Luxury SUVs have started to look a little too similar lately. Tall, square, and safe seems to be the formula most brands follow. Infiniti is taking a different route with the 2027 QX65, and I'm into it. Instead of another upright crossover, Infiniti leaned into something far more interesting and a little dramatic. The new QX65 brings back the fastback SUV idea that once helped the brand stand out in a sea of conventional crossovers. That sweeping roofline, the athletic stance, and the feeling that the SUV actually wants to be driven are all very intentional.Under the hood, the QX65 is powered by Infiniti’s VC-Turbo engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, giving the SUV a balance of everyday usability and confident performance. Infiniti Revives The Fastback SUV For A New Era With the 2027 QX65 2027 Infiniti QX65 front 3/4 viewYou can see the design mission immediately. The QX65 doesn’t follow the boxy SUV template that dominates the luxury segment. Instead, it uses a sweeping roofline that curves toward the rear spoiler, giving the vehicle a coupe-like silhouette. "Now we're launching the QX65, a whole new nameplate for us, which we're super excited about. It's more than just intention at this point, it's investment," said Brian Maragno, Infiniti's director of Product Marketing."The design has to spark emotion. The fastback form isn't just an aesthetic."Infiniti’s designers wanted the SUV to feel athletic even when it’s standing still. The long arching roofline and wide stance help achieve that. The wheels sit close to the corners of the body, and the muscular fenders give the SUV a planted look that’s noticeably different from most midsize luxury crossovers.Amanda Cline / HotCarsUp front, the QX65 features a three-dimensional grille pattern inspired by bamboo forests in Japan. It creates a layered effect that changes depending on the angle of the light. Slim lighting elements frame the grille and stretch across the front of the vehicle, emphasizing the SUV’s width. Designed To Stand Out Even When It’s Standing Still Amanda Cline / HotCars"It's just kind of this fast back silhouette that's designed to be bold and stand out on the street or even when it's not even moving," Maragno told us. Infiniti design director Taisuke Nakamura described the look more simply: "It has a very dynamic, sporty design."The rear design continues that theme. A full-width LED taillight spans the back of the vehicle with vertical elements that create a distinctive nighttime signature. Even the rear wiper is hidden beneath the spoiler, so the clean design remains uninterrupted. It fits in with the current Infiniti styling but forges its own path.Amanda Cline / HotCarsInfiniti also introduced a new paint finish, Sunfire Red, paying homage to the GT-R's Regal Red. The color contains genuine gold-coated glass flecks embedded within the paint, giving the finish a subtle sparkle when sunlight hits the surface. It’s a small detail, but it reinforces the idea that the QX65 is meant to stand out rather than disappear into traffic. Wheel sizes help complete the stance. Most trims ride on 20-inch wheels, while the top Autograph version gets larger 21-inch alloys that fill the arches and emphasize the SUV’s wide track. Infiniti’s VC-Turbo Engine Focuses On Smooth, Responsive Power Amanda Cline / HotCarsUnderneath that sculpted bodywork sits one of Infiniti’s most interesting engineering solutions. The QX65 uses the brand’s variable-compression turbocharged engine, which adjusts its compression ratio based on driving conditions. In simple terms, the engine can prioritize power when you want performance and efficiency when you’re cruising. The compression ratio can range from 8.0:1 to 14.0:1, something very few production engines can do.Output lands at 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers don’t stand out in this segment, but Infiniti tuned the engine to feel more responsive in everyday driving, especially through the midrange. The QX65 weighs between 4,663 pounds (Luxe) and 4,714 pounds (Autograph), so performance should feel adequate rather than quick.Amanda Cline / HotCarsPower flows through a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sportier shift schedule, helping the SUV feel responsive when you press the throttle. Standard intelligent all-wheel drive distributes torque between the front and rear wheels as traction conditions change. We didn't get a chance to drive this one yet, but stay tuned. We'll be doing that next month, and I'm very interested in seeing how it feels after spending time in the bigger QX80 SUV. 2027 Infiniti QX65 Key Specifications Infiniti also paid attention to the overall driving environment. Active noise cancellation reduces unwanted engine and road noise while active sound enhancement subtly amplifies sportier engine tones when accelerating. And for drivers who need capability beyond daily commuting, the QX65 can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. Here’s Where The QX65 Actually Lands On Price Amanda Cline / HotCarsThe QX65 slots right into the middle of Infiniti’s SUV lineup. It sits above the QX50 but below the larger three-row QX60 and flagship QX80, and it’s clearly aimed at buyers who care more about design and presence than outright space or performance numbers. This isn’t trying to be the most powerful SUV in the segment. It’s trying to be one of the most interesting to look at and live with every day.Pricing starts at $53,990 for the LUXE trim, which gives you the full design and core tech experience without going overboard. The SPORT trim comes in at $55,690 and feels like the sweet spot, adding visual upgrades and a stronger audio system without a massive price jump. At the top, the AUTOGRAPH trim climbs to $62,590 and leans heavily into luxury with upgraded materials, massaging seats, and the full 20-speaker Klipsch system.Once you factor in the $1,545 destination charge, the QX65 lands right in line with coupe-style rivals like the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The difference is Infiniti is leaning harder into design and interior experience rather than chasing performance numbers, which honestly fits this car a lot better. The Interior Focuses On Audio, Comfort, And Everyday Technology 2027 Infiniti QX65 front cabinStep inside the QX65, and it becomes clear Infiniti wanted the cabin to feel comfortable, modern, and easy to live with on a daily basis.The dashboard centers around two 12.3-inch displays. One serves as the digital instrument cluster while the other handles infotainment duties. Google built-in comes standard, allowing drivers to access Google Maps navigation, voice commands through Google Assistant, and downloadable apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as well. The SUV also provides USB-C ports in both rows and a wireless charging pad that keeps compatible phones aligned while charging. One thing I'm happy with is the haptic button setup. Yes, we have a touchscreen for most of the controls. However, the climate control buttons are docked below that. This means you don't have to hunt through the screen to change the climate situation or fan speed. You also have dials for volume and temperature, which is a huge plus for me. Amanda Cline / HotCarsOne area where Infiniti clearly spent time is the audio system. The available Klipsch sound setup delivers an impressive listening experience with up to 20 speakers and up to 1,200 watts of power in the top trim. The system also includes headrest speakers that direct certain audio elements specifically toward the driver or the front passenger. This is a totally unnecessary but fun first-world-problem-solving feature.Amanda Cline / HotCarsInterior materials step up as you move through the trims. Higher-end versions feature semi-aniline leather seats, open-pore wood accents, and quilted patterns inspired by traditional Japanese design details. The top Autograph trim even adds massaging front seats to make longer drives more comfortable. And after utilizing those in the QX80, I'm a big fan.Amanda Cline / HotCarsDespite the fastback design, practicality remains intact. Cargo space measures 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 67.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. With the QX65, Infiniti is clearly trying to reintroduce the kind of design personality that once made its vehicles stand out.The fastback shape gives the SUV a sense of movement even when it’s parked, the VC-Turbo engine adds an interesting engineering twist, and the cabin focuses on comfort and immersive technology. It’s a combination that feels more thoughtful than many of the conventional crossovers filling dealership lots today. In a segment that often prioritizes practicality over personality, the QX65 proves an SUV can still be interesting to look at and fun to drive with a little more pizzazz than the standard SUV. Stay tuned for our full first drive review at the end of April, we're excited to share more about how the VC-Turbo setup holds up in the real world.