Review: 2027 Infiniti QX65 Is Comfortable and Quick, but the Powertrain Is Far From Luxurious

Consumer Reports’ car experts don’t feel it matches up with the best midsized luxury SUVs, such as the BMW X6 and Lexus RX

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

Updated June 24, 2026

With the addition of the 2027 Infiniti QX65, Nissan’s luxury division now offers just three models: the three-row QX60 midsized SUV, the three-row QX80 large SUV, and the QX65. Infiniti, like its parent Nissan, is in a state of flux, having dropped all its sedans and entry-level SUVs. The sporty, two-row QX65 SUV is a clear attempt to bring new buyers into the fold.

An easy way some automakers enhance a model line is to give it the coupe treatment. This entails lowering the roofline and/or making it more curved toward the rear of the body. The result is a sportier-looking luxury model that often has less usable second-row seating and cargo space. It creates more choices in the showroom, without engineering a truly new vehicle. BMW is widely recognized as the first luxury automaker to embrace this current trend with the 2008 X6, and since then, most of its competitors have followed suit.

In this article

Infiniti QX65: Consumer Reports' Take What We Like What We Don't Like Mixed Opinions Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

The QX65 shares its powertrain with the QX60: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes “up to 268 hp,” according to Infiniti, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The horsepower number varies depending on the type of fuel used. The 268 hp is with 91-octane premium fuel, while it will make less power on regular 87-octane gas. The base Pure and second-tier Luxe trims of the QX60 are available with front- or all-wheel drive, but the QX65 comes only with AWD.

Prices start at $53,990 for the Luxe trim, with the midtier Sport starting at $55,690. The Autograph version we borrowed from Infiniti has an MSRP of $62,590 and an as-evaluated price of $71,355. The destination charge is $1,545.

This First Drive is our evaluation of the vehicle Infiniti loaned us. Consumer Reports won’t purchase a QX65 to test, so it won’t receive an Overall Score or a road-test score. We anticipate borrowing the recently redesigned three-row QX60 soon to see if it is a better option for consumers than this sportier, hyper-stylized version.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Infiniti QX65 is available to you below. If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test.

Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results.

What we borrowed: 2027 Infiniti QX65 Autograph AWD
Powertrain: 268-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 9-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $62,590
Options: Technology package (ProPilot Assist 2.1, 3D surround view monitor, tow hitch, trailer sway control), $3,700; Illuminated scuff plates, $450; Black roof rail crossbars, $490; Cargo package, $365; Splash guards, $220; USB charging cable set, $95; Premium paint, $1,900
Destination fee: $1,545
Total cost: $71,355
Final assembly point: Smyrna, Tenn.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.