Infiniti has ambitious plans to expand its brand substantially over the next few years, and the all-new QX65 is the latest in a series of planned new or updated model launches. With sleek coupe-like styling and an elegant interior, Infiniti positions the QX65 as the spiritual successor to the original Infiniti FX. While the new model brings the same bold looks and high-tech features, it lacks the dynamic performance of the original sporty crossover.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new Infiniti QX65 shares a platform and many features with the three-row QX60, but it adds sporty character to the lineup with its sleek roofline, raked rear window, and available 21-inch alloy wheels. In addition to its sport-tuned powertrain, the QX65 offers added utility, with a spacious cabin and ample cargo space thanks to its two-row configuration.
Infiniti offers the new QX65 in three trim levels: Luxe, Sport, and Autograph. All trims come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and prices range from just over $56,000 to $65,000, including the destination charge.
For this review, Infiniti provided a 2027 QX65 Autograph in Nashville, Tennessee, with the following significant options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $71,805, including the $1,545 destination charge to ship the crossover SUV from the Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Infiniti manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
The QX65 may be all new, but there is no mistaking it for anything but an Infiniti. Like the larger QX60 and flagship QX80, the QX65 features the brand's trademark grille with the large, illuminated Infiniti logo in the center. However, the new model gets a unique layered grille design, flanked by stylish "piano key" LED running lights. Three-dimensional taillights span the tailgate, and the sleek roofline, with available 21-inch wheels, adds a sporty look.
Sliding into the new QX65, the word "elegant" kept coming to mind. My top-of-the-line Autograph was replete with high-quality materials, including open-pore wood trim on the dashboard and doors and soft semi-aniline leather used extensively throughout the cabin. Brushed metal and piano black trim, along with the 12.3-inch touchscreen display, add a high-tech vibe.
Front seats stand out with a two-tone finish and an asymmetrical pleated leather design. Headrest speakers are part of the high-end Klipsch audio system, enhancing both sound performance and style. Heating and ventilation improve overall comfort, but the seat massaging functions were uncomfortable.
The QX65 offers multiple storage areas around the front seats. A large open space beneath the center console is ideal for a large bag or purse, and smaller items can easily fit in the bin under the center armrest. Easily accessible cupholders in the center console and large bottle holders in the doors ensure no one goes thirsty.
Rear-seat passengers will find seats similar to those up front. With a flat floor, legroom is plentiful. As the QX65 has a roofline that slopes downward, its headroom is slightly less than that of the QX60. Outboard seats are heated, and dual USB-C ports keep everyone's devices charged.
It may carry its passengers in luxury, but the QX65 still delivers impressive utility. The power rear liftgate opens to reveal 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, more than enough for a few suitcases or golf bags. Below the floor, there is an additional 1.9 cubic feet of hidden storage. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat, the space expands to 67.7 cubic feet.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Infiniti QX65 comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster. A 10.8-inch head-up display is also available. The infotainment system includes:
Higher trims also offer a Klipsch audio system with 16 speakers or a Klipsch Reference Premier system with 1,200 watts and 20 speakers, including front headrest speakers.
Like the rest of the Infiniti lineup, the new QX65 uses the intuitive Google-based infotainment system. Easy to read and navigate, the large screen provides enough real estate to display multiple features on the customizable Home screen. Static shortcuts on the left provide quick access to media, navigation, and communications.
As a Google-based system, Google Maps is the native navigation app, and logging in to your Google account gives you access to favorites and previous destinations. Google Assistant is also included and is one of the best natural-voice interfaces available. I found it worked quite well for making phone calls, finding the closest coffee shop, or even adjusting the cabin temperature, all just for the asking. The Google Play Store lets you download and install additional apps in the native system.
It may be Google-based, but not to worry, the system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I easily connected my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth and launched Android Auto without any issues. It may seem redundant given the many features in Google, but I still prefer the full Android Auto setup.
