2017 Infiniti QX70

While it may be getting on in age, Infiniti's QX70 remains a solid choice for luxury crossover shoppers that desire stand-out styling and an engaging driving experience.

While there are plenty of luxury crossovers to choose from, the QX70 puts its sporting foot forward. It rides on a platform shared with the likes of the Infiniti Q70 and other Nissan sports cars with a front-midship mounted engine for improved weight distribution. It's a driver's utility vehicle with precise steering, strong brakes, little body roll, and plenty of grip from the steam-roller 20 and 21-inch ultra-wide wheels and tires. Against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6 on a twisting road, the QX70 can hold its own.

Performance from the standard 3.7-litre V6 is good. It may not feature turbos or even direct fuel injection, but it's enough to propel this crossover off the line effectively. Total power is 325 hp; torque is somewhat weak compared to its turbocharged rivals at just 267 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed automatic transmission.

If the QX70 has a shortcoming, it's in the utility department. The cargo bay is wide but shallow, and rear-seat space is less than those of traditional premium crossover utility vehicles. Infiniti's engineers have made the most of the space with power folding rear seats and a power-operated tailgate. It's also worth noting that the QX70's towing abilities are limited - it can haul a mere 907 kg. A Porsche Cayenne, for example, can tow nearly 3,500 kg.

For 2017, the QX70 offers slightly refreshed styling. A brand new grille design ditches the wavy chrome spars for a cleaner mesh unit. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference to the front end of the vehicle.

Also new for 2017 is a new range-topping Limited trim. As with the Q50 and QX80, the Limited Edition receives unique exterior accents in the form of unique dark-finish 21-inch alloy wheels, body colour exterior vents, and a different front fascia that swaps standard fog lamps for slim horizontal LED units. Inside, the QX70 Limited gets two-tone leather-upholstered seats, with quilted stitching, heated and ventilated seats, and open-pore wood trim with aluminum flake trim. The centre console also receives a quilted finish, an elegant touch.

Since its inception as the second-generation FX, the QX70 has offered buyers plenty of desirable technology. A proximity key with push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering column, ventilated front seats, and 11-speaker Bose premium audio system are all standard. Features like a 360-degree parking camera and lane-keeping assist continue to be available, as does emergency autonomous braking and full-speed radar cruise control.