We Drive The QX60, Crunch The Data, Name Easy Cars To Fix, and the Pacifica
About this episode
A detailed review of the 2025 Infiniti QX60 highlights its midsize SUV features, including a turbocharged engine and upscale interior, while noting some styling similarities to competitors. The discussion shifts to easy-to-fix cars, featuring models like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord, emphasizing their reliability and accessibility for home mechanics. The episode wraps up with a review of the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, showcasing its family-friendly features, spacious interior, and competitive pricing among minivans, making it a solid choice for those in need of a people hauler.
Start with a promise and test it hard: can a premium three-row actually balance comfort, capability, and value without resorting to gimmicks? We put the 2025 Infiniti QX60 through its paces, calling out the crisp front-end design, tight third row, and the surprising 6,000-pound tow rating that turns a modest 2.0L turbo into a legit weekend hauler. We share the wins you feel every day—quiet ride, simple infotainment, smart headrest speakers—and the misses that matter, like noticeable turbo lag and a transmission that sometimes feels a step behind.
From there, we pivot to ownership smarts with a sharp shortlist of cars that make DIY maintenance less painful and more affordable. If you’re building confidence with a torque wrench, models like the Toyota Corolla and Camry, Kia Rio, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Silverado (’03–’07), and Mazda MX-5 Miata deliver easy access, plentiful parts, and proven reliability. We explain why access matters more than horsepower when you’re replacing plugs, belts, and brakes in the driveway, and how parts ecosystems can save you time and money.
We close by championing a modern minivan that earns its keep: the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica. Seven seats, Stow ’n Go flat-fold magic, rear-seat entertainment, Family Cam peace of mind, and a calm, quiet ride powered by Chrysler’s stalwart 3.6L V6 with AWD. Real-world mpg, towing capability, and pricing context against Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, and Honda Odyssey make the choice clearer: if daily life means people and gear, a thoughtful minivan still solves problems most SUVs can’t. Subscribe for more real-world tests, share with a friend who’s car shopping, and leave a review to tell us what you want us to drive next.
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Infiniti QX60
"I had a chance to drive the 2025 Infiniti QX60, final assembly location, Smyrna, Tennessee, S-M-Y-R-N-A."
The Infiniti QX60 is a luxury SUV that can fit a family comfortably. The 2025 version has different options for buyers to choose from, making it versatile for different needs.
The Infiniti QX60 is a midsize luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The 2025 model continues to build on its reputation with various trim levels and advanced technology.
midsize SUV
"I guess not. Size class, I would consider this a midsize, it is a 3-row and it's tight in the back seat, so keep that in mind if that's what you're looking for, it's available for purchase."
A midsize SUV is a type of car that is bigger than a small SUV but smaller than a large one. It's good for families because it has enough room for passengers and their stuff.
A midsize SUV is a vehicle that offers more space than a compact SUV but is smaller than a full-size SUV. It typically provides a balance of passenger comfort and cargo capacity, making it popular for families.
3-row seating
"...it is a 3-row and it's tight in the back seat, so keep that in mind if that's what you're looking for, it's available for purchase."
3-row seating means the car has three sets of seats, so it can fit more people. This is useful for families or groups traveling together.
3-row seating refers to vehicles that have three separate rows of seats, allowing them to accommodate more passengers, typically up to seven or eight. This configuration is common in larger SUVs and minivans.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...oking for, it's available for purchase. This is a Pathfinder based SUV, seats including the driver, 6 and that..."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a larger vehicle that can carry a family and their gear. It's good for both city driving and going off-road, making it a popular choice for families.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1985, known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. It is often discussed for its versatility as a family vehicle and its ability to handle various driving conditions.
Mazda Flair
"...e conservative styling but with a modern infinity flair, what could use improvement, make it a little bit..."
The Mazda Flair is a small car that is designed to be practical and easy to drive. It has a modern look and is great for city driving.
The Mazda Flair is a compact car that emphasizes practicality and modern design, often featuring a boxy shape for maximizing interior space. It is popular in markets that favor small, efficient vehicles.
torque
"Engine two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque..."
Torque measures how much twisting force an engine can produce. More torque means the car can speed up faster and pull heavier things.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in vehicles translates to the ability to accelerate and tow loads. Higher torque means better performance in terms of acceleration and towing capacity.
nine-speed automatic transmission
"through a nine-speed automatic transmission."
A nine-speed automatic transmission means the car can change gears automatically through nine different settings, which helps it run smoothly and save fuel.
A nine-speed automatic transmission allows for smoother shifting and better fuel efficiency by providing more gear ratios. This helps the engine operate at optimal RPMs for various driving conditions.
turbocharged
"Engine two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque..."
Turbocharging helps an engine produce more power by pushing more air into it, which means it can burn more fuel. This makes the car faster and more efficient.
