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This is a refresh of the QX60 (originally redesigned in 2022), and for 2026 it just feels more elevated, more modern, and honestly more competitive in the luxury SUV space.
- Updated front-end design: the new grille and styling feel much more in line with the QX80 and give it a stronger luxury presence
- Standard 20-inch wheels across all trims: such a small detail, but it really upgrades the overall look of the car
- Digital dash + heads-up display: everything you need is right in your line of sight, which makes driving feel easier and safer
- Interior design feels high-end: quilted leather, two-tone finishes, and wood trim make it feel like a true luxury cabin
- Wireless charging + everyday usability: simple features that actually make a difference day to day
- Car seat–friendly tilt: being able to access the third row with a car seat installed is a huge win for families
- Strong second row space: really good legroom, which is key for rear-facing car seats and long-term usability
- Quiet, smooth ride: it drives like a luxury car and feels refined on the road
The Exterior
The exterior is one of the biggest updates for 2026, and it’s definitely where you notice the refresh the most. It’s still the same overall body from the 2022 redesign, but everything feels sharper, wider, and more elevated.
- Front end is the standout: the grille is completely updated and takes a lot of inspiration from the QX80, giving it a much stronger, more luxury look
- Slimmer LED headlights: they’re more modern and a little more refined, which helps the whole front feel cleaner
- Overall shape feels wider and more sculpted: the lines are just a little sharper, which makes it look more substantial on the road
- Standard 20-inch wheels now: this is such a nice upgrade because it automatically gives the car a more premium stance
- New wheel designs + color options: small detail, but it adds to that more customized, luxury feel
- Sport trim adds a darker look: gloss black accents, wheels, and trim if you want something a little more bold
From the back, it’s a little more subtle, but still clean and polished. Nothing overly dramatic, just a more refined version of what was already working.
Overall, I think this is a really good-looking SUV. It leans luxury without trying too hard, and the updates for 2026 just make it feel more current and a little more high-end than before.
First Row
The first row is where you really feel the luxury upgrade. It’s a really clean, high-end space, but still practical for everyday life.
- Digital dash + heads-up display: everything from speed to navigation is right in your line of sight, which makes driving feel easier and more intuitive
- Interior design feels elevated: quilted leather around the screen, wood trim, and two-tone materials make it feel genuinely premium
- Wireless charging + cupholders: easy to access and actually usable, which matters more than people think
- Controls are mostly touch-based: they do give feedback when you press them, but it’s a lot of glossy surface… so yes, fingerprint city
- Auto hold feature: one of those underrated features that’s so helpful in pickup lines or traffic
- Center console is on the smaller side: it’s deep, but not huge, so just something to keep in mind
Overall, it’s a really comfortable, quiet place to be. It feels like a true luxury SUV up front, without being overly complicated to use day to day.
Second Row
You’re typically getting captain’s chairs in higher trims (like this one), but there is a bench option depending on configuration—and that choice really changes how you use the space.
- Lower anchors (LATCH):
- Captain’s chairs: one set of lower anchors on each outboard seat
- Bench (when equipped): more flexibility, including the ability to install in the middle depending on setup
- Top tether anchors: available across all second row seats, so you’re fully covered for forward-facing car seats
Spacing back here is one of the highlights. Even with the driver’s seat set for a tall driver, there’s still plenty of room.
- Great for rear-facing car seats: that extra legroom means you’re not cramming the front seats forward to make it work
- Works for multiple car seats: captain’s chairs make daily access easier, while the bench gives you more flexibility for different configurations
Access to the third row is also really well thought out.
- Car seat–friendly tilt: the seats slide and tilt forward even with a car seat installed (when using lower anchors), which is a huge win
- Easy-to-reach buttons: kids can actually use them, which makes a difference for everyday use
As far as amenities go, it checks a lot of boxes:
- Built-in sunshades: always a win
- Ceiling vents + climate control: keeps airflow consistent in the second and third rows
- USB-C ports + charging: easy to keep devices powered
- Heated seats (on higher trims): nice added comfort
- Center console (captain’s chairs): adds storage and cupholders, but on some trims it’s not removable, which can limit walk-through access
Third Row
The third row is one of those spaces where I think expectations matter. It’s usable, it’s thoughtful in some ways, but it’s not the biggest in this class.
