2026 Infiniti QX60 First Drive: Still Competitive or Falling Behind?

The current-generation Infiniti QX60 debuted in 2021 with a bold redesign, refreshed trims, and an upscale interior that garnered plenty of attention. It quickly became Infiniti’s top-selling model—a clear success for the brand. Still, when compared to key rivals in the luxury three-row SUV segment, such as the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90, the 2026 Infiniti QX60 has some ground to cover. In 2024, Acura moved over 50,000 MDXs and Volvo sold more than 40,000 XC90s. Infiniti? It managed just under 28,000 QX60s.

The updated 2026 Infiniti QX60 isn’t likely to unseat the Acura MDX or Volvo XC90 at the top of the sales charts, but its latest round of updates helps keep it competitive. We spent a few hours behind the wheel of the new range-topping Autograph trim, and while the changes are subtle, they add meaningful appeal for shoppers considering a three-row luxury SUV. Think of it as a thoughtful refresh that enhances an already well-rounded package.

What’s Changed?

The Infiniti QX60 has always turned heads, and for 2026, it leans even harder into its stylish roots. Drawing inspiration from its flagship sibling, the newly redesigned QX80, the refreshed QX60 features a more expressive grille with tilted vertical slats—a design cue inspired by bamboo forests. The updated front fascia includes a larger Infiniti emblem and sharper detailing, while a rich new Deep Emerald paint color adds a layer of visual sophistication.

Inside, the updates are equally thoughtful. The quilted leather seats now feature stitching that mimics the folds of a kimono wrap, enhancing the QX60’s luxurious, Japanese-inspired aesthetic. And in the high-end Autograph trim, Infiniti has borrowed one of the QX80’s most distinctive features: laser-cut, open-pore wood with intricate metal inlays on the dashboard and front doors. It’s a premium touch that signals Infiniti’s growing confidence in design experimentation—and it works.

The 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph trim raises the bar with a newly available Klipsch premium audio system, featuring 20 strategically placed speakers—including a pair discreetly embedded in each front headrest. This clever setup, lifted from the flagship QX80, can route phone calls exclusively through the driver’s speakers for added privacy without interrupting the cabin’s ambiance.

Tech gets a meaningful upgrade, too. New for 2026, Google built-in brings native access to apps like Google Maps and the Play Store, eliminating the need to tether your phone. Prefer your own device? Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard across the lineup. Inside, a pair of crisp 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for infotainment—give the cabin a clean, contemporary feel.

Behind the Wheel

Under the hood, every 2026 Infiniti QX60 is powered by a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 3.5-liter V6 last year and also powers the smaller QX50. While it hasn’t been without criticism, one welcome change for 2026 is the switch from a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to a traditional nine-speed automatic.

On the road, the 2.0-liter feels generally well-suited to the refreshed QX60, delivering adequate power for everyday driving. However, it tends to hesitate under aggressive throttle inputs—such as when merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles. The transmission isn’t always quick to respond either; during quick downshifts, especially at speeds around 45–50 mph, there’s noticeable lag. At lower speeds, the powertrain feels more responsive, but there’s still room for improvement in delivering power promptly when you need it most.

While the 2.0-liter engine delivers adequate power for everyday driving, its variable-compression setup takes a measured approach to launching the QX60. In our testing of a 2025 model with the same powertrain, the SUV required 7.9 seconds to hit 60 mph and completed the quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds at 89.2 mph. That’s noticeably slower than the Acura MDX’s base engine, which accelerated to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds at 93.2 mph.

Once on the highway, however, the latest QX60 found its stride. The Autograph trim’s cabin remained impressively quiet, effectively keeping wind and road noise at bay, while the ride quality was smooth and composed. City driving proved more challenging—the Autograph’s suspension struggled to fully absorb the uneven pavement and potholes typical of Los Angeles streets, leading to a firmer, less forgiving ride.

New for 2026, Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist 2.1 introduces hands-free adaptive cruise control to the QX60. We tested it on L.A.’s freeways, and the system performed reliably, allowing us to keep our hands off the wheel in appropriate conditions. Automatic lane changes are supported as well, though drivers must keep their hands on the wheel during these maneuvers—no surprises there, and the QX60 handled this task smoothly. Clear in-dash graphics indicate when to hold the wheel versus when it’s safe to relax, while a camera atop the steering column monitors driver engagement to ensure alertness.

The Space Inside

While we only had the chance to drive the top-tier 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph trim, it’s encouraging to see that all models now benefit from the upgraded infotainment system. The QX60 impresses with spacious and comfortable first and second rows, providing plenty of room for passengers up front and in the middle seats. However, the Autograph we tested featured second-row captain’s chairs separated by a fixed center console—a design we found a bit bulky and restrictive, making us lean toward the standard bench option for more open space between seats.

Accessing the third row is straightforward: a button on the side of the captain’s chairs slides and reclines the seat forward, creating a decent opening for entry. Once inside, the third row feels a bit snug—typical for midsize three-row SUVs. We were a bit disappointed by the use of hard plastics in this area, which felt noticeably less premium compared to the rest of the cabin. On the plus side, third-row passengers enjoy their own air vents, though there’s only a single USB port available, which could prove insufficient for multiple devices.

Getting Better

The 2026 Infiniti QX60 updates may be subtle, but they come together nicely to keep the SUV fresh and competitive. While Infiniti hasn’t revealed official pricing yet, we anticipate it will remain close to the current starting point of $51,550. Although tariffs on steel and aluminum could potentially push prices higher, the QX60’s domestic assembly in Smyrna, Tennessee, and engine production in Decherd, Tennessee, should help shield it from most of those additional costs.

Look for the 2026 Infiniti QX60 to arrive at dealerships later this summer.

2026 Infiniti QX60 Specifications