Coming up with an old hit is always a wise idea if one wants to re-enthrall their fans, and Infiniti seems to be doing this by launching the all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65 SUV that resembles the legendary FX model. The new model from Infiniti is sportier than all other models on the market and, instead of being bestowed with a beautiful V-6 or V-8 engine, comes with a less thirsty 4-cylinder engine.
Does the Infiniti’s latest SUV justify the promise made by its stunning design?
In order to make this car seem more sporty, the engineers have endowed the QX65 with many other sports-oriented features. The gearbox was adjusted in such a way that it shifts gears more quickly and downshifts earlier when braking.
The SUV also has extra audio enhancement features because “immersive sound” is used while driving via the vehicle’s front and rear speakers. This feature works best during active mode and uses harmonic frequencies from the V-6 engine. This feature cannot be switched off.
For our test drive, we were placed in the QX65 Autograph version of the SUV which was considered the top grade model of the vehicle. Although the Apple CarPlay was not able to connect immediately without the use of wires, the Android Auto connection was wireless at once when the engine was switched off and then on again.
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The QX65 weighs 4,700 pounds, which makes it quite a large vehicle to maneuver. However, remember that the QX65 is just a modified version of the QX60 without the third row of seats. As predicted, the engine remained the same: the 268 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four produced a relatively sluggish acceleration rate, but once at highway speed, it was silent and comfortable enough for cruising.
Our favorite part of the QX65 is its premium audio headrest speakers. The feature is available only in the Autograph grade. It allows in-car navigation and phone calls to be directed to the driver’s headrest speakers while keeping all other passengers free from distractions.
In the city, the QX65 behaves similar to a regular mid-size SUV, meaning it runs rather quietly. The brakes are effective but not very responsive, the steering feels numb and slow but accurate, and the QX65 boasts surprisingly compact turning radiuses, making it great for parking lots and driveways.
Against the family-friendly QX60, it is clear why Infiniti wants to promote the sporty side of the QX65. However, these endeavors come up short once you coax the QX65 into making some serious moves. This is no FX for modern times, providing car-like driving dynamics. Not at all.
The SUV exhibits body roll when cornering, its sporty throttle makes it dangerously unstable, tipping to the side when you accelerate from a stationary position. Floored in Sport mode, the engine emits odd whirring noises, accentuated by the noise “enhancement.” The QX65 also hangs onto gears much longer than necessary when cruising in one particular mode. As a result, the interior is filled with an artificial whining sound that resembles how CVTs act. The only thing remotely close to behavior you would associate with a sporty vehicle is the minor vibrations on the road surface, thanks to the Autograph’s larger wheels.
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Of course, the QX65 could be considered a sports-oriented vehicle if it offered just a tad more power; however, that would compromise the 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined miles per gallon performance ratings.
Without a doubt, the QX65’s most positive feature is the fairly spacious interior dimensions. This is due to the fact that the three-row crossover SUV has been converted into a two-row vehicle in order to expand the available space in its back area and cargo bay. The midsize SUV offers 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space beyond its second row along with an additional 1.9 cubic feet of hidden cargo space under the floor.
QX65 purchasers may belong to either a pre- or post-family environment, and they should be individuals who would enjoy having the two-row design. GV80, Nautilus, Lexus RX, and Cadillac XT5 are some of the vehicles that compete with the mid-size AWD luxury SUV category, in which QX65 falls. The price of each of the three QX65 model grades starts at $55,535 for Luxe, $57,235 for Sport, and $64,135 for Autograph.
Our test vehicle totaled up to an MSRP of $71,355 with the following options – Technology package ($3,700, which includes ProPilot Assist 2.1), $450 cargo scuff plates, and $1,900 for a premium paint finish with sunfire red featuring flecks of gold. That’s right; at that price point, you will have access to the terrific BMW X5 xDrive40i. The question remains whether you would prefer to go for the Infiniti rather than the BMW?
Nevertheless, the mid-grade Sport trim is expected to make up half of the total QX65 sales, with this being possible due to its more affordable price. Regrettably, we couldn’t sample the Sport trim during our first drive event, but previously, we preferred the QX80 Sport over the QX80 Autograph. Well, we may just repeat that choice here. One thing is for sure; the Sport model has smaller wheels (20-inches compared to 21).
The QX65’s main competitor would be the Genesis GV80. Those sticker prices are slightly higher than the Infiniti, but the V-6 engine is available, along with interior materials certified by MotorTrend. However, while some of the QX65’s high-end plastic parts, such as the window switches, seemed fragile relative to the SUV’s price point.
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Right off the bat, it’s apparent that the QX65 was designed to cruise rather than canter. It drives smoothly on a pleasant highway. It behaves nicely in urban driving conditions. The display is crystal-clear and intuitive. The climate control switches are conveniently placed on their own panel. There’s plenty of comfort equipment on board.
So long as you aren’t looking for an FX replacement, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.
| 2027 Infiniti QX65 Specifications | |
| BASE PRICE | $55,535-$64,135 |
| LAYOUT | Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE | 2.0L/268-hp/286-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve 4-cyl |
| TRANSMISSION | 9-speed auto |
| CURB WEIGHT | 4,663-4,715 lb (mfr) |
| WHEELBASE | 114.2 in |
| L x W x H | 198.9 x 86.0 x 69.7 in |
| 0–60 MPH | N/A |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | N/A |
| EPA RANGE, COMB | N/A |
| ON SALE | Summer 2026 |
