I know Infiniti would probably prefer that I describe the QX65 as an entirely separate vehicle. Technically, it is a distinct model. But underneath the fancy clothes, the relationship to the QX60 is obvious. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
In fact, I think the QX65 is one of the more interesting things Infiniti has done in quite a while.
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It is smaller-looking, sportier, and considerably more stylish than the QX60, while retaining the basic architecture and mechanical ingredients that make the larger SUV a competent family vehicle. More importantly, Infiniti has managed to make the QX65 feel considerably more expensive than its roughly $54,000 starting price suggests.
There are some problems, though. One of them makes considerably more noise than I would like.
Design
The biggest difference between the QX60 and QX65 is what happens behind the front doors.
The QX65 gets a fastback-like roofline and a dramatically redesigned rear section that gives it a much more athletic appearance. It looks lower, sleeker and more compact than the QX60, even though it remains a substantial midsize crossover at 198.5 inches long.
I do wish Infiniti had done more with the front end. From the nose forward, the family resemblance to the QX60 is pretty obvious. The rear, however, is uniquely QX65.
And I like it.
The two-row configuration also makes sense for buyers who don’t need to occasionally stuff seven people into their SUV. You lose the QX60’s third row, but you gain a vehicle that looks and feels more purposeful.
Infiniti
Interior
This is where the QX65 makes its strongest argument.
Infiniti has done an excellent job with the materials, and the cabin can legitimately compete with some considerably more expensive luxury crossovers. The combination of materials, textures and available semi-aniline leather gives the QX65 a genuinely upscale atmosphere.
In fact, I’d put the interior in the same conversation as the Genesis GV70 and GV80, depending on how you configure it.
The technology is also considerably better than what Infiniti offered in some of its older products. The QX65 gets dual 12.3-inch displays, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims can be equipped with a 20-speaker Klipsch audio system, including speakers integrated into the headrests.
Cargo capacity is surprisingly useful for something wearing a fastback roof. There’s 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 67.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Of course, the sloping roof has consequences. Rear headroom isn’t as generous as it is in the QX60, but that’s the price you pay for looking considerably cooler.
Infiniti
Performance
The QX65 uses Infiniti’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder, producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. Power goes through a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
On paper, that’s plenty.
And it is.
The QX65 moves with authority, particularly from a stop. The variable-compression engine doesn’t behave quite like a conventional turbocharged four-cylinder, and once you get used to its personality, there is plenty of usable power.
The nine-speed automatic also works well during normal driving. Power delivery is smooth, and the QX65 is perfectly comfortable as a daily driver.
But then you put your foot down.
That’s when the QX65 develops an unfortunate personality disorder.
The engine gets loud. Really loud. Raspy loud.
I like engine noise. I enjoy hearing a performance engine work. But the QX65’s four-cylinder doesn’t produce the sophisticated mechanical soundtrack I’d expect from a luxury vehicle. Under hard acceleration, it sounds more like a modified four-cylinder that has been fitted with an exhaust system of questionable taste.
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That’s my biggest complaint with the vehicle.
There is also an oddity with the all-wheel-drive system when you’re driving aggressively. Push hard into a corner and you can feel the front end begin to lose composure before the system sends power rearward. I’ve experienced it more than once.
For normal driving, it’s irrelevant. For spirited driving, it is noticeable.
The QX65 is not a sports car, of course. But Infiniti is selling it as the sportier alternative to the QX60, so I think it’s fair to expect a little more polish when you start pushing it. Maybe a little more grip?
Still, on the highway and around town, the ride is quite good.
Pricing and Value
The QX65 starts around $53,990, putting it directly into a very competitive portion of the luxury SUV market. And yes, there is a Nissan Pathfinder underneath all of this.
That’s hardly a scandal. Automakers share platforms, engines and components across brands all the time. In this case, Infiniti has taken a fundamentally competent platform and wrapped it in substantially nicer materials, styling and technology.
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Considering what you get, I think the pricing is competitive.
The QX65 also offers something that many competitors don’t: a combination of luxury, practicality and a relatively dramatic design without pushing the price into the stratosphere.
It can also tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is impressive for something that looks like it belongs outside a valet stand rather than at a boat launch.
Infiniti
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is a step in the right direction for Infiniti.It’s not perfect. The engine noise is irri tating, the aggressive-driving behavior of the AWD system could be better, and the front end doesn’t do enough to distinguish it from the QX60.
But everything else works remarkably well.
The QX65 has a beautiful interior, useful cargo capacity, plenty of power, standard AWD and a design that gives Infiniti something it desperately needs: personality. The competition is fierce. Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi all offer compelling alternatives, while Genesis continues to set a very high bar for interior design.
The QX65 won’t necessarily beat all of them on technology, performance, or brand prestige. But it doesn’t have to. What it does is give Infiniti a genuinely interesting alternative to the usual luxury crossover formula. It looks good, feels expensive, and drives well enough to make the compromises worthwhile.
I just wish Infiniti could convince that four-cylinder engine to quiet down once in a while.
Then again, when you’re paying nearly $54,000 for a luxury SUV, perhaps expecting a little refinement isn’t unreasonable.
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