- Two-seat third row: they didn’t try to squeeze in a tiny middle seat, which I actually prefer for comfort and usability
- Legroom is tighter: especially if the second row is pushed all the way back, but you can slide it forward to make more space
- Better for kids than adults: totally fine for everyday kid use or shorter rides, just not the most spacious option compared to competitors
From a car seat perspective, you do have some options:
- Lower anchors (LATCH): one set on the driver’s side seat
- Top tether anchors: available across the third row, which is great for forward-facing installs
- Headrests are removable: which helps with certain car seat installs, but they’re not the easiest to take out
Amenities back here are solid, which I appreciate because a lot of cars forget about the third row:
- Ceiling vents: airflow back here is a big win
- USB ports + cupholders: both sides are covered, so kids actually have what they need
Access is pretty straightforward:
- One-touch slide and tilt: the second row moves forward easily, and the buttons are placed where kids can actually reach them
- Works with car seats (with lower anchors): which makes getting back here much more realistic for families
Trunk
The trunk is solid, but not a standout in this class—especially with the third row up. It works well for everyday use, but you’re not getting a huge amount of space back there compared to some competitors.
What really helps is the underfloor storage. It gives you extra depth for things like a stroller, sports gear, or anything bulky, and the fact that it’s on hinges and stays open makes it way easier to actually use.
Folding the third row is simple and quick. It’s manual, but honestly that’s not a bad thing—it takes just a few seconds, and once those seats are down, the space opens up a lot. You end up with a really usable cargo area for bigger hauls or trips, with up to about 75 cubic feet of space when everything is folded.
So overall, it’s very functional. Not the biggest trunk in the segment, but practical enough for everyday family life, especially if you’re not using that third row all the time.
Safety
First, this is important:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+: the 2026 QX60 earns the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is a big deal when you’re comparing family SUVs
From a feature standpoint, you’re getting a really strong standard safety package across the board:
- Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: helps detect cars or people ahead and can step in if needed
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning: looks beyond the car in front of you, which is actually really helpful in stop-and-go traffic
- Blind Spot Warning + Lane Departure Warning: gives you that extra awareness on the highway
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert + Rear Automatic Braking: especially helpful in parking lots and busy school pickup lines
- High Beam Assist: automatically adjusts your lights at night
Then you have more advanced driver assist features available:
- ProPILOT Assist (and ProPILOT 2.1 on higher trims): helps with steering, braking, and even allows for hands-off driving in certain situations
- 3D Around View Monitor: gives you a full view around the car, which makes parking and tight spaces so much easier
- Smart Rear View Mirror: lets you switch to a camera view if your back window is blocked by kids or cargo
And from a car seat and family safety perspective, there are a few key things to know:
- Top tether anchors in every rear seat: second and third row, which is exactly what you want for forward-facing car seats
- Lower anchors (LATCH): multiple positions in the second row and one in the third row, giving you flexibility depending on your setup
And then specifically on seat belts:
- Seat belt pretensioners: located in the front seats (driver and passenger), built into the seat belt retractors
- These are designed to tighten the seat belt instantly in a crash, helping reduce forward movement and improve protection
Overall, this is a really well-rounded safety setup. It has the top safety rating, strong standard features, and the kind of thoughtful details that actually make a difference when you’re driving with kids every day.
This is actually a really solid car seat car, and I say that as someone who is pretty picky about setups. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot of flexibility here depending on what stage your kids are in.
In the second row, you’ve got two options: captain’s chairs or a bench. If you’re trying to manage multiple car seats, that decision matters.
- Lower anchors (LATCH): you’ll have a set on each outboard seat with captain’s chairs, and more flexibility with the bench depending on how you configure it
- Top tether anchors: every seat in the second row has one, which is exactly what you want for forward-facing car seats
The spacing back here is really good. Even with the driver’s seat set for a tall driver, there’s still plenty of room, which tells me rear-facing car seats are going to fit well without forcing everyone forward.
If you’re thinking long-term, this is one of those cars that transitions well. It works for rear-facing, forward-facing, and then eventually bigger kids and teens.
Access is where this car really stands out.
- Car seat–friendly tilt: the second row will slide and tilt forward even with a car seat installed (as long as it’s using the lower anchors), which makes getting to the third row way more realistic
- Buttons are easy to reach: kids can actually use them, which I always appreciate
Now, the third row is more of a backup option for car seats, but you can make it work if needed.
- Lower anchors (LATCH): one set on the driver’s side
- Top tether anchors: available across the third row
- Removable headrests: helpful for installs, but I’ll be honest, they’re not the easiest to deal with
Overall, this is a very usable car seat setup. It’s flexible, it has the anchors where you need them, and it makes everyday life with multiple kids feel a little bit easier, which is really the goal.
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