The Infiniti JX crossover SUV debuted in 2012 as a 2013 model. Later that year, parent company Nissan changed the naming scheme of its lineup.
Now the former JX will not only roll out with its new QX moniker at the New York Auto Show later this month, but with a new trim as well: the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid.
The QX Hybrid, as in all hybrid variants of a normally gasonline-fueled model, is powered by an internal combustion engine / electric motor combo. Infiniti ditched the standard 3.5-liter V-6 and replaced with a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a 15 kilowatt motor. Horsepower is 250 horsepower and is similar to the gasoline-powered version. All QX models utilize a smooth continuously variable transmission.
Official EPA figures have not been released, but Infiniti guesstimates the QX60 Hybrid will get 26 mpg combined which it touts is a 24 percent improvement over its non-hybrid sibling.
The current 2013 JX35 with front-wheel drive (FWD) gets an EPA estimated 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive (AWD) version gets 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
Colour us cynical, but we’re not too sure the extra 5-6 mpg is worth the additional $3,000 Infiniti plans to charge for the QX30 Hybrid. Pricing for the base 2013 JX FWD currently goes for around $40,450 MSRP (which does not include destination and handling). Expect pricing for the regular 2014 QX to go up slightly.
Unlike most hybrid vehicles, there will be no interior space lost in the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid. Like most hybrids, the crossover SUV uses lithium ion batteries which usually take floor or cargo space (or both). Infiniti states it has positioned the QX60 Hybrid’s batteries under the third row without affecting passenger or cargo space.
Infiniti plans to unveil the 2014 QX60 Hybrid on March 24th when the automaker will issue more details like trim levels, option packages, and pricing. The QX60 Hybrid is the third hybrid in Nissan’s luxury lineup which includes the Q50 Hybrid sedan (formerly the Infiniti G) and the Q70 Hybrid (formerly the Infiniti M) four-door.
