Keen to turn around its flagging sales, Infiniti is trying to reposition itself as a stylish, upmarket automaker, ditching some of its cheapest models and replacing them with the likes of this: the 2027 QX65. Nominally and technologically based on the QX60 crossover, the QX65 is a sleek-styled, two-row midsizer that serves as the replacement for the discontinued QX55, borrowing its drooping roofline and punchy stance but rendering it on a larger platform with less compromise to the rear seats and cargo area. However, those expecting an Infiniti FX redux will be disappointed to learn that today's QX65 has less power than the 2003 "bionic cheetah" SUV it's supposed to ape. Classy Styling, Inside And Out The QX65 sports the same wheelbase, overall width, and front and rear track width as the family-oriented QX60. Even its overall height is identical, with none of the claustrophobic chop-topping that hampers other coupe-styled SUVs. Despite those dimensional similarities, the QX65 cuts a completely different profile, with surprisingly comprehensive updates that start on the front fascia. The QX60 ditches its sibling's relatively conventional headlight design in favor of high-mounted "piano key" daytime running lights situated above multi-LED headlamps in their own pods above the bumper corner vents.2027 Infiniti QX65 Exterior 1Bolder, three-dimensional grille mesh is also on the menu, with all vectors pointing to the illuminated Infiniti logo in the top center. A more aggressive lower fascia matches the one found around back, where it lives beneath a similarly angular set of notched taillights that meet in the middle above the brand's wordmark. The sculpted hatch swells and recedes with precision, catching the light and showing off the new Sunfire Red paint, which contains glass flecks coated in genuine gold for a deep, lustrous appearance in the sun.A contrast black-painted roof visually lowers the Infiniti, helping hide the roofline that actually peaks just over the rear seats. Meanwhile, a sweeping arch of metallic trim compounds the optical illusion, framing the narrower windows and wrapping around the base of the D-pillar to recall the sleek profile of the 2003 Infiniti FX35 and FX45. While the QX60 only hints at broad shoulders and hips, the QX65 absolutely flaunts them, with crisp fenders and body lines that loom over the standard 20-inch wheels – seen here are 21-inchers that are standard on the flagship Autograph trim.2027 Infiniti QX65 Interior 1Indoors, there aren't many changes from the QX60 on which the 65 is based, meaning the same 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and matching 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which resides above a wraparound binnacle for the climate controls and center console. The software operates using a Google operating system, and wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard, as are two USB-C charging outlets in each row of seating. Finally, Klipsch-branded audio – borrowed from the hot-selling QX80 – is standard on the Sport and Autobiography, with the latter trim getting an impressive 1,200-watt system with headrest speakers.InfinitiThe back seat reclines and slides fore and aft, allowing owners to prioritize either cargo space or passenger comfort. As a result, the QX65 boasts a healthy 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row (presumably with it all the way forward). That number expands to 67.7 cubes with the rear seats folded flat. For comparison, both numbers come out ahead of the similarly sized BMW X6 and are competitive with the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Designed To Impress, Engineered To Bore When the redesigned QX60 came out in 2022, we couldn't help but find its bold curves and modern lighting elements attractive. Even more appealing was the promise of some decent driving dynamics thanks to a carryover 3.5-liter V6 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that – finally – replaced the problematic CVT. In 2025, the V6 was retired in favor of Nissan's novel variable combustion turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, a move that increased torque at the expense of horsepower, powertrain refinement, and overall acceleration. We recorded a sluggish 7.9-second 0-60 sprint the last time we drove it.InfinitiUnfortunately, the sleeker design of the QX65 does nothing to improve matters. It has the same 2.0-liter four as its three-row sibling, with only incremental weight loss coming along in the transition to coupe-crossover. With 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet coming from the turbo four, the 2027 QX65 has 12 fewer ponies in the corral (although six more torques) than the 23-year-old 2003 FX35 SUV, while also weighing 600 pounds more. And we doubt the QX65 will deliver on its sporty styling via handling, either, with a front weight bias of 56 percent despite standard all-wheel drive. A rumored Red Sport variant with a twin-turbocharged V6 can't arrive soon enough. A Surprisingly Good Value All that said, we're genuinely impressed with how relatively inexpensive Infiniti made its latest SUV. Although most fastback crossovers are more expensive than their conventionally shaped siblings, the Japanese luxury automaker decided to price the 2027 QX65 on basis of practicality, not style. That means that, despite standard all-wheel drive, the entry-level Luxe model costs $53,990 plus $1,545 destination, a discount of $3,000 relative to the 2026 QX60 Luxe with front-wheel drive. Infiniti hasn't specified what features will come standard with the base trim, but if the QX65 mirrors its three-row sibling, plan on the Luxe offering TailorFit faux leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.2027 Infiniti QX65 Exterior 2Step into the 2027 QX65 Sport AWD (whose $55,690 starting price is a healthy $6,500 cheaper than the equivalent 2026 QX60) and you'll get a bunch of cosmetic alterations, including a unique design for the 20-inch wheels, gloss black exterior accents, a darker interior headliner, and so-called "carbonite" interior trim. At the top of the heap is the $62,590 QX65 Autograph (down $4,100 on a comparable QX60), which gets a contrast-painted black roof, 21-inch wheels, satin-silver exterior accents, semi-aniline leather upholstery, and front-row seat massage.It's refreshing to see Infiniti offer a new vehicle – particularly one as stylish as the QX65 – and offer it at a price that's downright reasonable. For comparison, the admittedly more dynamic BMW X6 demands $25,000 more to start than the sleek Infiniti. Even the late (but not lamented) X4 was more expensive despite being a lot smaller inside and out. Although we do wish there were a sportier powertrain on board, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 is definitely styled (and priced) like a winner.Source: Infiniti