Q7 vs QX60
Choosing between Audi and Infiniti often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the midsize luxury suv class, that pair is the Q7 and the QX60. The QX60 wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range QX60 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing QX60 wins
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range8.0
- Off-road & Towing4.6
- Engine & Performance0.8
- Fuel Economy & Range9.1
- Off-road & Towing6.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The QX60 has 1,600 lb more towing capacity
The Q7 is clearly behind on max towing (4,400 lb against 6,000 lb), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The QX60 has better fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the QX60: 24 mpg against 22 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The QX60 has better city fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The QX60’s 22 mpg beats the Q7’s 20 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the QX60 has the better rating here.
-
The QX60 has better highway fuel economy
The QX60 wins this narrowly, 28 mpg against 26 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t engine & performance. If engine & performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Fuel Economy & Range
QX60 leads
In this area the QX60 has a lead the Q7 can’t close. The QX60 delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If this section decides it for you, choose the QX60.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q7: 22 mpg QX60: 24 mpg The QX60 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Q7: 20 mpg QX60: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
QX60 leads
The QX60 clearly takes the off-road & towing round. Here the QX60 offers 1,600 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the QX60 is where you should land.
Max towing
Q7: 4,400 lb QX60: 6,000 lb If you tow regularly, the QX60’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Q7 and the QX60 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 286 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,400 lb | 6,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q7 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QX60 if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (6,000 lb vs 4,400 lb)
- you want better combined fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (22 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q7 or the QX60?
On the specs compared here, the QX60 makes more sense for most buyers; the Q7 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Q7 versus the QX60 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. Start with the headline difference (the QX60 has 1,600 lb more towing capacity), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the QX60 has better fuel economy.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the Q7. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the QX60.
My pick: the QX60.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.