2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Nashville, TN – Infiniti is back. That's the message the brand is reiterating as the luxury manufacturer refocuses on the future, with an onslaught of new vehicles on the way. A sports sedan with a manual transmission, two body-on frame SUVs, a high performance QX80, and a hybrid SUV are currently in the works. First up though is the all-new, mid-size QX65. Quick Take The 2027 Infiniti QX65 is a more stylish take on the QX60. By ditching the third row, the QX65 has a more prominent, sloping rear roofline that's exaggerated by some styling details. The rear taillights have an intricate design inspired by fighter jets and the front light-up badge is unique. With similar mechanical bits, the drive experience of the QX65 isn't a complete revolution compared to its three-row sibling, but there are distinct differences. It's got a sportier steering feel, more aggressive throttle tip-in, and enhanced engine sound. Overall, it's a crisper package in a more fashion-forward shape for those who a bit more personality in their mid-size luxury Infiniti SUV. What's New for 2027: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive The QX65 is an all-new model introduced this year. Although it shares a platform with the QX60 three-row SUV, the body of the QX65 is wholly unique, with more differences continuing into the mechanical components. It's a two-row coupe-over SUV designed for those who want a QX60-sized SUV, but do not need the third row of seats and want more style. Exterior Style: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Measuring 198.5-inch (5,041 mm) length, the QX65 is slightly longer than the three-row QX60. Infiniti states the overall shape of the vehicle is inspired by the old FX sport SUV. The flowing fastback roofline features a chrome strip that runs along the top of the windows. It exudes a more coupe like profile, drawing the eye to its angle. The actual rear roof, painted black, features a more traditional shape, allowing more rear headroom and cargo capacity. Incorporated into that rear roofline is a built-in spoiler that hides the rear-window wiper. There's a full width light bar consisting of multiple LED lights and 3D design elements. Infiniti claims the overall design of the taillamps is inspired by fighter jets. 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Standard on all trims of the SUV is a panoramic moonroof, black gloss roof rails, and LED lighting all around. Up front is a three-dimensional bamboo forest inspired grille. Sitting center on that grille is a new take on illuminated badging, as just the inner portion of the badge is illuminated along with backlighting. There are Multiple LED lights that make up the running light strips, located along the hood line. Sitting below them are dual beam headlights. Powertrain and Fuel Economy: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Under the hood is Infiniti's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 268 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, which is required. It's attached to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Throttle tip-in is responsive, if not a bit touchy at low speeds. Power comes on quickly when the accelerator is depressed form a stop. Despite the initial tip-in being aggressive, the QX65 does not downshift quickly when exiting a corner at speed. It's marginally better in sport mode, but I found the best response occurs when driven in the manual mode, as the driver has absolute control over the gears – there's no automatic gear changes regardless of throttle input. 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive When not driven aggressively, there's lots of power at any legal speed, as the vehicle accelerates with more than enough thrust. Inside, the amplified synthetic noise is just that, a bit too synthetic sounding. It does indeed have a sportier tone and volume compared to QX60, but at first, I wasn't convinced it's the completely right timbre and character for the vehicle. The more I drove it though, the less I noticed it or minded it. Regardless of my opinion on its actual sound, it does add a level of engagement. Handling and Drivability: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive On our drive, the 2027 Infiniti QX65's body motions are held in check during spirted driving. It does not roll side to side on twisty roads, remaining relatively flat for a mid-size SUV. The steering feels heavier than found in other Infiniti SUVs, offering a bit more response to inputs. It's not a full-out performance vehicle, but grip from the wide 265mm tires is ample, with the vehicle responding better than most three-row SUVs of similar size. That stated, the limits can be felt at higher cornering speed. The SUV squats down on its front corners during aggressive braking/cornering, as the 13.78-inch front disc and 12.99-inch rear disc rotors bite down with a solid feel. These 10 Car