2027 Infiniti QX65 Review: A Stylish Coupe-Like SUV That Ditches the Third Row for Massive Cargo Space
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 joins the brand’s lineup as a bold new entry, slotting directly alongside the popular QX60 mid-size SUV. While sharing the same underlying architecture, the QX65 carves out its own identity with a dramatic coupe-like roofline and a laser focus on passenger comfort and cargo capacity. This fresh take on the premium SUV formula, inspired by Infiniti’s iconic FX model from the 2000s, promises a blend of striking design, refined performance, and surprising practicality.
For buyers seeking the versatility of a three-row SUV but prioritizing style and cargo space, the QX65 presents a compelling alternative. By strategically omitting the third row, Infiniti has unlocked a cavernous rear storage area that rivals larger vehicles in the segment. This intentional design choice caters to a specific type of buyer: those who value interior space for gear and luggage over occasional passenger hauling.
Design That Turns Heads
From the moment you lay eyes on the 2027 Infiniti QX65, its distinct personality becomes apparent. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the dramatically raked roofline that sweeps gracefully toward the rear, creating a silhouette reminiscent of a performance coupe. This design language directly channels the spirit of the legendary 2000s-era Infiniti FX, a vehicle that defied traditional SUV conventions with its sporty proportions and aggressive stance.
The front fascia adopts Infiniti’s latest design language, characterized by a bold, imposing grille that commands attention. This signature element is flanked by sleek, swept-back LED headlights that accentuate the vehicle’s width and athleticism. Chrome accents are used judiciously, adding a touch of luxury without overwhelming the design. The overall effect is a front end that is both sophisticated and assertive, clearly communicating the QX65’s premium positioning.
Moving along the flanks, the coupe-like profile takes center stage. The rising beltline and gently sloping roof create a sense of motion, even when the vehicle is stationary. This dynamic styling is further enhanced by available two-tone paint schemes, which visually separate the cabin from the lower body and accentuate the floating roof effect. The signature crescent-shaped rear quarter windows add a touch of elegance and reinforce the vehicle’s unique identity.
At the rear, the QX65 maintains its sleek profile with a tailgate that slopes downward at a relatively steep angle. This design choice, while contributing to the coupe-like aesthetic, is executed with careful consideration for functionality. The taillights are slim and horizontal, mirroring the width of the front lighting elements and creating a cohesive design language across the vehicle. The absence of a third-row bump allows for a cleaner, more streamlined rear end that emphasizes the QX65’s sporty character.
A Luxurious and Tech-Forward Cabin
Step inside the 2027 Infiniti QX65, and you’re greeted by an environment that prioritizes comfort, refinement, and technology. The interior design is a testament to Infiniti’s commitment to premium craftsmanship, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail evident throughout the cabin. The layout is driver-centric, with controls and displays positioned ergonomically for ease of use.
The dashboard is a study in modern automotive design, featuring a sweeping horizontal layout that creates a sense of spaciousness. A prominent 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits directly in front of the driver, providing a wealth of information in a clear and concise manner. This fully customizable display can be configured to show a variety of data, including vehicle speed, engine rpm, navigation directions, and media information.
Dominating the center stack is a second 12.3-inch touchscreen that serves as the hub for the infotainment system. This high-resolution display offers intuitive control over a wide range of functions, including audio, navigation, climate control, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity. The system’s responsiveness and logical menu structure make it a pleasure to use, whether you’re navigating through city streets or selecting your favorite playlist.
Infiniti has taken a thoughtful approach to climate control, offering a tri-zone automatic system that allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to set their own preferred temperatures. This thoughtful feature ensures that everyone in the cabin remains comfortable, regardless of their individual preferences.
Comfort is clearly a top priority in the QX65, with heated front seats standard across all trim levels. For those seeking an extra level of luxury, the Autograph trim takes comfort to the next level with massaging front seats and heated rear seats. These premium amenities transform the cabin into a sanctuary on long journeys, allowing occupants to relax and unwind in style.
Performance That Delivers
Under the hood, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 is powered by the same capable powertrain that drives its QX60 sibling. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, equipped with Infiniti’s innovative variable compression technology, delivers a robust 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency, providing ample power for daily driving while maintaining respectable fuel economy.
The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that has been specifically retuned for the QX65. Infiniti’s engineers have optimized the transmission’s shift logic to complement the vehicle’s sporty character. The transmission downshifts more aggressively under braking, providing a more engaging driving experience and enhancing the vehicle’s responsiveness when accelerating out of corners.
All-wheel drive comes standard across the entire QX65 lineup, ensuring confident traction in a variety of road conditions. This system can proactively distribute power between the front and rear axles, optimizing grip and stability whether you’re navigating wet pavement or dry highways. The inclusion of all-wheel drive further enhances the QX65’s appeal as a capable and versatile premium SUV.
While the QX65 prioritizes comfort and refinement, it doesn’t sacrifice driving dynamics. The chassis has been tuned to provide a balance of ride comfort and handling precision. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride, while still offering enough control to make the vehicle feel agile and responsive when cornering. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing a confident connection between the driver and the road.
Practicality Reimagined: Massive Cargo Space
The defining characteristic of the 2027 Infiniti QX65 is its reimagined approach to interior space. By eliminating the third row, Infiniti has created a cavernous cargo area that sets the QX65 apart from many of its competitors. This intentional design choice caters to a specific set of priorities, offering a level of cargo versatility that is rarely found in vehicles of this size.
With the rear seats in place, the QX65 offers a generous 36 cubic feet of cargo space. This is a substantial amount of room, providing ample space for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and everyday essentials. For those who frequently transport larger items, the rear seats can be folded flat, unlocking an impressive 68 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This expanded space is large enough to accommodate bulky items such as furniture, bicycles, or multiple sets of golf clubs with ease.
Infiniti emphasizes that the QX65 is designed to handle the demands of an active lifestyle. The company highlights that even with all the seats in their upright position, there is enough room to comfortably fit four sets of golf bags in the cargo area. This statistic speaks volumes about the sheer volume of space available and demonstrates that the QX65 is more than capable of handling the needs of avid golfers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The practicality of the QX65 extends beyond its sheer volume of space. The cargo area is thoughtfully designed with a low load floor, making it easier to lift heavy or bulky items into and out of the vehicle. The wide opening of the tailgate further enhances accessibility, allowing for the loading of oversized items that might not fit through the doors of other SUVs.
While the absence of a third row may be a consideration for some buyers, it is a deliberate design choice that enables the QX65’s exceptional cargo capacity. For those who rarely transport more than five passengers, the trade-off for significantly increased cargo space is likely to be a welcome one.
Trims and Features
The 2027 Infiniti QX65 will be available in three distinct trim levels: Luxe, Sport, and Autograph. Each trim level offers a unique combination of features and amenities, catering to different preferences and budgets.
The Luxe trim serves as the entry point into the QX65 lineup, offering a well-rounded package of luxury and technology. It comes standard with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, heated front seats, and the advanced infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Luxe trim provides a solid foundation of premium features that will satisfy the needs of most buyers.
The Sport trim builds upon the Luxe by adding a sportier character and enhanced features. It includes all the equipment found in the Luxe trim, along with ventilated front seats and a premium Klipsch 16-speaker audio system. The ventilated seats provide an extra level of comfort, particularly in warmer climates, while the high-end audio system delivers an immersive listening experience for music lovers.
The Autograph trim represents the pinnacle of the QX65 lineup, offering the most luxurious and well-equipped version of the vehicle. It includes all the features of the Sport trim, plus massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and the availability of the eye-catching