The QX65 features a new Qi2 high-speed wireless charger with up to 15 watts of power and a cooling fan to prevent overheating. A MagSafe connector helps keep the phone in place, but unfortunately, my phone does not have a MagSafe attachment, so I was not able to use the wireless charger.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is available with a single engine option: a 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) four-cylinder engine that delivers 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Used across many Nissan and Infiniti products since its introduction in 2018, the powertrain receives unique tuning for the QX65 to improve responsiveness and deliver better overall performance. All-wheel drive is standard across all QX65 trims, and the Infiniti can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the new QX65 is estimated at 22 mpg combined, a figure on par with competitors such as the BMW X6 and Genesis GV80 Coupe. After my drive in the Infiniti QX65, which included highway, city, and heavy traffic, the trip computer showed 22.5 mpg, in line with the EPA estimates.
From the moment I set out and began driving out of downtown Nashville, I found the VC-Turbo engine, paired with its smooth-shifting automatic transmission, delivered strong, easy-to-manage performance. Acceleration was strong, and I was easily able to get around slower vehicles as I maneuvered through traffic. Getting across busy intersections was no problem, and getting up to highway speed felt effortless.
Cruising out of town at 70 mph, the Infiniti felt substantial, delivering a solid, comfortable ride. Active noise cancellation kept road and wind noise to a minimum, and the cabin stayed quiet, except when I was blasting the excellent Klipsch audio system. I liked that the navigation instructions played only through my headrest speaker, so they did not interrupt the tunes for my passengers.
While the QX65 has a distinctly sporty look, the luxury crossover feels more like a grand tourer than a performance machine. As my route left the interstate to explore the beautiful back roads around Nashville, I found the ride less enjoyable on the twisty roads. While it offered good steering response and strong, predictable braking, the QX65 felt heavy, with considerable body lean in the corners. It may share styling with the original FX, but the fun-to-drive dynamics are not there.
During my drive out in the country, I put the QX65 in Sport mode, which delivered quicker throttle response and held gears longer for added performance. However, the Infiniti features Active Sound Enhancement, which pipes in engine sounds to match the rpm, something other manufacturers also do. Unfortunately, what I heard was an engine droning as if it were working too hard, and it was not pleasing at all. Infiniti does not have the option to turn off the sound, so I stopped using Sport mode, which made the artificial sound less obtrusive.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 features an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including an available hands-free driving system. Standard features include:
Also available on the QX65 are:
The QX65 is the latest Infiniti to feature the brand's semi-autonomous hands-free driving system: ProPilot Assist 2.1. Included in the optional Technology package, ProPilot Assist 2.1 uses adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering. It is available on select limited-access, multi-lane highways throughout the United States. A blue icon appears on the driver's display when the system is active.
However, ProPilot Assist 2.1 does not yet match the coverage of competitive systems like GM's Super Cruise or Ford's BlueCruise, and none of the roads on my route through Nashville were available for hands-free use. While I had to keep my hands on the wheel, the ACC with lane centering provided smooth operation, keeping pace with the vehicles ahead and staying between the lane markers with minimal back-and-forth movement.
Because the QX65 is an all-new model, crashworthiness ratings are not available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
According to the JD Power 2026 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Cadillac XT5 ranks highest in the Midsize Premium SUV segment, with the Lexus RX and Lexus TX ranked second and third, respectively.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Lincoln Nautilus ranks highest in the Midsize Premium SUV segment, with the Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Range Rover Velar ranked second and third, respectively.
Other 2027 QX65 competitors include the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, and Lexus GX.
With an eye-catching design, an elegant cabin, and prices well below those of its German and Korean rivals, the new Infiniti QX65 is a great choice for luxury SUV shoppers. An extensive standard equipment list adds to the appeal, as does its spacious interior with ample room for passengers and cargo. While the QX65 does not deliver the dynamic performance to match its sporty styling, the new Infiniti offers a smooth, quiet ride that makes your daily commute something to look forward to.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Living in southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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