Key Points
- The QX60 gets a light refresh that brings it more in line with the larger QX80.
- The Sport trim is new for 2026, adding distinctive dark styling and personality without sacrificing comfort.
- The QX60 Sport’s upscale interior appointments and dark style are offset by modest power and the lack of an engine upgrade.
There’s an uphill battle for mid-size luxury SUV supremacy, and the revised Infiniti QX60 has its work cut out for it. Now, with an improved front fascia and a new Sport trim, the QX60 certainly looks the part. Every trim level, from the base Pure all the way up to the top-dog Autograph, is powered by a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The QX60 competes with other three-row SUVs like the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and the Audi Q7.
My 2026 QX60 Sport AWD tester’s base price was $61,700. Standard feature highlights included 20-inch gloss black wheels, a power panoramic moonroof, auto-folding and heated exterior mirrors, a power rear liftgate, 8-way power front seats with heat and ventilation, heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch interactive infotainment display, Google Built-in with navigation, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated second row Captain’s Chairs, rear sunshades, a removable second row center console, Dusk Blue leather upholstery, remote start, wireless device charger, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and Klipsch 16-speaker premium audio. Premium paint and splash guards added $1,255 as optional equipment. The total price came to $65,010 including a $1,350 destination fee.
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Exterior and Interior Styling – 9/10
Infiniti ditched the Sensory trim for 2026 and added the Sport, slotting in just below the top trim Autograph. The QX60 has also been tweaked to look a little more like the new QX80 flagship SUV. This light refresh includes a new grille, a new front bumper, and lighting elements. The Sport trim emphasizes a darker, more athletic aesthetic. With standard all-wheel drive, distinctive styling cues, and upgraded interior materials, it aims to deliver a more dynamic presence while maintaining the QX60’s reputation as a comfortable daily driver. The 2025 QX60 was already an attractive SUV, but the revisions give it a bolder presence.
The grille, with a new lattice mesh pattern, is slightly taller and more squared off, flanked by the same tapering headlights with segmented eyebrow DRLs. The lower bumper is now bisected by dark trim, and the outboard intakes are taller with the top edge tapering toward the inner portion of the headlight clusters. The two-tone black and grey look phenomenal, and the black wheels, wheel well trim, and the side mirrors complete the Sport’s sinister appearance.
The QX60 Sport’s cabin is one of the nicest in the segment, departing from the last-generation’s rather Nissan-esque interior. The dash, asymmetric center stack, and center console flow together, and the door armrest and controls have the same waterfall appearance. The dark blue perforated leather is gorgeous, and the material shows up on the armrests and dash, along with contrast stitching. Surfaces look premium, and the tech melds nicely into the dash without dominating the cabin.
It seems that most vehicles these days have adopted a linear look for the dash with integrated HVAC vents and parallel stitching. The result is an airy look that opens up the interior and reduces visual clutter. The physical controls in the QX60 also look premium, with the exception of the somewhat boring steering wheel buttons clad in matte black plastic. At least there’s very little piano black inside, with the exception of the climate control panel.
Technology and Infotainment – 9/10
Infiniti has significantly improved the QX60’s tech experience, making it one of the more user-friendly systems in the segment. Dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, delivering crisp graphics and intuitive menus. The vertical main menu on the left is very similar to Lexus’s current interface, and it makes navigating the touchscreen easy. Smartphone mirroring is quick and without drama. The system is not only attractive but responsive.
The long shift knob shifts quickly and takes up very little space. It’s intuitive and attractive. We have no problem with it, and it belongs in a vehicle like this rather than in sports cars lke the Nissan Z. There’s a simple drive mode switch, auto start/stop button, and the physical infotainment controls are located nearby, all easy to use while driving. The climate control panel, however, is less so. The haptic feedback responds only when you press the control icons hard. The temp knobs are great, but the touch panel leaves something to be desired. The resulting fingerprints and smudges betray the handsome look.
Infiniti’s driver-assistance suite is solid and expected at this price point. It comes with standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a 3D Around View Monitor for easier maneuvering in tight spots.
Space, Comfort, and Usability – 8.5/10
The QX60’s cabin is quite comfy in Sport guise. While it drops the third row bench seat for Captain’s Chairs, the second-row space and comfort are premium. There’s 37.7 inches of legroom, good enough for tall adults. Row three, however is only good for children or shorter adults for short trips with a mere 28 inches of legroom, less than the Acura MDX’s 29.1 inches. At least access to the third row is easy with a quick pull of the handle.
Cargo capacity starts at 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.6 with row two folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The power-folding mechanisms make reconfiguring the cabin quick and easy, and the cargo area is well shaped for large items. I was able to toss in sports gear, multiple bags of groceries, and school backpacks without issue. It’s not the biggest in its class, but it’s more than sufficient.
Driving Experience – 7/10
Under the hood, the QX60 Sport AWD uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The variable-compression engine prioritizes efficiency and smoothness over anything resembling impressive performance. Around town, acceleration is composed and quiet, aligning with the QX60’s luxury mission. However, when merging or passing at highway speeds, the powertrain can feel hesitant, and the transmission sometimes resists downshifting.
Sport mode sharpens throttle response and shift behavior, but it doesn’t transform the QX60 into a true performance SUV. Sport mode is also whiny even when you’re not mashing the gas. Most notably, there’s just not enough gumption or responsiveness to make it thrilling. At times, it feels underpowered and lackluster.
Where the QX60 shines is ride comfort and composure in a straight line. The suspension absorbs road imperfections well, and highway cruising is quiet and relaxed. It’s just not a carver with vague and light steering, noticeable body roll, and a bit of understeer when pushed. The Acura MDX and the BMW X5 are markedly better when it comes to delivering a rewarding driving experience.
Final Verdict – 8/10
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 Sport AWD looks incredible inside and out. It’s also posh and comfortable. The tech, standard feature set, and premium appointments are commensurate with the price. It’s when you push it on the road that the weaknesses rise to the surface. The new Sport trim adds visual edge, even if it stops quite short of performance territory. For buyers who want a stylish, comfortable, and tech-forward luxury SUV that pleases the masses, the QX60 Sport AWD is more than solid. Driving enthusiasts should look elsewhere.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog