Yes, in Car and Driver’s published tests, the 2025 AWD Infiniti QX60 with the VC-Turbo was slower than its V6 predecessor. It reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, 1.3 seconds behind the magazine’s 2023 V6 result. Passing acceleration also took longer in its comparison. The change is a trade-off rather than an across-the-board loss: the new engine has more peak torque, and the 2025 QX60 carries better EPA fuel-economy estimates. These are separate model-year tests, not a controlled back-to-back comparison.
What changed in the QX60 for 2025?
For U.S. model year 2025, Infiniti replaced the QX60’s 3.5-liter V6 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable compression, called VC-Turbo. The 2026 QX60 also uses the VC-Turbo. Infiniti says the engine varies its compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1; that is manufacturer information, not an independent assessment of how the engine performs.
The new engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 V6 was rated at 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. In other words, the VC-Turbo gives up 27 horsepower at peak while adding 16 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque alone does not determine acceleration: gearing, engine response, vehicle weight and other factors also affect how quickly an SUV moves.
Was the 2025 QX60 slower from 0 to 60 mph?
Car and Driver recorded 7.5 seconds for the 2025 AWD VC-Turbo QX60 to reach 60 mph—1.3 seconds slower than its 2023 V6 test. The magazine’s 2024 QX60 page separately lists a 6.2-second V6 run. These results indicate slower acceleration in the publication’s testing, but they are not a same-day test of otherwise identical vehicles, so the difference should not be treated as a controlled measurement of the engine swap alone.
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How did passing acceleration, handling and braking compare?
Car and Driver also reported slower passing acceleration for the 2025 model than in its prior-year comparison. Its 30–50 mph run took 4.2 seconds, 0.8 second longer, and its 50–70 mph run took 1.1 seconds longer. The 2025 completed the quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds at 90 mph, one second slower than the 2024 test.
Handling and braking showed a more mixed picture. On identical 20-inch wheels and Hankook tires, the magazine measured 0.82 g of lateral acceleration for the 2025, versus 0.85 g in its earlier test. The 2025 stopped from 70 mph in 171 feet, matching the prior result.
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Does the VC-Turbo feel sluggish at low speeds?
Capital One Auto Navigator reviewer Jim Resnick described the 2025 QX60 as lethargic at low speeds. He said the nine-speed automatic’s early upshifts in Normal mode made response feel worse. In his account, Sport mode helped by holding lower gears, but brought more noise and lower mileage. That is one reviewer’s driving impression, not evidence that every driver will experience the same response.
Does the 2025 QX60 get better gas mileage?
Yes, its official EPA estimates are higher than the prior V6 figures listed by Car and Driver. Infiniti’s 2025 ratings are 22 mpg city, 28 highway and 24 combined for front-wheel drive (FWD), or 22 city, 27 highway and 24 combined for all-wheel drive (AWD). Car and Driver lists the 2024 V6 at 21 city and 26 highway mpg for FWD, with AWD one mpg lower. The figures are EPA estimates, not promises of real-world fuel consumption.
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Resnick reported 23.5 and 23.3 mpg on two 73-mile mixed-driving runs in a 2025 AWD QX60. On the same route, he measured 22.3 mpg in a 2023 V6 model. These are results from one reviewer’s route and vehicles, not a prediction for other drivers or conditions.
Does the engine change reduce towing capacity?
Infiniti lists a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds for the 2025 VC-Turbo QX60 when properly equipped. Its 2026 model page also lists up to 6,000 pounds. Because the rating depends on equipment, confirm the specific vehicle’s configuration and towing requirements before relying on it.
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How to weigh the performance trade-off
- Acceleration: Car and Driver’s published results show slower 0–60 mph and passing acceleration for the tested 2025 AWD model than in its earlier V6 tests.
- Engine output: The VC-Turbo has less peak horsepower but more peak torque than the preceding V6.
- Efficiency: Official EPA estimates improved, though actual mileage varies with vehicle, route and driving conditions.
- Braking and grip: The tested stopping distance held steady, while measured lateral acceleration was slightly lower.
- Towing: Infiniti continues to advertise up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The available comparisons do not establish long-term reliability, repair costs or failure rates for the VC-Turbo relative to the V6. They also do not isolate the engine as the sole cause of the measured acceleration differences.
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- Compatible with Nissan: Altima Sedan (2013-2018), Maxima (2016-2023), Murano (2015-2024), Pathfinder (2013-2020)
- Compatible with Infiniti JX35 (2013), QX60 (2014-2020)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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