2016 Infiniti QX70 Sport: A Luxury Crossover With Sporty Soul
When Infiniti decided to pivot its lineup in 2016, they renamed the XL35 to the QX70. It wasn’t just a badge slap. Underneath that sleek new nameplate sat a vehicle that was, in many ways, a grand touring car that had decided to grow tall enough for a small family or a very serious vacation. The Sport trim, in particular, pushed the envelope, blending genuine luxury with aggressive styling cues that made it stand out in a sea of beige crossovers.
But was the 2016 Infiniti QX70 Sport just a style statement, or did it deliver on the inside? Let’s take a look at what made this specific model year and trim level such a compelling, if albeit polarizing, choice in the luxury SUV market.
Design That Demands Attention
Let’s start with the obvious: the QX70 looks like it drives better than it actually does. Infiniti’s design language in 2016 was characterized by sharp lines, a deep V-motion grille, and curves that seemed to have been sculpted with a chisel rather than a rolling pin. The Sport trim added to this aesthetic with blacked-out window surrounds, unique styling accents, and some subtle touches that kept it looking fresh against competitors like the Acura MDX or the Lexus RX.
One of my favorite parts about the QX70 Sport was the interior. It wasn't the overstuffed, airy cabin you’d find in a Mercedes GL or a Lincoln MKX. Instead, it felt like a cockpit. The seats were supportive—bordering on aggressive—and the fit and finish were genuinely high-end. Soft-touch materials lined the dash, and the ambient lighting gave it a night-sport vibe that felt exclusive. If you liked your cars to feel like places you locked yourself into for a long, spirited drive, the QX70 nailed it.
Under The Hood: Powertrain and Performance
Now, let's talk about the engine. The 2016 Infiniti QX70 came equipped with a 3.7-liter V6. It didn’t beg for attention with turbochargers or hybrid tech. It was naturally aspirated, which, in 2016, was actually a bit of a trend among brands that valued linear power delivery over forced induction spikes.
You were looking at around 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. For a car this size, it wasn’t a dinosaur. It was actually quite peppy. The seven-speed automatic transmission did a decent job of keeping the engine in its power band, although under hard acceleration, you could sometimes catch it hunting for a gear. The steering felt weighted and direct, which added to that car-like handling feel. It wasn’t the most agile crossover in its class—vehicles like the BMW X3 or Audi Q5 were more nimble—but the QX70 felt planted and confident on the highway.
Real-World Driving Experience
Driving the QX70 Sport, the most noticeable thing was the ride quality. It leaned firm rather than plush. If you take a corner a little faster than you should on your morning commute, the suspension holds its ground. The body roll was minimal. It felt like a sport car, not a minivan on stilts.
However, this firmness didn't mean it was uncomfortable. It meant it demanded attention. If you're looking for a cloud-like float across bumpy roads, you might want to check out the Mercedes-Benz GLE or even the base model QX70, which had slightly softer tuning. The Sport trim prioritized feedback over isolation, which was a smart move for the intended buyer.
Technology and Practicality
By today's standards, the infotainment system in the 2016 Infiniti QX70 feels a bit dated. It used the same control panel with a mouse-like cursor that Infiniti shared with Nissan in those days. If you had to scroll through maps or change radio stations while driving, it took a minute to get used to. There was no touchscreen. In hindsight, it felt less intuitive than the competitors’ offerings.
Audio enthusiasts might appreciate that the optional Bose system was genuinely fantastic. Clear highs and deep lows filled the cabin, which really enhanced the driving experience. However, smartphone integration was limited. While you could connect via AUX or, if you got the base audio, Bluetooth, the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in 2016 meant your phone was largely a disconnected passenger.
In terms of space, the QX70 was a two-row only vehicle. If you needed a third row of seats for a growing family, you’d look elsewhere. But for two adults and two kids, or for a couple with a dog and a weekend bag, it was perfectly adequate. The rear seats were comfortable and supported properly, avoiding the "high-wheeler" posture that plagues many SUVs.
Where It Struggles
We can’t talk about the QX70 Sport without mentioning fuel economy. A 3.7-liter V6 is not built for frugality. Expect to see numbers that hover in the mid-teens for city driving and maybe upper teens on the highway. If gas prices spike, your visit to the pump will become a much more frequent part of your routine than you might like.
There was also a nagging issue with the transmission software in early models, which required a dealer update. By 2016, this was mostly resolved, but if you are buying one used, ensuring this update was done can save you from some jerky shifts. Also, the blind spots were notoriously large. The thick pillars, while giving it that rugged look, limited visibility side-to-side, which meant you learned to rely on the blind-spot monitor sooner rather than later.
Is It Worth It Now?
Five years on from its release, the 2016 Infiniti QX70 has become a bit of a sleeper. It’s not flashy in the way a Porsche Cayenne is, but it’s unique and enjoyable. The Sport trim offers a driving experience that is vastly superior to the luxury crossover average, with interior quality that still holds up remarkably well in 2021.
If you found yourself bored with the sedan life but didn’t want to climb into a bloated, boat-like SUV, the QX70 Sport hit a sweet spot. It’s stylish, it’s fast, and it remains utterly unpretentious despite its luxury trim. Just remember to budget for gas, and maybe get that transmission update checked. It’s one of those luxury cars that drives like you actually intend to drive it, and that’s not something you find everywhere.
