2027 Infiniti QX65 First Drive Is It Worth Buying

2027 infiniti qx65 first drive

Image credit: Infiniti

The 2027 Infiniti QX65 first drive review and impressions start with one clear takeaway: this isn’t just another compact luxury crossover trying to blend in. It’s styled to stand out. And once you get behind the wheel, you realize the focus isn’t speed or aggression—it’s refinement done right.

Here’s the thing. Entry-level luxury SUVs often feel like a compromise. You either get the badge or the experience. The QX65 tries to give you both.

The Design

Walk up to it, and the fastback silhouette immediately sets it apart. It’s not bulky like a three-row, and it’s definitely not trying to look like a traditional SUV. In this 2027 Infiniti QX65 first drive review and impressions, the design feels intentional. Clean lines. Coupe-inspired roofline. A stance that gives it road presence without overdoing it.

Better yet, it fits right into evolving luxury car interior trends and exterior styling shifts—where bold shapes meet subtle detailing. Compared to something like the QX65 vs QX50 discussion, the QX65 clearly leans more toward style than utility. And that’s exactly the point.

The Performance

Let’s talk about what happens when you press the pedal. Under the hood sits the Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine. It’s one of those rare setups that adapts based on how you drive. Push harder; it delivers. Cruise calmly; it relaxes.

You’re getting:

268 horsepower
286 lb-ft of torque

A refined 9-speed automatic transmission

The drive feels predictable. Smooth acceleration. No sudden jolts.

This 2027 Infiniti QX65 first drive review and impressions confirms it’s not built for track days. It’s built for everyday confidence—especially highway driving.

Fuel economy stays reasonable too, with QX65 fuel economy specs sitting around:

20 mpg city
26 mpg highway
22 mpg combined

Not class-leading. But acceptable for the segment.

The Interior

Step inside, and things start to make sense. This is here Infiniti leans heavily into comfort. The cabin feels layered. Materials feel intentional. Nothing feels rushed.

The highlight? Zero Gravity seats Infiniti is known for. Long drives feel easier. You don’t constantly shift around trying to get comfortable. In this 2027 Infiniti QX65 first drive review and impressions, the interior doesn’t try to impress with gimmicks. It focuses on how everything feels.

That includes:

Soft-touch surfaces across key areas
Clean dashboard layout
Thoughtful stitching and finishes

It’s not loud luxury. It’s calm, controlled, and comfortable.

The Tech

Tech can sometimes feel like overload. Not here. The Infiniti InTouch 2.0 system is simple enough to use without digging through menus. Dual 12.3-inch screens give you space without clutter.

And yes, Wireless Apple CarPlay 2027 is standard. That matters more than it sounds.

ProPILOT Assist 3.0 also stands out. It handles highway driving tasks smoothly. Steering, braking, lane control—it all works quietly in the background. In this 2027 Infiniti QX65 first drive review and impressions, the tech doesn’t distract. It supports.

Key specs snapshot

If you’re comparing options, here’s a quick look:

Key Specs:

Engine: 2.0L VC-Turbo
Power: 268 hp / 286 lb-ft
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drivetrain: AWD standard
Towing: Up to 6,000 lbs
Infotainment: Infiniti InTouch 2.0
Driver Assist: ProPILOT Assist 3.0

infiniti qx65 review 2026

Image credit: Infiniti

Where it stands against rivals

Let’s be honest—this segment is crowded.

In a 2027 Infiniti QX65 vs Lexus NX comparison, the Lexus offers hybrid efficiency and brand reliability. But the Infiniti counters with stronger presence and better towing capability.

Against other compact luxury crossovers, the QX65 lands somewhere in between. Not the sportiest. Not the most efficient. But one of the most balanced. That’s why it fits well within the best luxury SUVs under $50k conversation.

Pros and cons at a glance

Pros:

Strong design with coupe-style appeal
Comfortable, well-built interior
Smooth and predictable performance
Solid towing capability for its class

Cons:

Fuel economy could be better
Not as sporty as some rivals
No hybrid option yet
Final take

After spending time with it, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 first drive review and impressions point to something clear—it’s a thoughtful entry into the entry-level luxury SUVs space. It doesn’t try to dominate in one area. Instead, it delivers a balanced experience that works for everyday driving. If you’re looking for something that feels premium without being overwhelming, the QX65 makes a strong case for itself.