2028 Infiniti QX65

2028 Infiniti QX65 Expert Review

By Bob Hernandez

Infiniti’s sleek two-row luxury SUV enters its second model year as a style-focused alternative to the more practical QX60. The 2028 QX65 revives the spirit of the original FX with coupelike proportions, but its expected V-6 option may be what finally helps its performance better meet the expectation of its segment.

Luxury fastback SUV rivals include the Genesis GV80 Coupe, BMW X6, and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

What’s New

The QX65 is expected to gain an available V-6 engine for 2028, just one year after the fastback SUV’s debut. Reports point to a 3.5-liter V-6 producing around 300 hp, a meaningful increase over the launch model’s 268-hp turbo four-cylinder.

Perhaps just as important, a QX65 V-6 could give the Infiniti a much-needed boost of everyday refinement.

What We Think

This could be a big year for the QX65, which looks sportier than it drives. As a stylish, comfortable luxury SUV, the pre-2028 QX65 has some refinement issues that a new engine and transmission could help. As it is, the fastback SUV’s turbo-four engine doesn’t perform at the level we expect of a luxury car, and doesn’t sound good, either.

That’s why a potential new engine could be a big deal. Already, the QX65 has a roomy two-row cabin and approachable pricing.

The QX65 feels more like a relaxed cruiser than a performance SUV. Steering is slow and numb, body roll is noticeable, and the 268-hp turbo four-cylinder struggles to move nearly 4,700 pounds with much urgency. The artificial engine sound does little to make the experience feel more authentic.

The QX65 is at its best when treated as a more fashionable, two-row alternative to the QX60. It offers a spacious cargo hold, comfortable seats, intuitive screens and climate controls, and an impressively tight turning radius, though some cabin materials feel disappointing at this price.

Lower and midlevel trims are likely to make the strongest value case, particularly compared with a heavily optioned Autograph.

Top-Ranked Competitors:

• Genesis GV80 Coupe​
• BMW X6​
• Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe​

MotorTrend Tested

The QX65’s standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 268 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque, with AWD included on every model. In MotorTrend testing, that combination propelled the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, surprisingly slower than the mechanically related QX60 AWD and well off the pace of most coupelike luxury SUVs.

A reported V-6 option could make the 2028 QX65 feel considerably more competitive. Current versions of its most direct rivals—including the Genesis GV80 Coupe, BMW X6, and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe—start with six-cylinder engines and the latter two offer V-8s higher in their lineups.

Even if the Infiniti’s expected V-6 doesn’t match their output, it should provide stronger acceleration and a powertrain character better suited to the QX65’s upscale positioning and sporty styling.

MPGs and Range

The four-cylinder QX65 is EPA-rated at 20/26 mpg city/highway, figures we expect to carry over for 2028. With its 18.5-gallon fuel tank, that works out to an estimated driving range of about 407 miles. Premium gasoline is required.

Despite sharing its engine and transmission with the QX60, the QX65 is less efficient. An AWD QX60 returns 21/27 mpg, giving it roughly 37 additional miles of theoretical range from the same-sized tank.

Even so, the Infiniti’s economy is competitive with six-cylinder coupe-style luxury SUVs. The QX65’s expected V-6 could narrow or erase its efficiency advantage, but official estimates have not been released.

Safety Features

Standard driver assists include:

• Emergency automatic braking
• Forward collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic monitoring
• Blind-spot monitoring with intervention system
• Lane keeping
• Driver focus monitoring
• Hill Start Assist
• ProPilot Assist

Cargo Space and Interior Room

Space is a QX65 strong point relative to direct rivals. It offers more front legroom and cargo space than the Genesis GV80 Coupe and BMW X6.

Technology

Infotainment

Every 2028 QX65 is expected to retain a pair of 12.3-inch screens, with one serving as the driver information display and the other handling infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should remain standard, along with a wireless phone charger and multiple USB-C ports.

Sound System

Audio equipment should continue to improve as buyers move up the 2028 QX65 lineup. Luxe models are expected to include an 11-speaker setup, while Sport and Autograph trims should receive 16- and 20-speaker Klipsch systems, respectively.

Available Upgrades

Moving above the base trim unlocks features such as massaging and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. Premium styling upgrades include quilted and perforated seating upholstery and 21-inch wheels on a wider tire.

Value

Standard Features

The base Luxe should continue to offer a generous list of standard equipment, including AWD, heated front seats and steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone connectivity, and ProPilot Assist.

That feature content could make the QX65 an appealing lower-cost alternative to six-cylinder coupe-style luxury SUVs. Much will depend on whether Infiniti keeps the base price close to the outgoing model’s rather than charging a substantial premium for the expected V-6.

Recommended Trim

We’d choose the QX65 Sport, assuming the 2027 trim structure carries over. It adds ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, a 16-speaker Klipsch audio setup, and distinctive exterior details without the Autograph’s substantial price jump.

Should Infiniti offer the expected V-6 across multiple trims, the Sport with that engine would be our preferred configuration. The Autograph’s massaging seats, upgraded leather, head-up display, and 20-speaker audio system are appealing, but its pricing pushes the QX65 uncomfortably close to stronger-performing German alternatives.

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