Turbocharging is a technology that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. This results in better performance and efficiency compared to naturally aspirated engines.
horsepower
"Engine two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque..."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, indicating how quickly work is done. In automotive terms, it reflects the engine's ability to perform work and is a key factor in determining a vehicle's performance.
towing capacity
"Toe rating, three tons, it's a lot."
Towing capacity is how much weight a car can pull behind it safely. It's important for people who need to move trailers or heavy items.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. This is an important specification for those who need to haul trailers or heavy loads.
tow rating
"the three-ton tow rating, I didn't realize that until I drilled down into my research on the car and I'm going, wow, 6,000 pound tow rating, pretty incredible."
Tow rating tells you how much weight a vehicle can pull safely. It's important for trucks and SUVs that are used to carry trailers or heavy items.
Tow rating is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It is an important specification for trucks and SUVs, indicating their capability for hauling trailers or heavy loads.
turbo lag
"At times there is a significant turbo lag and it seems like a little bit of a disconnect between the engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission."
Turbo lag is the time it takes for a turbocharger to start working after you press the gas pedal. Sometimes, you might feel a delay before the car speeds up.
Turbo lag refers to the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing increased power. This can happen because the turbo needs time to spool up and generate boost.
Acura Mdx
"As far as competitors, the Acura MDX is one, it starts at 51.8. Now remember, the base model price on this particular vehicle is 51.590."
The Acura MDX is a luxury SUV that has a lot of space and features. It's designed for families and people who want a comfortable ride with some nice technology inside.
The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features. It competes with other luxury SUVs in its class, offering a blend of performance and comfort.
Genesis GV80
"...X base price is 51.800, almost identical. Genesis GV80, 57.7, and the Lincoln Aviator for 56.910. And th..."
Infiniti 25 Infiniti
"...t's my review of this week's car of the week, the 25 Infiniti QX-16. Next week we're going to..."
The Infiniti G25 is a fancy car that offers a comfortable ride and lots of nice features. It's designed for people who want a bit of luxury in their driving experience.
The Infiniti G25 is a luxury sedan that was produced by Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, from 2011 to 2013. It is known for its smooth performance, upscale features, and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice among luxury car buyers.
Toyota Corolla
"So the first one we've got we're talking about is a Toyota Corolla. May very well have been one of the most popular cars ever sold in the United States."
The Toyota Corolla is a very popular car that many people buy because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's known for lasting a long time without breaking down.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in history, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has a reputation for being a practical choice for many drivers, especially in the United States.
Kia Rio
"Kia Rio. I didn't think of this one, but it's a popular subcompact car that's spent a lot of years on the streets."
The Kia Rio is a small car that is easy to drive and park. It's known for being budget-friendly and comes in different shapes, like a sedan or hatchback, to fit what you need.
The Kia Rio is a popular subcompact car known for its affordability and practicality. It has been available in various body styles, making it versatile for different consumer needs.
subcompact car
"Kia Rio. I didn't think of this one, but it's a popular subcompact car that's spent a lot of years on the streets."
A subcompact car is a small car that's easy to drive and park, especially in cities. They usually cost less and use less gas than bigger cars.
A subcompact car is a small vehicle that typically offers good fuel efficiency and is designed for urban driving. They are often more affordable than larger cars.
Toyota Camry
"And then, you know, the next one on the list is a Camry. It is much like the Corolla, but the Camry is just a little bit bigger. You need more room in that vehicle. This vehicle also has spanned many decades on the road with parts plentiful. The Camry has been built with multiple engine options."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that is known for being reliable and comfortable. It's a bit bigger than the Toyota Corolla, making it a good choice if you need more space.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and practicality. It has been a popular choice among consumers for decades, offering various engine options and a spacious interior.
four cylinder engine
"While the four cylinder engines are the easiest to work on, the V6 shouldn't cause you any more problems than what you might think."
A four-cylinder engine is a common type of engine that has four parts called cylinders. These engines usually use less fuel, making them cheaper to run.
A four-cylinder engine is a type of internal combustion engine with four cylinders arranged in a line. They are generally more fuel-efficient and easier to maintain compared to larger engines.
V6 engine
"the V6 shouldn't cause you any more problems than what you might think. So with the proper maintenance, you can expect the Camrys to last just as long as the other Toyota cars."
A V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders. It usually offers more power than a four-cylinder engine, which can make the car faster.
A V6 engine is a type of engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. They provide a good balance of power and efficiency, making them popular in many vehicles.
V6
"I don't make too many V6s and put them in vehicles anymore. Usually it's a four cylinder, but I've known people that have had that six."
A V6 is a type of engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for providing a good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with two banks of three cylinders arranged in a V shape. It offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it popular in many vehicles.
Lexus RX 300
"I actually had a V6 in the Lexus RX 300 that I bought back in the day."
The Lexus RX 300 is a luxury SUV that was made in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It's known for being comfortable and reliable.
The Lexus RX 300 is a luxury midsize SUV that was produced from 1998 to 2003. It is known for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and reliability.
Lexus Rx
"...hat have had that six. I actually had a V6 in the Lexus RX 300 that I bought back in the day. Yeah, Kathy's ..."
