It sometimes feels like new SUVs are trying to be mini buses. Yet, for those who remember the disruptive spirit of the original Infiniti FX, a “bus” was never the goal—style and presence were. With the world debut of the 2027 Infiniti QX65, the automaker is returning to those roots, offering a midsize crossover that prioritizes a dramatic silhouette and personal luxury over a crowded third row.
The all-new QX65 serves as a passionate, sporty fastback that injects fresh energy into the segment. The QX65 will arrive this summer with a starting MSRP of $53,990, slightly above the national average for a new vehicle in the United States.
Artistry in Motion design language
Sunfire Red paint pays tribute to Godzilla
The 2027 QX65 showcases the next evolution of Infiniti’s Artistry in Motion design language, featuring styling cues similar to those of other Infiniti SUVs, such as the QX60 and QX80.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic FX, the QX65 has an arching roofline and a wide, sporty stance for what Infiniti has dubbed “unapologetic curb appeal.” The front end is accented by a three-dimensional grille inspired by Japan’s bamboo forests, complemented by digital piano-key lighting and a unique welcome sequence that greets you as you unlock the doors.
Perhaps the most conversation-starting exterior feature is the new Sunfire Red paint. This vibrant finish features genuine gold-coated glass flecks that shimmer in the light. It’s a silent nod to the Nissan GT-R, signaling that the QX65 was built with car enthusiasts in mind.
No third row (and that’s okay)
Ambient lighting inspired by Japanese seasons
Inside, the QX65 follows the Infiniti concept of elevated hospitality and everyday functionality. Because there is no third row taking up floor space, the cargo area will be among the most spacious in its segment, with 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 67.7 cubic feet when its folded.
The second row is particularly flexible, with seats that slide, recline, and fold, allowing passengers to prioritize legroom or luggage as needed. The available 64-color ambient lighting includes four separate color themes inspired by the Japanese seasons.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and four USB-C ports (two front, two rear) are standard, along with a wireless charging pad that adopts the updated Qi2 specification. The new Qi2 standard uses magnets to ensure optimal phone alignment and a fan to reduce heat during operation, enabling more consistent charging at a peak speed of 15 watts.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0-L Turbo Inline 4
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
Choosing your persona
Sport vs. Autograph
Infiniti has created two distinct personalities for the QX65 beyond the entry-level Luxe trim, allowing buyers to choose between dynamic athleticism or high-end craftsmanship, depending on their tastes. Parking either one will be easier with the 3D Around View Monitor, which includes Front Wide View and Invisible Hood.
Front Wide View uses the onboard camera tech to produce, as the name suggests, a wider field of view around the front and sides of the QX65. Invisible Hood uses the same technology to recreate an image underneath the chassis. Once projected onto the infotainment screen, it will appear as if drivers are looking right through the hood.
QX65 Sport
For those who want their SUV to look as fast as it feels, the Sport grade delivers an abundance of visual attitude. The front grille is swapped for a more aggressive mesh that is meant to resemble a bamboo forest in a windstorm. Nearly every exterior detail, from the roof rails and door trim to the badging, is finished in gloss-black.
Sport models feature 20-inch gloss-black wheels with a five-spoke, layered turbine design and concealed lug nuts. Inside, the shadow-style theme is consistent, with a graphite headliner and gloss-black carbonite trim pieces.
QX65 Autograph
The Sport may be the athlete of the QX65 family, but the Autograph is the flagship, replacing the more aggressive and dynamic tones with a sense of traditional luxury.
From the outside, Autograph models are characterized by their 21-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, satin chrome window trim, and a black-painted roof that creates a sharp contrast against the vehicle’s muscular haunches.
The interior of the Autograph is where Infiniti’s attention to detail really shines. Key features include:
- Semi-aniline leather seats: Asymmetrical diagonal quilting pattern inspired by the layered folds of a kimono, a tribute to Japanese culture. Engineers who worked on the 2026 QX60 before its launch said the kimono stitching, which is now carried over to the 2027 QX65, was one of their favorite features.
- Massaging front seats: Provide additional comfort on long drives.
- Refined touches: Open-pore wood accents, quilted dashboard, aluminum cargo scuff plates, illuminated front and rear kick plates, and other soft leather touchpoints.
Why a $30K Infiniti QX60 is a smarter buy than most luxury rivals
The 2022 through 2025 model years are a good buy.
Next-level audio technology
New personalized sound app
As it did with the QX60 and QX80, Infiniti has partnered again with Klipsch to bring a concert-hall experience to the QX65’s cabin.
The Sport features a 16-speaker Klipsch Premium system with 600 watts of power, complete with one-inch titanium dome tweeters and an eight-inch TriPower subwoofer. Autograph models have the mighty Reference Premiere system with 1,200 watts of power, 20 speakers, and the Individual Audio mode. The feature sends everything to the driver’s headrest, including music, phone calls, and navigation prompts, so as not to disturb other passengers.
One of the coolest features of the Klipsch audio system is the Personalized Sound app. Available for download through the in-vehicle Google Play Store, the app guides owners through a hearing test by playing tones of varying loudness and pitch. Based on the responses given, the program creates a custom listening experience tailored to that individual’s hearing profile.
- What’s Included
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M12 impact driver, hammer drill, 3/8-inch ratchet, charger, two batteries
- Warranty
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5-year warranty on tools, up to 3-year warranty on batteries.
- Cordless?
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Yes
If you’re looking for a great DIY starter kit from Milwaukee, this M12 3-tool combo kit is it. With an impact driver, hammer drill, and 3/8-inch ratchet, along with a 4Ah and 2Ah battery, this kit is a great starting point for projects both at home and on your vehicle.
More off-the-line performance
VC-Turbo alters its compression ratio
The heart of the 2027 QX65 is the Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, which produces 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft. of torque. The VC-Turbo is paired with a nine-speed automatic tuned for more direct off-the-line performance.
What makes the VC-Turbo unique is its on-the-fly compression ratio adjustment for the best possible power delivery and fuel economy. The design comprises a multi-link system that raises or lowers the pistons in real time in response to the driver’s inputs.
When properly equipped, the 2027 QX65 offers a max towing capacity of 6,000 lbs.
For those who loved the FX . . .
By returning to the disruptive fastback styling that originally put the brand on the map, Infiniti has created a vehicle that stands out in a crowded segment. The 2027 QX65 offers an ideal sweet spot for the buyer who wants the tech and performance of a modern luxury SUV but refuses to drive a box. For those who loved the FX, the choice for their next vehicle might already be obvious.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
