2026 Infiniti QX60 Review
Bolder styling, a Sport trim level, and technology upgrades increase the 2026 QX60's appeal.
Jeff Youngs
QuickTakes:
Infiniti is Nissan's luxury brand. It launched in 1989 with two models, both upscale sedans. Today, more than 35 years later, it once again sells two models, both upscale SUVs. With the departure of the compact QX50 and QX55 from the lineup for the 2026 model year, the QX60 midsize three-row crossover SUV is now the entry-level Infiniti.
To entice customers, the 2026 Infiniti QX60 features a styling makeover inspired by the company's larger QX80 model. New colors and materials enhance the QX60's interior, a Google-based infotainment system makes its debut, and most versions now come standard with a Klipsch high-end audio system. Additionally, the available ProPilot Assist 2.1 technology now delivers hands-free driving capability, and a new QX60 Sport model gives the SUV a more athletic look.
The exterior styling tweaks boost the 2026 QX60's presence, and though the new Sport trim lacks additional dynamic capability, it adds an extra touch of visual excitement. The new tech keeps the QX60 competitive, and the standard Google built-in infotainment system is a particularly significant improvement. Still, the QX60 struggles to stand out from the crowd.
Jeff Youngs
About the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Review Vehicle
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is available in Pure, Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trim levels. Base prices range from the mid-$50,000s to the high $60,000s, including the destination charge for shipping the SUV to a dealership from the Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant.
For this QX60 review, I test-drove the new 2026 Sport model at a media event in Nashville, Tennessee. Grand Blue paint and splash guards were the only options, which brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $64,705, including a $1,350 destination charge. I also sampled a QX60 Autograph model to test ProPilot Assist 2.1. Infiniti provided the vehicles for this QX60 review and covered the cost of lunch during the event.
Jeff Youngs
The Refreshed QX60 Incorporates QX80-Inspired Design Cues
For 2026, the QX60 inherits a smattering of Infiniti's "Artistry in Motion" design cues from its larger, more imposing QX80 sibling. Highlights of the exterior makeover include a new grille, lower fascia, and daytime running light design, the latter reminiscent of the digital piano-key approach seen on the QX80. A cleaner-looking liftgate and rear fascia round out the styling changes. One new color, Deep Emerald, also debuts.
The new 2026 QX60 Sport elevates the SUV's athletic vibe with a uniquely styled grille and lower front bumper protector, as well as dark body accents and distinctive 20-inch gloss black wheels. There's also Sport-specific badging on the liftgate.
As before, the QX60's interior remains attractive, comfortable, functional, and spacious. A new Stone Gray interior color debuts for 2026, along with several new trim materials, depending on the model. The Pure and Luxe grades feature seat upholstery made from 65% recycled materials, which Infiniti says are more durable and softer to the touch than other synthetic leathers.
Jeff Youngs
The new Sport model's interior features a distinctive look, with Dusk Blue and black upholstery and a black headliner adorning a cabin that is a bit too dark in my opinion. Perhaps a splash of red here and there — or, better yet, instead of the dark blue — would convey the sporty theme more effectively and make the interior visually "pop."
The second-row seats offer plenty of head- and legroom, and the third row can accommodate adults for shorter trips. With a second-row bench seat, Pure and Luxe trims can carry seven occupants, while Sport and Autograph grades switch to second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to six. The third row is easily accessible thanks to sliding and folding second-row seats.
The QX60 offers 14.5 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 41.6 cu-ft behind the second row, and 75.4 cu-ft with the second and third rows folded down.
Jeff Youngs
ProPilot Assist 2.1 and Google built-in Modernize the QX60's Tech
In addition to styling tweaks and the new Sport grade, the 2026 QX60 also receives a technology refresh with new advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In addition to the typical ADAS features buyers in this class have come to expect, several new ones are available.
For example, starting with the Luxe trim, the QX60 features an upgraded surround-view camera system with moving-object detection. It provides eight fixed camera views, including a wide front view and an Invisible Hood view that allows drivers to see "through" the engine bay to avoid low-lying obstacles. Additionally, the Autograph model's optional Technology package includes a "spin" function for the surround-view camera, enabling drivers to rotate the QX60 on its axis to see all around the SUV.