Chevrolet Silverado
"And one that I didn't really think of on this list would be a Chevrolet Silverado."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big pickup truck that's strong and can carry a lot of weight. It's often used for work and is very popular in the U.S.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, towing capacity, and range of engine options. It's popular for both work and personal use.
Ford F150
"There may not be as many on the road as the F-150, but the spacious area under the hood makes maintenance a breeze."
The Ford F-150 is another popular truck that many people drive. It's known for being tough and useful for different jobs.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling trucks in the United States, known for its durability and versatility, often compared to the Chevrolet Silverado.
Chevy
"So some Chevy cars have been worked on easily, along with a few of the SUVs that they produce."
Chevy is a popular car brand in the United States known for making various types of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks.
Chevy, short for Chevrolet, is a well-known American automotive brand that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars and trucks.
Honda Accord
"The next one at Honda Accord is another top choice, sitting a little bigger than the compacts..."
The Accord is a car made by Honda that is known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside, making it a good choice for families.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability, spacious interior, and overall value, making it a popular choice among consumers.
Honda Civics
"...the Civics and all the Camrys that we talked about before."
The Civic is a smaller car made by Honda that is known for being good on gas and fun to drive, especially for younger people.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and sporty design, making it a popular choice among younger drivers.
Mazda Mx5
"and you could pick any of these out and go with them from there, but it's the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sports car"
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a sporty car that has a roof that can open and close, making it feel like a convertible. It's designed to be fun to drive while looking sleek and modern.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (Retractable Fastback) is a variant of the classic Miata that features a hardtop roof that can be retracted. This model combines the fun driving experience of the Miata with a more stylish and aerodynamic design.
Mazda Miata
"but it's the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a sports car making a standout among the list."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. It's known for being light and quick, making it a favorite among people who love driving.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, two-seat sports car known for its exceptional handling and driving pleasure. Since its introduction in 1989, it has become a symbol of affordable sports cars and is celebrated for its engaging driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette
"can remind me of the Corvette Club back in the day. Yeah, you remember when we went to Coda with Mazda"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car from America that many people love to drive and race. It's known for being fast and stylish.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. It has a long history and is often associated with car clubs and racing.
Chrysler Pacifica
"...lemen, Mike Mars and a review of the new Chrysler Pacifica. You go, Mikey."
Chrysler New Chrysler
"...dies and gentlemen, Mike Mars and a review of the new Chrysler Pacifica. You go, Mikey."
The Chrysler New Yorker is a big, fancy car that was made for people who wanted a comfortable ride. It was popular for many years and is known for being luxurious.
The Chrysler New Yorker was a full-size luxury car produced by Chrysler from the 1940s until the early 1990s. It is significant for its role in American automotive history, representing luxury and comfort during its production years.
stow-and-go seating system
"...the second and the third-row seats are part of the stow-and-go seating system that comes with Chrysler puts in these vehicles"
Stow-and-go seating means you can fold the back seats down into the floor of the car, making more space for luggage or other items. It's a convenient feature for families or anyone who needs to carry a lot of stuff.
The stow-and-go seating system is a feature developed by Chrysler that allows the second and third-row seats in a vehicle to fold flat into the floor, creating a larger cargo area. This design enhances versatility for transporting both passengers and cargo.
Chrysler Puts
"...of the stow-and-go seating system that comes with Chrysler puts in these vehicles so that the seats actually stow..."
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a small car that looks a bit old-fashioned but is very practical. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and their stuff.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that was produced from 2000 to 2010, known for its retro styling and versatile interior. It gained popularity for its unique design and practicality as a small family vehicle.
pound-feet
"287 horsepower, 262 pound-feet."
Pound-feet is a way to measure how strong an engine is when it comes to turning things, like the wheels. More pound-feet means the car can speed up faster.
Pound-feet is a unit of torque measurement, which indicates the rotational force an engine can produce. Higher torque means better acceleration and towing capacity.
all-wheel drive
"And it is all-wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions.
Toyota Sienna
"Comparables would be a Toyota Sienna. Now, this is a hybrid-only vehicle. It starts at $39,485."
The Toyota Sienna is a family-friendly minivan that runs only on hybrid power, which means it uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors to save fuel.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for its spacious interior and hybrid-only powertrain, making it a popular choice for families.
Kia Carnival
"The Kia Carnival starts at $38,235."
The Kia Carnival is a minivan designed for families, providing plenty of room for passengers and their belongings, making it a great choice for road trips.
The Kia Carnival is a versatile minivan that offers a spacious interior and modern features, aimed at families needing ample seating and cargo space.
Honda Odyssey
"...and the Honda Odyssey, which is the higher price one, is at $43,754."
The Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan that offers lots of space for families, along with features that make it safe and comfortable for long drives.
The Honda Odyssey is a well-regarded minivan known for its family-friendly features, spacious seating, and advanced safety technology.
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