The 2027 Infiniti QX65 Isn't Fun to Drive. Here are 3 Better Premium Sporty SUVsAutoblogAmos KwonMon, September 21, 2026 at 6:45 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Finite Pleasures Behind the WheelThe 2027 Infiniti QX65 looks like it should be a compelling alternative to the usual premium midsize SUV crowd. Its low-roofed, coupe-like profile is attractive, there are some nods to the original FX "Bionic Cheetah", it has standard all-wheel drive, and Infiniti markets its 268-horsepower VC-Turbo four-cylinder as a more expressive choice than the three-row sibling , the QX60.InfinitiBut a sportier silhouette does not automatically create a sportier driving experience. The QX65 is a comfortable, stylish highway cruiser with a premium cabin and useful two-row packaging, but its driving experience falls short of the mark. If you want a luxury SUV that backs its looks with a powerful and dynamic experience in the saddle, there are better options out there. Here's where the QX65 falls short, and we show you three candidates far more worthy.What Holds the QX65 BackAmos KwonEvery QX65 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Those output figures aren't terrible, but the vehicle's weight sullies the formula. My Autograph trimmed model weighs 4,715 pounds. That leaves the engine working hard and gives the SUV a strained character when it's pushed. The QX65 has rather tepid 0-to-60-mph time of around 8 seconds. Putting it mildly, the QX65 can easily be outpaced by a Toyota Camry.Amos KwonThat would be easier to accept if the Infiniti brought a big efficiency advantage. Instead, its EPA estimates are 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined—not especially impressive for a four-cylinder-powered luxury SUV. The QX65 starts at $53,990, while the Sport begins at $55,690 and the Autograph at $63,285. At that price, shoppers have better choices that actually engage the driver and provide better fuel efficiency. That's the double whammy against Infiniti's raciest model.BMW X3 M50 xDrive – $70,850 MSRPBMWAdvertisementAdvertisementBMW touts it's Ultimate Driving Machine slogan even through its SUVs. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive is the obvious answer for shoppers who want one SUV to cover commuting, family duty, and real driving enjoyment. Its 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 (B58) engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system produces 393 horsepower. substantially more power than the Infiniti's four-cylinder, and BMW's eight-speed automatic shifts quickly and seamlessly. 0-60 happens in the low fours, easily trouncing the QX65.BMWMore important, the X3 is significantly better to drive with its accurate steering, taut body control, and chassis balance. It even shows off its rear-drive character even with its AWD setup. The top trim X3 M50 xDrive will be a little more expensive than a QX65 Autograph, but it delivers significantly more power and more driver engagement than the Infiniti. The Bimmer SUV feel more alive, more responsive, and more fun. Also, consider the efficiency gains for this performer. The EPA fuel economy rating for the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Tha'ts considerably better than the QX65's numbers.Thinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.Audi SQ5 Sportback – $66,800 MSRPAudiThe Audi SQ5 Sportback is the coupe-roofed version of the SQ5 and shares it's mechanicals. Compared to the QX65, the SQ5 Sportback is a much more convincing choice when it comes to performance and truly sporting character than the 2027 Infiniti QX65. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque—significantly more than the Infiniti's 268 hp and 286 lb-ft—and sends power through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard quattro all-wheel drive.60 mph from a standstill happens in 4.3 seconds, more than three seconds ahead of the Infiniti's estimated near 8-second result. It also has an available air suspension and sport-oriented calibration that give it a more controlled, capable feel through corners. While it's not as taut in the corners as the X3 M50 xDrive, it easily bests the QX65 when it comes to spirited driving chops. Its EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined also closely match the Infiniti's 20/26/22-mpg figures, so the performance upgrade doesn't penalize the SQ5s Sportback's fuel econmy.Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige – $71,095 MSRPAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Genesis GV70 3.5T is the value-oriented performance choice, but don't equate that with compromise. Six cylinders of robust power underneath the refined and muscular sheet metal move the GV70 3.5T with authority. Its twin-turbocharged V6 produces far more output than the QX65's four-cylinder, giving it the passing power and off-the-line response expected in a premium SUV priced in the Infiniti's territory.Genesis NewsroomFor 2026, the GV70 3.5T is more rewarding SUV to drive, with revised suspension bushings and a retuned adaptive-damping system that can scan the road ahead and prepare for upcoming pavement changes. The electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and improved steering feedback make the GV70 3.5T feel more composed and engaging from behind the wheel. 0-60 happens in 5 seconds. While it's not as quick as the Bimmer or the Audi, it will easily roast the QX65. It's a smidge better with fuel than the QX65, getting 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. Thankfully, the GV70 3.5T's power output and driving polish don't dent its fuel efficiency.Final ThoughtsThe QX65 was meant to thrill, evoking the original FX sporty SUV. While the new Infiniti coupe SUV is quiet, attractive, well-equipped, and capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, the full driving experience falls a bit flat. Infiniti's effort to turn the QX60 formula into a sportier vehicle mostly amounts to a lower roof with some sporty-esque changes. The 268-hp engine, substantial curb weight, muted steering, and lackluster acceleration prevent it from becoming a genuinely engaging premium SUV. Models from the Germans and Koreans make for better choices for nearly the same money.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.