Brands Might Let You Down 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Weighing 4,715 pound (2,138 kg) in AutoGraph trim, the QX65 is an on-road focused SUV as it features a mere 5.9-inches (149 mm) of ground clearance. That stated, even if it can't do much off-roading, it can do other SUV things like tow upwards of 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) when properly equipped. Competitors Genesis GV80 Coupe Lexus RX Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Ride Quality and Comfort: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Even with the QX65's elevated performance capabilities, the suspension still tilts towards comfort more than all out sport. It does a good job absorbing bumps of all sizes, especially considering the low profile 21-inch tires on our tester. At city speeds, noise and vibrations are absent as the luxury SUV does a good job isolating occupants. At freeway speeds, I did find a bit more wind and road noise made its way into the cabin than expect for this class of vehicle. That stated, the drive is so smooth and easy on the highway, especially with ProPILOT Assist 2.1, making this a great choice to eat up mile after mile of interstate. Inside, my AutoGraph trim tester has Semi-Aniline leather seats with the subtle Kimono-style-fold design in the cross-stitching. In this trim, the front seats include power, heat, ventilation, and massage functions for both front occupants. Like the ride quality, the front seats offer great comfort for long periods of time. 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive There's an ample 40.6-inches (1,030 mm) of headroom and 44.2-inches (1,123 mm) of legroom in the front. Those in the rear get less space, with just 36.9-inches (938 mm) of headroom and 35.7-inches (906 mm) of legroom. That stated, adult passengers can fit in the rear seats without issue, it's just not as pleasant as sitting up front. Behind the rear seats is quite a bit of cargo space, measuring 38.5 cubic foot (1,014 L) in total. Fold the rear seatbacks down and space grows to 67.7 cubic feet (1,917 L). Interior Style and Quality: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive The interior of the QX65 AutoGraph is possibly the SUV's greatest attribute. It looks, feels, and even smells luxurious. Never when operating the QX65 should one feel they're inside something plain or ordinary. There's an option of interior trim in either silver, black, or wood. The quilted leather patch across the dashboard is a nice touch and I love the speaker design on the doors. While on the topic of speakers, the Klipsch sound system comes as advertised, delivering a great audio experience. Tech and Safety: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Standard on the 2027 Infiniti QX65 are features including a three zone climate control, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch digital driver information center, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker audio system, wireless charging pad, rain sensing wipers, and more. My AutoGraph tester included extras like a motion activated power liftgate, heated rear seats, the 20 speaker Klipsch audio system, smart rearview mirror, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, enhanced ambient lighting, 10.8-inch head-up display, and more. From a safety front, the QX65 comes standard with intelligent cruise, ProPILOT Assist, lane departure mitigation, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear automatic braking, and a driver attention monitor. My tester once again added more equipment, such as ProPILOT Assist 2.1, a 3D surround view monitor, front wide view hood, invisible hood, trailer sway control, etc. Value Dollars and Sense: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive Pricing for the 2027 Infiniti QX65 Luxe starts at $55,535 (all prices include destination charges). That puts the entry point between the 2026 Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Stepping up a few levels, the Autograph starts at $64,135 in the United States. As of this publication, pricing in Canada for the 2027 Infiniti QX65 is yet to be announced. Final Thoughts: 2027 infiniti qx65 review first drive The 2027 Infiniti QX65 gives customers in the mid-size luxury SUV market a new choice, in a stylish, somewhat sporty package. For those that don't need a third row and want to be lathed in opulence at a price point that isn't outrageous, the latest Infiniti might just fit the bill. PROS CONS Interior Style and Quality Reluctant Transmission Ride and Seat Comfort Simulated Engine Sound Plenty Powerful Rear Seat Space Exterior Style Specifications Engine/Motor 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Output: 268 hp, 286 lb-ft Drivetrain: AWD Transmission: 9AT Fuel Economy TBA Starting Price USA $55,535 (incl dest) Starting Price Canada TBA As Tested Price USA $64,135 (incl dest) As Tested Price Canada TBA 2027 BMW 7 Series: All the Details