2026 Infiniti QX60 First Drive: Keeping It Fresh?

Motor Trend

a day ago

The current-generation Infiniti QX60 hit the scene in 2021 with a fresh new look, revamped trims, and an interior that turned more than a few heads. It's been a solid win for Infiniti, quickly becoming the brand's bestselling model. But when you stack it up against other heavy-hitters in the luxury three-row SUV game—like the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90—the QX60 still has some catching up to do. Indeed, Acura in 2024 sold more than 50,000 MDXs and Volvo more than 40,000 XC90s. Infiniti? Just shy of 28,000 QX60s.
The updated 2026 Infiniti QX60 probably won't dethrone the MDX or XC90 in the sales race, but the latest upgrades keep it fresh. We spent a couple of hours behind the wheel of the new 2026 QX60 Autograph model, and while the changes are subtle, they're meaningful for people eyeing this three-row luxury SUV. Think of it as a light refresh that polishes up what was already a solid package. What's Changed?
The Infiniti QX60 has always been a looker, and that's no accident. For 2026, the QX60 borrows a few stylish cues from its big sibling, the newly redesigned QX80. The grille now features tilted vertical slats inspired by bamboo forests, and the quilted leather seats are stitched in a pattern that echoes a kimono wrap. There's a larger Infiniti logo up front, a redesigned front fascia, and a striking new paint color called Deep Emerald that elevates an already outstanding design. And in the top-tier Autograph trim, you'll find laser-cut, open-pore wood with metal inlays on the dash and front doors—straight from the QX80. This is a thoughtful detail that demonstrates Infiniti is willing to experiment with materials in a way that feels fresh and upscale.
The QX60 Autograph trim steps up its game with a brand-new Klipsch premium audio system, packing 20 speakers throughout the cabin—including a pair tucked into each of the front headrests. It's a trick borrowed from the QX80, and the setup can reroute phone calls through the driver's speakers only, giving you a little extra privacy without muting the whole car.
Also new for 2026 is the addition of Google built-in, giving the infotainment system native access to apps like Google Maps and the Play Store with no phone required. Of course, if you prefer your own device, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup. You'll also find a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays—one serving as the gauge cluster and the other handling infotainment duties—bringing the cabin a modern touch. Behind the Wheel
Under the hood, every 2026 Infiniti QX60 is powered by a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbocharged inline-four, delivering 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. This engine made it into the QX60 last year after the company ditched the 3.5-liter V-6, and even though we've had our fair share of gripes with it (it also powers the smaller QX50), we're glad to see Infiniti swapping out the CVT transmission in favor of a traditional nine-speed automatic.
On the road, the 2.0-liter engine feels like a good match for the refreshed QX60. It provides enough punch, though it takes its time to react to deep throttle inputs like those used when merging onto a freeway or executing passing maneuvers. The transmission also doesn't always react quickly. We noticed some lag when asking for a quick downshift—especially when trying to merge into faster-moving traffic around 45–50 mph. The powertrain is a bit more responsive at lower speeds, but there's still room for improvement in how quickly it delivers the power when you need it most.
While output from the 2.0-liter engine is perfectly adequate for daily driving, the variable-compression setup takes its time to launch the QX60. In our testing of a 2025 QX60 with the same setup, the SUV needed 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph and completed the quarter mile in 16.2 seconds at 89.2 mph. That's a noticeable way behind the Acura MDX with the base engine, which hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 93.2 mph.
Once we hit highway speeds, though, the latest QX60 settled in nicely. The Autograph's cabin was quiet on the freeway, keeping wind and tire noise at bay, while the ride felt smooth and composed. But when we switched to driving on Los Angeles' city streets, which are known for their broken pavement and potholes, the dampers had trouble soaking up all the choppiness.
New for 2026, Infiniti's ProPilot Assist 2.1 brings hands-free adaptive cruise control to the QX60. We put it to the test on L.A.'s freeways, and it didn't have any issue letting us keep our hands off the wheel when we encountered driving conditions appropriate for such behavior. The system also supports automatic lane changes, but here you must keep your hands on the wheel. No surprises there, and the QX60 didn't struggle in this scenario. Meanwhile, in-dash graphics clearly indicate when you need to grip the wheel and when you can let go, while a camera perched atop the steering column keeps a watchful eye, making sure you stay alert and engaged.
Although we only got behind the wheel of the top-tier 2026 QX60 in Autograph trim, it's great to see all versions benefit from the new infotainment system. The QX60 is solid when it comes to roomy first and second rows, with plenty of space and comfort for passengers up front and in the middle row. That said, the Autograph version we drove featured captain's chairs and a fixed center console in the middle—an option we'd skip because it's bulky; and we prefer to have more space between the seats.
Getting in and out of the third row is straightforward: Just press a button on the side of the second-row captain's chairs, and the seat slides and reclines forward, opening decent space to climb aboard. Once you're back there, though, things do feel a bit cozy, though that's standard territory for midsize three-row SUVs. We were bummed to find hard plastics around the third row, which felt mundane compared to the rest of the cabin. On the bright side, third-row passengers get their own air vents, but there's only a single USB port to share, which might leave some charging needs unmet.
The 2026 Infiniti QX60's updates might be subtle, but they land well. Infiniti hasn't announced official pricing yet, but we don't expect much change from the existing $51,550 starting point. Sure, tariffs on steel and aluminum could nudge prices up a bit, but since the QX60 is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee—and its engine rolls out of Decherd, Tennessee—it should dodge most of those extra costs.
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this summer.