This version of the Infiniti QX65 comes in Sunfire Red with real gold-coated flecks and contrasting black roof.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Infiniti is undergoing a transformation in a bid to inject new life into the ailing luxury brand. Part of the plan includes launching an all-new nameplate, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 two-row midsize SUV. While it is a similar size to the QX60 three-row SUV, the QX65 has a sleeker look that more resembles a coupe.
Four new Infiniti vehicles will follow including a V6 performance sedan and a hybrid midsize SUV. These are “products that are going to put Infiniti back on the map in terms of excitement, emotion and appeal because we’re going to be bold,” said Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, during a roundtable discussion with Canadian journalists at Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan earlier in April.
“There were many mistakes [in the past],” Meunier said. But Nissan’s luxury arm is attempting to change its fortunes. In 2025, Infiniti sold 5,372 vehicles in Canada, down nearly 15 per cent compared to 2024. Infiniti reported first quarter sales of 1,189 vehicles, down 5 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Executives hope the new QX65 will turn things around. “Infiniti is back,” said Ken Hearn, managing director at Infiniti Canada, during the North American drive of the QX65 in Nashville, Tenn. last week. The vehicle, which will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., faces 25-per-cent counter tariffs coming into Canada. But that’s not stopping Infiniti from bringing it into the country. For the time being, Infiniti will absorb the added costs of the tariffs.
“The tariff situation is a pain for all of us. It’s a pain for every single automaker,” Hearn said.
The QX65 has dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Infiniti is written in raised, block letters across the back.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
In the U.S., the QX65 starts at $53,990 before freight and pre-delivery inspection; Canadian prices haven’t been announced. “We priced it in the market regardless of the tariff situation,” Hearn said.
Available in three trims, Luxe, Sport and Autograph, we drove the top QX65 Autograph model in Nashville. All models come with a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive. It’s the same engine as the one in the QX60 three-row SUV. So far, there’s no plan for another powertrain such as Nissan’s new hybrid e-power technology, which will debut in the 2027 Rogue.
Along the winding and sweeping roads, the QX65 performed well – it was composed, refined and comfortable, especially at cruising speeds. Even though it weighs about 40 kilograms more than the QX60, the engine is tuned differently so it feels lighter and a bit more responsive than its sibling.
There are six driving modes; I liked the driving dynamics in the sport mode, but I wasn’t fond of the engine sound enhancement feature. It’s basically a fake, overly pronounced exhaust note piped through the cabin. At first, the sound is cool, but the novelty wears off fast and quickly becomes annoying. But it’s easy to switch to Normal or Eco mode and skip the sound.
The QX65’s exterior design is stunning, especially when viewed from its profile. The coupe-like sloping roofline, which competitors such as the Genesis GV80 and Audi Q8 share, is attractive and doesn’t eat up too much rear-seat headroom.
My tester’s bold Sunfire Red colour is worth noting; the signature colour has real gold-coated flecks in the paint which shimmers in the sunshine. Inside, it’s a duplicate of the QX60 minus the third row. It’s upscale, classy and filled with ample standard features such as dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a new a Qi2 wireless charging pad that has magnets to keep cell phones in place. It also has a fan to reduce heat during charging and a faster maximum charging speed of up to 15 watts. My top trim Autograph trim adds extras such as massaging and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display and a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system.
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 SUV is expected to arrive in Canada in early summer. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
The QX65 has dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Looks
With its sloping coupe-like lines, it’s sleek and stylish in design. My tester’s Sunfire Red with real gold-coated flecks and contrasting black roof are attractive. Other nice touches include beefier 21-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, a full-width LED rear tail lamp with Infiniti’s three-dimensional name spelled out below and a rear wiper blade tucked away under the rear spoiler.
Interior
It has a smart and spacious interior that resembles the three-row QX60, but with two rows of seats. The rear seats are comfortable – they recline and slide forward or back. Plenty of nice features including a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a panoramic sunroof. My tester adds plush quilted leather upholstery, but I’m not a fan of the red interior – it’s too much with the red exterior. Black would have been better.
The Autograph trim adds plush quilted leather upholstery with the option of this red colour.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Performance
At times, there’s a bit of lag when you nail the throttle from a standstill. But otherwise, it has composed, refined and comfortable road manners, especially at cruising speeds. It can also tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Technology
Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, four USB-C ports and Qi2 wireless charging, which allows for faster charging. You can add a tech package on the top Autograph trim which includes ProPilot 2.1, Nissan’s latest semi-autonomous driving system.
Cargo
There is a large luggage area with 1,014 litres of space behind the second row and 1,917 litres behind the first row. A power liftgate makes it easy to access the rear.
The QX65 has 1,014 litres of space behind the second row and 1,917 litres behind the first row.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The verdict
A stylish and attractive new entry in the luxury midsize SUV space that’s poised to steal some sales from the competition while increasing Infiniti’s brand recognition. But the price will ultimately determine its success in Canada.
Tech specs
2027 Infiniti QX65
- Price: To be announced
- Engine: Two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 268 / 286
- Transmission / drive: Nine-speed automatic transmission / all-wheel drive
- Fuel consumption (combined): 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres
- Alternatives: Genesis GV80, Audi Q8, BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, Lexus RX, Lincoln Nautilus
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
Shopping for a new car? Check out the Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.