ProPilot Assist 2.1 is also new to the 2026 QX60, available with the Autograph Technology package. It adds hands-free driving capability on designated highways, and drivers must remain attentive or the system will disengage. I tested ProPilot Assist 2.1 on Interstate 40 in Nashville, and the QX60 maintained its lane position — even in curves — and successfully executed a lane change. I also purposely looked away for a short time to see if the driver-inattentiveness warning would activate. It did.
Jeff Youngs
While those items are notable, perhaps the most significant technological development for the 2026 QX60 is the all-new standard Google-based infotainment system. Displayed on a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, the Google built-in system includes Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is also part of the standard infotainment package.
In my testing, the Google-based tech efficiently and accurately handled various natural-language voice requests, including making phone calls, sending text messages, adjusting climate and seat heating/cooling settings, and cycling through various audio sources, including multiple music genres via the standard SiriusXM satellite radio.
Speaking of audio, the 2026 QX60 ups its game. While the previous nine-speaker system carries over for the Pure trim, the Luxe and Sport grades get a new 16-speaker, 600-watt Klipsch premium audio system as standard equipment. I extensively sampled the new system and was impressed with its ability to blend high frequencies from the titanium tweeters with deep bass from the 8-inch subwoofer.
For the ultimate in QX60 audio, the top Autograph trim adds four additional speakers, boosting the total to 20. Additionally, this version incorporates Individual Audio technology, which mutes certain audio elements for the driver. That allows them to better hear navigation directions, a phone conversation, or music without disturbing passengers.
Jeff Youngs
The QX60 Sport Represents Style Over Substance
Last year, the Infiniti QX60 adopted Nissan's variable-compression turbocharged (VC-Turbo) engine. In short, the VC-Turbo can automatically and continually adjust the pistons' stroke to effectively vary the engine's compression, thus maximizing performance or fuel economy, depending on the conditions.
In the QX60, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the QX60 Pure and Luxe, while the Sport and Autograph models have standard all-wheel drive (AWD); AWD is optional on the Pure and Luxe.
Jeff Youngs
While official 2026 fuel-economy estimates are unavailable as of publication, the EPA rated the mechanically identical 2025 Infiniti QX60 to get 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving, regardless of whether the SUV had FWD or AWD. During my evaluation, the 2026 QX60's trip computer showed 23.2 mpg.
Infiniti claims it made some updates to the engine's sound quality for 2026, but from my perspective, the 2026 QX60 drives exactly the same as the 2025 model. While the QX60 delivers a smooth ride, decent handling, and strong braking capability, acceleration is merely adequate. I also think there's too much delay with the automatic engine stop-start system when you release the brake pedal.
Additionally, it's too bad that Infiniti doesn't offer mechanical upgrades for the Sport trim to make it more engaging to drive. While standard AWD is a good start, adding more power and a stiffer suspension would significantly enhance its sportiness.
Jeff Youngs
Is the 2026 Infiniti QX60 a Good SUV?
If you're looking for a relatively affordable, spacious, comfortable, nicely equipped three-row crossover with a luxury badge, the 2026 Infiniti QX60 should serve you well. While it may not match some of its competitors — such as the Acura MDX, Mazda CX-90, and Volvo XC90 — in terms of style or driving dynamics, it delivers value and should prove easy to live with.
Jeff YoungsJeff has had a lifelong love affair with cars and driving. From his early days collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars to the present day as an automotive journalist, he loves all things automotive. He also has more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with J.D. Power in marketing and editorial management roles, five years with General Motors as a media-relations pro, and six years as a freelance automotive journalist. A muscle car, sport sedan, and convertible enthusiast, Jeff owns Blue Line Auto Media. His client list includes Capital One Auto Navigator, J.D. Power, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, iSeeCars, and Autolist. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and kids.
Related articles
View more related articles