2026 Infiniti QX60 Review
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 marks a new chapter for the luxury SUV with updates under the hood, exterior refinements, and interior enhancements. This review provides a detailed technical analysis, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and why this SUV remains a statement vehicle despite some concerns.
Engine and Mechanical Overview
For the 2025 model year, Infiniti replaced the traditional V6 engine with a KR20D VC Turbo four-cylinder engine. This engine is a bold engineering choice, featuring variable compression technology, dual fuel injection, and modern timing systems.
Key Technical Details:
Mechanical Construction:
Two-piece cylinder head
Plastic valve cover
Timing chain with internal hydraulic tensioners
Variable Valve Timing:
Intake: electronic
Exhaust: hydraulic
Variable Compression Mechanism:
Two compression modes (high and low)
Non-serviceable engine block (any major repair requires full replacement)
Cooling System:
Belt-driven mechanical water pump
Coolant distribution valve for targeted cooling
Turbocharging:
Single turbo with oil and coolant cooling
Air-to-air intercooler in the front
Electronic wastegate
Fuel Injection:
Dual system: port injection + direct injection
Pros on Paper:
Innovative engineering with variable compression
Efficient power delivery under load
Real-World Concerns:
Excessive vibration at low RPM, even with a massive electronically controlled engine mount
Engine feels always strained and loud, diminishing the luxury experience
Half of the engine is non-serviceable, increasing maintenance costs
Transmission:
9-speed automatic transmission (9G design from Mercedes, produced by Jatco)
Smooth shifts but first gear occasionally feels rough, which is typical for this design
Bottom Line:
While technically impressive, the engine’s vibrations, noise, and complexity reduce overall refinement. The luxury SUV feel is compromised compared to the smooth V6 it replaced.
Underbody and Suspension
The QX60’s underbody combines robust design with thoughtful engineering.
Front Suspension and Brakes:
Aluminum knuckle
Aluminum lower control arm with integrated ball joint
McPherson strut
Two-piston front calipers
Rear Suspension and Brakes:
Steel lower control arms, single aluminum upper control arm
Single piston caliper with integrated parking brake
Large rear sway bar
Drivetrain:
Standard all-wheel-drive system
Center support bearing and small differential for light-duty off-road performance
Notable Observations:
Exhaust system is well-finished, though insulation could trap water and cause corrosion
Heater hoses and AC lines run underneath the car, which could pose maintenance risks
Trailer hitch is well-integrated with a clean design
Exterior Design
The 2026 QX60 presents a slightly refreshed look, influenced by the larger QX80.
Front:
3D Infiniti logo
High hood line for a stately profile
Aggressive, “angry” headlights
Side:
Clean, symmetrical doors without excessive curves
Slight pre-production prototype imperfections on lower plastic trims
Rear:
Understated but elegant tail lights
Power dual-motor tailgate
Trailer hitch integration is well-thought-out
Two shark fin antennas, though opinions on this design vary
Overall Impression:
The facelift gives the QX60 a modern, premium stance without overdoing the design. Small details like logo emphasis and side trims enhance the luxury feel.
Interior and Cabin Experience
The QX60’s cabin combines traditional luxury with modern touches.
Front Cabin:
High-quality leather with detailed stitching
Wood trim that complements the overall design
Standard-size infotainment screen with capacitive touch controls
Mechanical lock on shifter for reverse
Digital instrument cluster with Infiniti branding
Second Row:
Generous legroom for adults
Optional fixed console may restrict access to the third row
Rear USB-C ports and dedicated climate zone
Third Row:
Two-seat configuration
Limited comfort for adults
Manual folding seats with power to rise, which feels inconsistent
Plastic inserts detract from overall interior quality
Sound and Comfort:
Clips sound system with headrest speakers
Interior well-finished but engine noise intrudes heavily at idle, reducing the luxury feel
Strengths:
Premium materials and classic luxury design
Thoughtful details like normal vents that do not interrupt interior lines
Driver monitoring system is non-intrusive and effective
Weaknesses:
Engine vibrations and noise undermine interior refinement
Third row seating design and functionality are inconsistent
Infotainment screen appears disconnected from overall interior styling
Cargo and Storage
Large storage area behind the third row
Space comparable to larger SUVs like the QX80
Convenient power close and lock buttons for the tailgate
Thoughtful integration of cargo area design with luxury finishes
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Elegant exterior with refined facelift design
Premium interior with high-quality leather and wood trim
Innovative engineering under the hood
Well-integrated trailer hitch and thoughtful cargo features
Cons:
KR20D VC Turbo engine vibrates and intrudes on cabin comfort
Third row functionality is inconsistent and partially manual
Infotainment screen and some interior elements feel disconnected
Non-serviceable engine block increases long-term maintenance concerns
Conclusion
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is visually appealing, with a luxurious interior and thoughtful exterior updates. The KR20D VC Turbo engine demonstrates Infiniti’s engineering capabilities but compromises smoothness, vibration control, and overall luxury feel. For a $72,000 luxury SUV, the engine is a significant drawback. Other aspects, like suspension, cabin quality, and storage, are well-executed, making the QX60 a strong statement vehicle, but the engine choice is hard to justify.
Final Verdict:
The QX60 impresses in design and materials but underwhelms in refinement due to the new turbo-four engine. A return to a smooth V6 would significantly elevate this SUV to true luxury status.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Infiniti QX60
What engine does the 2026 Infiniti QX60 have?
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 features a KR20D VC Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine replaces the previous V6 and has variable compression technology with dual fuel injection (port and direct). It produces strong power but tends to vibrate significantly at idle.
How is the engine mounted in the QX60?
The engine uses a large electronically controlled engine mount to reduce vibration. Even with this mount, the VC turbo engine vibrates noticeably, especially at low RPMs, which can affect the feeling of luxury inside the car.
What type of transmission does the 2026 Infiniti QX60 use?
It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is derived from Mercedes' 9G design and built by Jatco. It shifts smoothly, although first gear can feel slightly rough during engagement.
How is the interior of the QX60?
The interior is luxurious with high-quality leather, elegant stitching, and well-finished wood trims. The driver and passenger areas feature thoughtful design, including normal air vents and a clear driver monitor system. However, the infotainment screen feels slightly out of place compared to the rest of the cabin.
Does the 2026 QX60 have a third-row seat?
Yes, it has a two-seat third row. The seats are power-operated to rise but require manual operation to fold down, which feels inconvenient. Knee room is limited, making it more suitable for children than adults.
What are the cargo and storage options in the QX60?
The QX60 offers a large cargo area behind the third row, comparable to larger SUVs like the QX80. It features standard buttons to close and lock the power back door, USB-C ports, and a small compartment under the rear seats for additional storage.
How does the QX60 drive with this engine?
While the engine produces ample power, it is loud and vibrates, especially at idle. This detracts from the luxury experience, making the cabin feel less refined despite the high-quality interior materials.
Are there any notable exterior changes for 2026?
The 2026 QX60 features a mild facelift with design cues inspired by the QX80, including a 3D Infiniti logo, high hood line for better visibility, and subtle styling enhancements to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
What is the price of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph trim?
The Autograph trim of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 is priced at approximately $72,600 in the US. It competes with other luxury SUVs but the engine choice may be a concern at this price point.
