Best Car Reviews - 2021 Infiniti Q60 AWD
Introduction
The 2021 Infiniti Q60 AWD is a four-seat luxury coupe aimed at drivers who want distinctive styling, turbocharged V6 power and year-round all-wheel-drive confidence. Its sleek two-door body and premium-cabin focus help it stand apart from more common sport sedans. The Q60 range includes the 300-horsepower PURE and LUXE models plus the 400-horsepower RED SPORT 400, all paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Design and Exterior Features
The Q60 has a low, flowing coupe profile with a long hood, sharply sculpted sides and a short rear deck. At 184.4 inches long and 72.8 inches wide, it is a compact-looking luxury coupe rather than a true subcompact in everyday terms. For 2021, Infiniti added available Grand Blue and Slate Gray paint choices and made rain-sensing wipers standard across the range. The basic design remained familiar, but it still has strong visual presence.
- Signature LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights.
- Standard active grille shutter and dual exhaust finishers.
- 19-inch alloy wheels on many models, with available 20-inch wheels on RED SPORT 400 AWD.
- Available power moonroof and heated power-folding exterior mirrors.
- RED SPORT 400 models add darker exterior details and unique exhaust-tip styling.
Interior and Comfort
The Q60 cabin places its driver low behind a broad dashboard and a traditional center stack. Front-seat comfort is good for two adults, while the rear seats are best treated as occasional seating because coupe access and rear legroom are limited. Cabin materials improve with trim level: PURE uses leatherette upholstery, while LUXE and RED SPORT 400 receive semi-aniline leather-appointed seating. The 8.7-cubic-foot trunk is also modest, which is typical for a stylish two-door coupe.
- Four-passenger seating layout with supportive front seats.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable front seats.
- LUXE adds heated front seats, heated steering wheel and remote engine start.
- RED SPORT 400 features sport-oriented seating adjustments and carbon-fiber trim.
- Available memory settings for the driver seat, steering column and mirrors.
Performance and Handling
The 2021 Infiniti Q60 AWD uses a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 with six cylinders and premium gasoline. PURE AWD and LUXE AWD produce 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while RED SPORT 400 AWD raises output to 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. Every version uses a seven-speed automatic with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching. All-wheel drive improves traction in wet or wintry conditions, although the Q60 is more of a fast luxury coupe than a razor-sharp track car. A tested RED SPORT 400 AWD recorded a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds; that figure should not be applied to the 300-horsepower AWD models. EPA estimates for the 300-horsepower AWD version are 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, equal to about 10.7 L/100 km combined. The supplied 13.5 L/100 km figure is more realistic for frequent city driving or hard use than for the official combined estimate.
- 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with direct fuel injection and premium-fuel requirement.
- 300 hp and 295 lb-ft in PURE AWD and LUXE AWD.
- 400 hp and 350 lb-ft in RED SPORT 400 AWD.
- Seven-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and manual mode.
- Four-wheel independent suspension and selectable drive modes including Snow and Sport.
Technology and Connectivity
The Q60 uses Infiniti InTouch with two stacked touchscreens: an 8-inch upper display and a 7-inch lower display. This arrangement gives the coupe a premium appearance, though its interface feels dated beside newer single-screen systems from German rivals. Bluetooth and two USB ports are standard, while navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot capability and connected services depended on trim and package. Some connected-service features may no longer be available or may require an active subscription on a used vehicle.
- Dual-display Infiniti InTouch infotainment system.
- Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling.
- Two USB ports and smartphone compatibility software.
- Available navigation with lane guidance and traffic information.
- Available Around View Monitor and front and rear parking sensors.
Safety Features
Standard safety equipment includes a rearview monitor, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and a full complement of airbags. Advanced driver-assistance content varies considerably by trim and package. LUXE can include features such as Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning and an Around View Monitor, while the RED SPORT 400 could be fitted with the ProACTIVE package. A model-specific 2021 IIHS or NHTSA overall crash-test rating should be confirmed by VIN and market before purchase rather than assumed.
- Rearview monitor, traction control and vehicle dynamic control.
- Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection on appropriately equipped models.
- Available Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention.
- Available Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Active Lane Control.
- Available Intelligent Cruise Control, Backup Collision Intervention and high-beam assist.
Pricing and Variants
When new, the 2021 Q60 PURE AWD started at $43,650 before destination, tax, title and options. The lineup consisted of PURE, LUXE and RED SPORT 400 grades, each available with rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Original AWD pricing was $52,200 for LUXE and $60,100 for RED SPORT 400. Today, used-car condition, service history, modifications and the presence of active-safety packages matter more than original sticker price. Key rivals included the Audi S5, BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Striking coupe styling that still looks special.
- Strong twin-turbo V6 performance, especially in RED SPORT 400 form.
- All-wheel drive provides useful all-weather traction.
- Comfortable, well-equipped front cabin.
- Often represents good used-market value against European luxury coupes.
Cons
- Rear-seat space and trunk capacity are limited.
- Infotainment design feels older than newer competitors.
- Premium gasoline and turbocharged performance raise running costs.
- Seven-speed automatic is less responsive than some modern rivals.
- Driver-assistance features are not equally standard across the range.
Maintenance and Common Issues
A broad Infiniti Q60 repair-and-maintenance estimate is about $746 per year, but a 2021 AWD turbocharged model can cost more depending on mileage, tires, location and dealer pricing. There is not enough reliable public evidence to present five faults as universal 2021 Q60 defects. Owners and independent-service discussions commonly advise checking for turbocharger or boost-system concerns, cooling-system leaks or water-pump issues, battery-related electrical warnings, aging infotainment or camera faults, and suspension or wheel damage from poor roads. A pre-purchase inspection, documented oil changes, recall completion and a scan for stored fault codes are especially important.
Rating
Overall rating: 7.5/10. Design: 8.5/10. Comfort: 7.5/10. Performance: 8/10 for RED SPORT 400 AWD and 7/10 for 300-horsepower AWD models. Technology: 6.5/10. Safety: 7/10 when equipped with available driver-assistance packages. The Q60 remains appealing because of its engine and looks, but its aging cabin technology and limited practicality reduce its overall score.
User Reviews and Feedback
Owner feedback commonly centers on the Q60’s appearance, effortless turbocharged acceleration and everyday drivability. Satisfaction tends to be highest among buyers who value a stylish, comfortable coupe and accept that it is not the most modern or spacious choice in its class.
- Owners frequently praise the exterior styling and road presence.
- Turbocharged V6 acceleration is a major highlight, particularly in RED SPORT 400 models.
- All-wheel drive is appreciated in rain, snow and cold climates.
- Many buyers wish for a newer infotainment system and faster transmission response.
- Rear-seat access, rear legroom and cargo capacity are common practicality complaints.
Best Cars in This Category
- 2021 Audi S5 Sportback
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- 2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Coupe
- 2021 Cadillac CT4-V
Summary
The 2021 Infiniti Q60 AWD is best for buyers who want a distinctive luxury coupe with turbocharged V6 character, four-season traction and a more individual look than the usual premium choices. The 300-horsepower AWD versions balance comfort and performance, while the RED SPORT 400 AWD delivers genuinely quick acceleration. It is less convincing for shoppers who prioritize rear-seat space, current infotainment or the sharpest handling, but a well-maintained example can offer compelling style and performance value on the used market.