transitions were seamless and confidence-inspiring. Pulling away from snow-covered intersections, the QX60 maintained composure without drama. On uphill residential streets, traction remained steady and predictable.
The vehicle’s array of safety systems — including Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention and Forward Emergency Braking — worked quietly in the background, adding an extra layer of reassurance in less-than-ideal conditions.
For Utah families who regularly contend with winter weather, the QX60 Autograph strikes a compelling balance between luxury and practicality. It doesn’t just look good in the driveway; it performs when conditions demand it.
Comfort for the long haul
One of the hallmarks of any successful three-row SUV is how it treats occupants over time. After a full week of commuting, meetings, errands and freeway travel, we stepped out of the QX60 each day feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
The heated and ventilated front seats were particularly appreciated during the fluctuating winter temperatures. The heated second-row seats ensured rear passengers were equally comfortable. Tri-zone climate control allowed everyone to dial in their preferred settings without complaint — a small but meaningful luxury.
Infiniti’s Bose Performance Series audio system delivered rich, immersive sound whether streaming podcasts on the way to Ogden or enjoying music during evening drives through the valley. It’s the kind of system that encourages you to take the long way home.
Final thoughts
By week’s end, handing back the keys to the Deep Emerald QX60 Autograph felt like saying goodbye to a trusted companion. It had seamlessly handled the full spectrum of our lives — professional commitments in Ogden, daily work drives across Utah Valley, routine errands and even a surprise snowstorm.
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph doesn’t try to reinvent the segment. Instead, it refines it. It offers genuine luxury without pretense, technology without overwhelm and winter-ready capability without sacrificing comfort.
Base price: $66,150
Destination charge: $1,495
Price as driven: $73,480













