The Infiniti QX70 is a luxury midsize SUV that had a brief stint from 2014 to 2017.
It is a stylish standout that has an athletic exterior, an upscale interior, and a powerful V6 engine.
In this article, we’ll be going through all of the best and worst model years of the QX70.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Infiniti QX70 Are:
The best Infiniti QX70 model years are 2017 and 2016. The worst model years of this model are 2015 and 2014. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Infiniti QX70?
2017 and 2016 Infiniti QX70
The 2017 and 2016 QX70 model years are the final two model years produced. Both models possess sharp handling, tons of power, and a well-trimmed interior.
Either model comes in a single trim level with an option to have it as a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
Under the hood is a massive 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.
This is paired to a 7-speed automatic with a manual shift control feature.
Based on the EPA’s estimates, fuel efficiency goes to as much as 19 MPG for combined city and highway driving which is respectable for the luxury SUV segment.
These models come with a suite of standard and optional safety features, including antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and a range of airbags, which are complemented by advanced options such as an around-view monitoring system, lane departure warning, and a forward collision mitigation system.
2017 Infiniti QX70:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
2016 Infiniti QX70:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
2016 Infiniti QX70, Edmunds Review:
“My QX70 came with AWD and Premium Package. I find the front seating and ride very comfortable. It’s actually fun to drive. I rate handling and the feel of the road as excellent. The instrumentation and controls are also excellent and easy to live with. The heated leather seats are nice for cold weather. Exterior fold-in side mirrors add a nice touch and are easily adjusted using the inside controls…”
Consumer Scores For Best Infiniti QX70 Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating |
| 2017 Infiniti QX70 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
| 2016 Infiniti QX70 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
What Are The Worst Years For The Infiniti QX70?
2015 Infiniti QX70
The 2017 QX70 is the most problematic model year ever produced.
Owners frequently experienced brake system failures with their units. There was a particular dangerous incident wherein the vehicle kept moving and maintaining a steady speed despite multiple attempts to apply the brakes.
“I was backing out of the garage intending to stop on the driveway and inspect tires in the sunlight. The brakes had no effect and the car proceeded across the street and up the neighbor’s driveway and finally stopped just short of their garage door. All this time I was applying the brake repeatedly with no result. Why it stopped just in time to save the neighbor’s door I don’t know. I was too panicked to think of using the parking brake until later. A similar incident had occurred about a year ago in a restaurant drive-through. At that time I rear-ended the car in front about instantly, the cars were so close together…” – NHTSA.gov
Another widespread issue was airbag system malfunctions. There were issues with the airbag module and the Occupancy Classification System (OCS), causing improper/false detection of a passenger in the front passenger seat.
“for my 2015 infiniti qx70, i was told the airbag module within the passenger seat and the occupancy classification system (OCS) which is part of the airbag system have both gone bad this friday causing my sensor light to come on. the dealer is saying the only way to repair it is to replace the entire passenger seat, which i very seldom ever have anyone in my car…” – NHTSA.gov
- The 2015 Infiniti QX70 had a total of 7 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Brake system failure
- Airbag system malfunctions
- Sunroof explosion
- Exterior lighting issues
2014 Infiniti QX70
The 2014 QX70 had similar issues to that of its successor albeit on a smaller scale.
A unique yet common issue amongst owners of this model year, on the other hand, is a strong fuel odor present inside the vehicle.
This has been a recurring issue for numerous owners and is indicative of a possible fuel system leak or malfunction, which could pose a fire hazard or toxic exposure to harmful fumes.
“inside of the vehicle smells fuel once in a week when i contacted the company they told me that there’s no recalls on my vehicle…” – NHTSA.gov
- The 2014 Infiniti QX70 had a total of 1 complaint on CarComplaints.com and 5 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
Common problems:
- Exterior lighting issues
- Fuel smell inside vehicle
- Rain-detecting auto wiper malfunction
- Airbag system malfunctions
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (NHTSA.gov) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Infiniti QX70 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 Infiniti QX70 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 Infiniti QX70 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| 2014 Infiniti QX70 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
What Problems Do Infiniti QX70 Have?
- Brake system failure
- Airbag system malfunctions
- Sunroof explosion
- Exterior lighting issues
- Fuel smell inside vehicle
- Rain-detecting auto wiper malfunction
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Infiniti QX70?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Lincoln MKX | 7.9 | $16,899 – $24,721 | City: 16 – 18 /Highway: 23 – 25 |
| BMW X6 | 7.7 | $28,618 – $45,647 | City: 14 – 18 /Highway: 19 – 25 |
| Volkswagen Touareg | 7.7 | $22,802 – $27,660 | City: 17 /Highway: 23 |
| Cadillac XT5 | 7.6 | $19,672 – $25,871 | City: 18 – 19 /Highway: 26 – 27 |
| Lincoln MKT | 7.6 | $22,162 – $22,700 | City: 15 – 16 /Highway: 21 – 24 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 7.6 | $25,580 – $53,542 | City: 13 – 22 /Highway: 17 – 29 |
| Volvo XC90 | 7.6 | $17,710 – $29,517 | City: 20 – 22 /Highway: 25 – 26 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 7.5 | $16,292 – $27,153 | City: 19 – 26 /Highway: 26 – 28 |
| Infiniti QX70 | 7.5 | $17,596 – $29,327 | City: 16 – 17 /Highway: 22 – 24 |
| Land Rover Discovery | 7.4 | $19,662 – $28,050 | City: 16 – 21 /Highway: 21 – 26 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport | 7.2 | $27,197 – $46,130 | City: 14 – 22 /Highway: 19 – 28 |
| Lexus GX | 7.1 | $28,011 – $35,798 | City: 15 /Highway: 18 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
References
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/infiniti/qx70
- https://www.edmunds.com/infiniti/qx70/2017/review/
- https://www.kbb.com/infiniti/qx70/
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2017/infiniti/qx70
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Infiniti/QX70/
- https://www.carproblemzoo.com/recalls/infiniti-qx70.php
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/
