Infiniti built the 2014 QX60 for families looking for three rows of seating, spunkiness to the ride and a decent fuel numbers. Formerly called the "JX35," Infiniti renamed it for 2014 to be more in line with the automaker's nomenclature in the U.S.

Starting at $41,550 for the front-wheel-drive model, the 2014 Infiniti QX60 competes in the heart of the luxury crossover segment with the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Buick Enclave, and Lincoln MKT. The QX60 is based on Nissan's underpinnings for the Altima, Maxima and Quest and, therefore, has a more car-like feel and drive. The QX60 cuts an upscale, streamlined profile with a rear spoiler that caps the back end like a tasteful top-hat. Standard are 18-inch wheels, but it can be ordered with packages that boost the wheels to 20 inchers.

The interior of the QX60 is unexpectedly alluring with a modern art air; creative blending of shapes and character lines, the center stack console achieves a new level of classy.

The 2014 QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that gets 265 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to Infiniti's continuously variable transmission. The EPA fuel economy is 18 city/24 highway mpg (FWD) and 18/23 mpg (AWD).

We drove the Infiniti QX60 AWD close to 400 miles around town, using it for everyday driving and a few shopping trips, but the centerpiece of our time in this family vehicle was taking my nieces, Faith, 11, Olivia, 9, on a road trip to a lake house in Vermont. The girls are discriminating riders and were suitably impressed by a super "cool car."

Their favorite feature was the front seat headrests with rear screens that allowed them to watch a movie as we motored. Mine was the soft ride and great audio system. While the Infiniti has ample power, the nearly 4,500 pounds of weight is felt on long passes.

The third row seat provided extra stowage, when down, however, we found it small and deep for seating young children and a somewhat small cargo space when the back seat was up. The middle bench can slide fore and aft 5.5 inches and entry to the third comes from either side; the seat folds and slides forward leaving a modest opening to the rear.

Standard is a rearview monitor and Infiniti's world's first Around View Monitor, with four cameras that give a full 360-degree, bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, as well as Moving Object Detection, another safety aid. Of note is a suite of safety features that includes Backup Collision Intervention. This system uses radar and sonar parking sensors at the back and in the rear bumper as an aid to scan for cross traffic and obstacles; it can come to a complete stop reversing at speeds of up to 5 mph.

The Premium package ($4,950) adds navigation, maple wood trim, the Around View Monitor, and Infiniti Connection telematics with Google Calendar integration, remote unlock, zone and speed alerts, collision notification, and other features.

A Theater package ($1,700) adds a pair of 7.0-inch screens in the front headrests, a 120-volt power outlet, and two sets of wireless headphones. The Driver Assistance package ($2,200) includes Intelligent Brake Assist, blind-spot warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Distance Control Assist, and radar cruise control, plus a heated steering wheel, remote start, and an Eco pedal (this new technology pushes back on your foot when on the throttle to help achieve efficiency).

The Deluxe Touring package ($2,550) upgrades from a 13-speaker Bose sound system to a 15-speaker version with 5.1-surround sound, plus 20-inch wheels, a rear roof glass panel, a ventilation function for the front seats, heated outboard second-row chairs, a cabin-air filtration system, and rain-sensing wipers. -- Sue Mead, Motor Matters

Manufacturer Photo: On the outside the Infiniti QX60 pushes the boundaries of what a luxury crossover can be -- with signature styling cues such as dynamic and elegant line treatments inspired by nature. The Infiniti is designed to excel in three areas where luxury crossover buyers put an emphasis -- interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and innovative hospitality features.
    
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  SPECIFICATIONS
  2014 INFINITI QX60
  VEHICLE TYPE_________________ 7-passenger AWD midsize CUV
  BASE PRICE___________________ $42,950 (as tested: $55,755)
  MOTOR TYPE___________________ 24-valve DOHC V-6 w/SMPFI
  DISPLACEMENT_________________ 3.5-liter
  HORSEPOWER (net)_____________ 265 at 6400 rpm
  TORQUE (lb.-ft.)_____________ 248 at 4400 rpm
  TRANSMISSION_________________ CVT
  OVERALL LENGTH_______________ 196.4 in.
  TURNING CIRCLE (curb-to-curb) 38.7 ft.
  CURB WEIGHT__________________ 4,419 lbs.
  FUEL CAPACITY________________ 19.5 gal.
  EPA MILEAGE RATING___________ 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway

  Copyright, Motor Matters, 2013