Infiniti QX60 Third-Row Comfort Review: Is It Really Family-Friendly?
There’s a specific moment every parent dreads—the one where you ask, “Who’s sitting in the very back?” and suddenly everyone has somewhere else to be.
TL;DR
The Infiniti QX60 offers a third row that’s a story of two halves: brilliant access, tight actual space. The clever one-touch second-row seats make getting in and out a breeze, even with child seats installed . But once you’re back there, the 28 inches of legroom tells the real story—this is strictly kid territory . Adults will feel cramped, and even booster seats struggle for proper fit . Think of the QX60’s third row as a “good to have” for occasional use, not a daily people-hauler for full-sized humans.
Key Takeaways
- Third-row legroom is just 28 inches, which is tight for anyone over about 5’4″
- Third-row access is outstanding thanks to the one-touch second-row seats that work even with child car seats installed
- Only short adults and kids will be genuinely comfortable in the way back
- Third-row seats have minimal padding, which gets uncomfortable on longer trips
- Cargo space is decent with the third row up: 14.5 cubic feet, enough for a few weekend bags
The Third-Row Reality: Access vs. Actual Space
The Infiniti QX60 makes a bold promise: three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. And credit where it’s due—the engineering team nailed the access part.
Getting In: A Masterclass in Practicality
The QX60 features a one-touch, tilt-and-slide second-row seat mechanism that’s genuinely impressive . Push a button, and the second-row seat moves forward and tilts out of the way, creating a generous opening to the third row .
The kicker? It works even with a forward-facing child car seat installed in the second row . That’s a game-changer for families juggling multiple kids and car seats. One reviewer called this feature a “clever” solution that makes the third row “easy to get in and out of” .
The Reality Check: Tight Squeeze
Here’s where the story gets complicated. The third row offers just 28 inches of legroom and 35.7 inches of headroom . To put that in perspective, a 5’9″ adult would be folded into a cramped position with knees pressed against the seat ahead.
One reviewer who tested the third row noted that “short adults and kids would be comfortable back there,” but quickly added that “actual headroom and legroom are limited” . Another reviewer, who described herself as a “slightly above average height woman,” said she “didn’t feel cramped” for the brief time she sat back there—but also acknowledged this is a “somewhat rarity in three-row SUVs” .
The most telling review came from a journalist who compared herself to “the size of an average 10-year-old” and still felt “claustrophobic” in the third row. Her size 5 women’s running shoes “wouldn’t even fit underneath the second row,” and she noted that the “padding on those seats is virtually non-existent” .
Car Seat Compatibility: Mixed Results
Cars.com put the QX60 through a detailed car seat check and came away with some useful grades :
| Category | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Row Access | A | One-touch mechanism works even with some car seats |
| Third-Row LATCH Anchors | A | Easy to find and connect |
| Forward-Facing Convertible | B | Fixed head restraint pushes seat forward; legroom is tight |
| Booster Seat | C | Barely enough seat width; buckle is embedded and hard to reach |
The booster seat grade is particularly concerning—kids will likely struggle to find and use the seat belt buckle, which is “embedded in the bottom cushion and can be tough to grasp” .
Comfort Comparison: First vs. Second vs. Third Row
| Front Row | Second Row | Third Row | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legroom | 44.3 inches | 37.7 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Headroom | 41.0 inches | 37.5 inches | 35.7 inches |
| Seat Comfort | Zero Gravity, massage available | Well-padded, spacious | Thin padding, cramped |
| Best For | Daily comfort | Adults and older kids | Kids and short adults |
The drop-off from second to third row is dramatic. Second-row passengers get 37.7 inches of legroom—plenty for adults—while third-row occupants make do with nearly 10 inches less .
Smart Features That Almost Make Up for It
Zero Gravity Front Seats
The front seats feature Infiniti’s “Zero Gravity” technology, designed to “promote correct posture and reduce fatigue” . These seats are genuinely comfortable for long road trips and represent the best of what the QX60 offers.
Thoughtful Amenities
Even the third row gets some love: there are cupholders, USB ports, and A/C vents back there . It’s a nice touch that makes the space feel less like an afterthought.
Is the Third Row Usable? The Verdict
If you’re buying the QX60 primarily for its third row, be realistic about expectations. This is not a vehicle that will comfortably haul seven adults . For families with young kids, the third row works great for:
- Occasional carpools
- Kids who are still small enough to not mind the tight space
- Short trips around town
For families with older kids or frequent adult passengers, consider competing vehicles like the Lexus TX or Volvo XC90, which offer more third-row space .
FAQ
How much legroom does the Infiniti QX60 third row have?
The third row offers 28 inches of legroom and 35.7 inches of headroom, which is tight for adults .
Is the third row comfortable for adults in the QX60?
Not really. Most reviewers agree that only “short adults and kids” will be comfortable back there . One reviewer noted that third-row seats have “virtually non-existent” padding .
Does the QX60 have easy third-row access?
Yes, the one-touch second-row seats tilt and slide forward at the push of a button, creating a big opening to the third row . This feature works even with child car seats installed .
Can you fit car seats in the QX60 third row?
Yes, but with caveats. Forward-facing convertible seats fit, though the fixed head restraint can push the seat forward . Booster seats are more problematic because the buckle is hard to reach .
How much cargo space is behind the third row?
The QX60 offers 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row—enough for a few bags of groceries or weekend luggage .
What’s the best QX60 trim for third-row access?
All QX60 trims get the one-touch second-row seat feature. The Autograph trim swaps the second-row bench for captain’s chairs, reducing seating to six but potentially making third-row access even easier .
How does the QX60 third row compare to rivals?
The Lexus TX and Volvo XC90 offer more spacious third rows. If you frequently carry adult passengers in the back, look beyond the QX60 .
Final Thoughts
The Infiniti QX60’s third row is the perfect example of thoughtful engineering meeting real-world limitations. The access is genuinely brilliant—that one-touch mechanism with child seat compatibility is a family-saver. But the actual space is a reminder that physics is undefeated; you can only stretch a midsize SUV’s wheelbase so far.
If your family planning involves occasional third-row use, the QX60 is a solid choice. But if you’re running a full-time carpool for adults, it’s time to look at bigger options.
What’s your experience with third-row comfort in the QX60? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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