2021 Infiniti Q60 Performance

The 2021 Infiniti Q60 blends powerful engines with a smooth ride and confident handling. Gas mileage is par for the course compared to V6-powered rivals.

• "The Q60 can be thrilling yet also handle duty as a more-than-bearable daily driver." -- Autotrader
• "The top Red Sport trim adds a heaping dose of performance due to an upgraded engine, an adaptive suspension and more powerful brakes. But regardless of trim, drivers will enjoy smooth on-road manners." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "We have driven plenty of cars over the years that are exciting enough to make us wax poetic. This is not one of them." -- Car and Driver (2017)

Engine Options, Horsepower, and Acceleration

• Base engine: twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque
• Available engine: twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque (Red Sport)
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
• Transmission: seven-speed automatic

This Infiniti’s base engine is more than capable in regular driving situations. It has a healthy amount of power at all speeds. The Red Sport 400 is even livelier, and the automatic transmission operates smoothly.

• "Turbo lag is virtually non-existent. And the 7-speed automatic transmission is calibrated to deliver smooth shifts and transitions. The difference between the two engines is evident both off the line and when accelerating at higher speeds. The Red Sport 400 model has forceful thrust, yet power is managed easily with the responsive throttle pedal. The 300-hp unit is no slouch but doesn’t have that added boost that pushes you back in your seat." -- Autotrader
• "Although we like the standard turbo V6, the Red Sport's engine is outstanding and has plenty of power for all occasions." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "The gearbox features a welcome manual shift mode, though there's a slight lag in responding to commands. For the majority of my drive, I leave the transmission in full auto with the Q60's drive mode selector into Sport+ for quick upshifts and well-timed downshifts." -- CNET (2017)

MPG Estimates

While many luxury small cars tend to have better fuel economy ratings than the Q60, most of them also have four-cylinder base engines. When equipped with a V6, their ratings are similar to the Infiniti’s.

• Q60, RWD: 19/28 mpg city/highway
• Q60, AWD: 19/27 mpg
• Red Sport 400, RWD: 20/27 mpg
• Red Sport 400, AWD: 19/26 mpg

Handling and Braking

The Q60 has a fairly gentle ride on the pavement. It can feel a tad stiff but not overly so. Handling is composed, with controlled body lean, great road grip, and strong brakes. The standard steering system is fine too, but the available direct adaptive steering has a numb, unnatural feel.

• "The Q60’s multiple by-wire systems – steering, throttle, transmission, and optional adaptive suspension – all collaborate to deliver an immediate, connected drive. A more natural feel to the steering would be preferable, but it’s an improvement over Infiniti’s first attempt at a steer-by-wire feature." -- Autotrader
• "We're less fond of the optional Direct Adaptive Steering system, which feels overly disconnected and artificial. Without it, the Q60's handling is secure." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "The ride quality in normal mode is compliant, if on the stiffer side. The system is excellent when switched to its most aggressive mode, limiting body lean and providing loads of grip." -- Left Lane News (2017)