What’s in a name (change)? In its latest effort to distinguish its sedan lineup from its sport and crossover utes, Infiniti has renamed its FX SUV the QX70 for 2014. Call it what you want, this luxury-oriented 5-seat sport ute retains the styling, performance and star-studded appearance and cabin bling that make it, if not the most practical of people-haulers out there, one of the prettiest and most posh.

Except for the relabeling, little else is changed aboard this classy conveyance. It still comes delivered in 3 trims, but now they’re known as the QX70 Base, AWD and V8 AWD. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is still standard in the Base, while Infiniti’s intelligent all-wheel-drive (iAWD) configuration, as is implied, endows the AWD and V8 AWD. This now-traditional AWD system allows cruising in RWD under normal conditions and stands ready to divert torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, both front and rear, when the snow flies or the mud gets mucky.

Powering the 2014 Base and AWD is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 3.7-liter V6 engine that remains managed by a 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission to put out 325 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Towing is maxed out at around 2,300 pounds with the available Towing Package installed (ball hitch and wiring) for those who want to show off their utilitarian roots, while mileage is estimated at 17 mpg city/24 highway in the Base and 16/22 for the AWD trim.

Infiniti’s re-titled QX70 V8 AWD, as may be obvious, runs with a 5.0-liter V8 powerplant, also toting VVT. Again, the 7-speed shiftable automatic manages this peppy V8’s 390 hp and 369 lb-ft for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, with the proper equipment. Of course this V8-packing ute’s mileage numbers drop to an estimated 14/20.

Standard goodies aboard the Base and AWD are such appearance adornments as 18-inch alloy wheels, a power rear liftgate, a rear spoiler, a power sunroof and heated power-adjustable mirrors. Inside, look for leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, reclining and split-folding rear seatbacks, and some well-wrought alloy and leather cabin accents. Cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, a remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror also grace this luxury yacht, as do auto climate control and Bluetooth hands-free calling. Entertainment, meantime, returns in the form of a 300-watt stereo system boasting a single-CD player, 11 Bose premium speakers, satellite radio and a USB connection.

The 2014 QX70 V8 AWD, furthermore, throws standard 21-inch alloy wheels onto the list, as well as upgraded leather upholstery, climate-controlled front seats, and Infiniti’s Around View monitor, which also displays the standard hard-drive-based navigation system. Advanced climate control, meantime, as well as maple interior accents also come standard in this flagship-level sport ute.

As well-equipped as this handsome Infiniti sport ute is, there are still a number of options and accessories that can be added on. The Base trim’s Premium Package includes a navigation system, XM Navigation radio with real-time traffic, Infiniti voice-recognition technology, dual-occupant memory settings, roof rails and the Around View monitor that comes standard in the V8 AWD trim.

Meanwhile, the Deluxe Touring and the Technology packages all remain offered with the Base and AWD, and again include stuff like 20-inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals and adaptive, radar-interfaced cruise control (Intelligent Cruise Control in Infiniti-speak).

The V8 AWD, finally, offers the available Sport Technology Package, which adds solid magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, sport-oriented front bucket seats and self-descriptive Rear Active Steering to the Base and AWD’s Technology Package.

Among the more noteworthy standard safety equipment found in this pretty Infiniti ute are 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further standard safety features include daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm. The optional Technology Package and Sport Technology Package, meantime, add in a lane-departure warning and protection system, forward collision alerts and adaptive HID headlights.