22 MPG combined won’t break any records, but it’s a trade-off many 2020 Infiniti QX60 buyers accept. It’s not a hybrid, a lightweight, or a particularly new design. Instead, it’s a comfortable, family-focused SUV made to haul people and cargo comfortably, and the fuel economy reflects that. The QX60 is for buyers who want a smooth ride, a luxurious interior, and a usable third row more than the best fuel efficiency. They’re trading some fuel savings for those features, and Infiniti understands this.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show where the QX60’s 3.5L V6 performs best. The 20 MPG city rating reflects how the engine behaves in stop-and-go traffic. Accelerating from a stop and braking often use more fuel. However, the 27 MPG highway figure shows the QX60 is more efficient when cruising at a constant speed. This makes it good for longer trips, where the aerodynamics and steady throttle allow the engine to operate better. The FWD configuration gets slightly better fuel economy than the AWD version, making it a good choice if you don’t need all-weather traction. The automatic (AV-S7) transmission shifts smoothly, but its programming often favors comfort over saving fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Infiniti QX60 FWD will be $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using an average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on a few things. Your driving habits matter, as aggressive acceleration and hard braking will hurt fuel economy. Where you drive also makes a difference, as city driving uses more fuel. And always check fuel prices, which change based on the market. So, while $2,650 is a helpful guide, your own costs could be higher or lower.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a standard, real-world MPG often differs. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and even tire pressure all affect gas mileage. QX60 drivers who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and keep their tires inflated are more likely to get numbers closer to the EPA estimates. On the other hand, those who often use the QX60 to its full capacity, or drive aggressively, should expect lower numbers than the official ratings. Note the types of roads you usually drive on for a better sense of what to expect. Someone driving mostly highway miles will likely see better fuel economy versus someone in city stop-and-go traffic.

How it compares

The 2020 Infiniti QX60 competes with other three-row luxury SUVs. The Acura MDX, for example, gets around 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway with FWD, similar to the QX60. The Lexus RX 350L offers about 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Buick Enclave gets around 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway with FWD. These comparisons show the QX60’s MPG is about the same as others in its class. Buyers often pick the QX60 for its looks, features, and brand, knowing that fuel economy isn’t its best feature. Those wanting better figures might consider hybrid minivans, but they’d give up the luxury SUV experience. You can find all Infiniti fuel economy data here, as well as QX60 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The QX60’s engine works best with smooth and gradual acceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of speed, as these can really impact fuel consumption. Instead, gently press the gas pedal and let the engine gain speed. This driving style saves fuel and also makes for a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience, which fits the QX60’s personality.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level, which you can find on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Remove extra weight from the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall load, which lowers fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy ones, to lighten the load and improve MPG. This is especially important if you often use the third row, as the extra passengers add weight.

Use cruise control on the highway to keep a consistent speed. Cruise control reduces speed changes, which can help improve fuel economy on long drives. But, don’t use cruise control in hilly areas, as the system may downshift often, which reduces some of the fuel savings.