2027 INFINITI QX65 Consumer Reviews

QX65 first test drive day one -- disappointing

First Impressions & DesignI recently test-drove the new Infiniti QX55 Autograph AWD on the day it arrived at my local dealership. Visually, the vehicle maintains the sleek, sporty silhouette characteristic of its predecessor, delivering the strong curb appeal expected in this segment. The semi-luxury interior is well-appointed, and Infiniti has introduced some appealing new color options, including Moonbow Blue and a vibrant, sporty red. However, the interior color palette remains restrictive, as specific cabin options are strictly tied to particular exterior paint choices. On the road, the suspension tuning leans heavily toward a traditional sports car. It is exceptionally firm; buyers seeking the plush, isolated ride quality typical of other mid-sized luxury SUVs will likely be disappointed. While marketing materials highlight the variable-compression turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower, real-world performance falls short. Initial acceleration feels sluggish—inheriting the same lag found in the previous generation—and the engine produces a noticeable, unrefined drone under load before the vehicle gains meaningful momentum. The updated infotainment system represents a step backward in ergonomics. The new single-glass display is smaller than the outgoing model's dual-screen setup, which efficiently separated the navigation map from lower vehicle controls. While the new system offers better integration with the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, the overall display real estate is disappointing for this price point. Competitors in the mid-size luxury market, such as the Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige, offer far superior, widescreen digital displays that look significantly more modern. Ultimately, many buyers will choose the QX55 based strictly on its striking aesthetics and stunning wheel designs, overlooking its mechanical and technological limitations. However, at a price point exceeding $65,000, a vehicle must deliver more than just visual appeal. Given these shortcomings, I am bypassing the current model to wait for the rumored V6 engine variant, which may arrive as early as the 2028 model year. Hopefully, that refresh will also bring the interior technology up to par with the competition.