Detroit, Michigan—While some car companies are expanding their horizons with increasingly broad lineups, others like Infiniti must scale back their ambitions and the number of vehicles they offer.
After 2025, the Japanese luxury brand will rely solely on a duo consisting of the full-size QX80 and the midsize QX60, the latter being essentially a dressed-up version of the Nissan Pathfinder. The compact QX50 and QX55 are bowing out following careers that were less successful than expected. Tariff-related issues also factor into the equation, as both SUVs are assembled in Mexico, which jeopardizes their access to the U.S. market.
We also know that Infiniti is working on a fastback-style QX65 based on the same platform as the QX60 and due to arrive in 2026. This sleeker crossover, which does away with the third-row seats, will become the new entry point to the brand.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
In the meantime, Infiniti Canada invited members of the automotive press to a private event at the Nissan Technical Center of North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. During our visit, we also spotted a camouflaged prototype of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 with both ends of the vehicle kept under wraps.
Art in Motion
This is precisely where the most visible changes are—at the front and rear—although one might debate the actual extent of the redesign. It’s the little details that make a difference, bringing the QX60 in line with the more upscale QX80 that debuted just a few months ago.
At the front, the refreshed QX60 features a “reimagined design” that embodies the brand’s “Art in Motion” styling philosophy. The design team’s goal was mainly to make the QX60 appear lower and wider. The prominent grille now features a mesh pattern inspired by a bamboo forest, and at its centre, the illuminated Infiniti badge lights up at night on all trims. The logo itself is now three-dimensional and evokes a horizon that stretches into infinity.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
The lower portion of the front bumper is newly designed, as well, creating the illusion that the grille is floating. Sharp-eyed observers may notice that the daytime running lights have been split into smaller elements, a nod to the QX80’s “digital piano key” design.
As part of this mid-cycle refresh, the silhouette of the QX60—introduced for 2022—remains unchanged. However, the side skirts feature new visual cues meant to give the vehicle a longer, more horizontal stance.
At the rear, the black plastic section of the bumper sits lower for 2026, allowing more painted surface area. On the right side of the tailgate, designers emulated the “4WD” badge seen on the QX80. But since the QX60 is not a body-on-frame SUV and instead uses unibody construction, it gets an “AWD” badge with an “A” that closely resembles the “4” on the QX80.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
Five QX60 Models
Infiniti regulars won’t be surprised by the selection of QX60 models for 2026. It starts with the base Pure trim, followed by Luxe. A new Sport trim replaces the former Black Edition. The familiar Sensory and Autograph models return at the top of the lineup.
The Autograph trim now features a dark grey finish—topped with a tinted clear coat—on the machined surfaces of the 20-inch wheels, the metallic rocker panels and the window surrounds. For added flair, the model also sports an “Autograph” signature on the lower section of the rear quarter window.
There are nine exterior colour options available including new Emerald Green. Furthermore, the QX60 Autograph receives a two-tone treatment with an Obsidian Black roof. Infiniti also offers a graphite-coloured roof to go along with the Mineral Black body. All models now ride on 20-inch wheels since the old 18-inch alloys are gone.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
Black or Sport?
For 2025, the mid-grade QX60 trim is called Black Edition, but next year this dark, aggressive-looking model will adopt the “Sport” moniker. Many exterior elements are finished in glossy black. The five-spoke wheels are unique to the QX60 Sport, which also includes an “S” badge on the liftgate and a sporty front splitter. The splitter looks great but raises questions about its purpose. You see, the Sport model is “sporty” in name only. Owners will need to be extra cautious over speed bumps and uneven roads.
The QX60 Sport further distinguishes itself with a new Twilight Blue interior theme. However, unlike its U.S. counterpart available with a six-seat configuration, the Canadian-spec model will be strictly a seven-seater.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
From Six to Four
As far as the powertrain is concerned, the current-generation QX60 debuted with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, then replaced it with a variable-compression, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine a.k.a. VC-Turbo for 2025. It’s the same engine found in the QX50/QX55, producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. That’s 27 hp less and 16 lb-ft more than what the old V6 delivered.
The nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system remain unchanged. Even with two fewer cylinders, the 2026 QX60 can still tow up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
More Tech Inside
Given its premium status, the QX60 can’t afford to offer just the basics. In order to attract luxury-minded buyers, it needs to deliver on technology. While it won’t revolutionize the segment, the 2026 QX60 introduces a few upgrades, starting with Google built-in (Google Maps, Google Assistant and more via Google Play). The Autograph trim also adds ProPilot Assist 2.1, which enables semi-autonomous driving on select highways.
Other additions include a new 3D Around View Monitor with moving object detection and panoramic views, making parking easier. There’s also an “invisible hood” view to help detect ground-level obstacles.
The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a similarly sized touchscreen. As with the QX80, the Klipsch premium audio system—offering up to 20 speakers on Sensory and Autograph models—stands out with its Individual Audio feature that isolates the driver from other passengers during phone calls. Headrest-mounted speakers not only enhance sound quality but also allow for selective audio playback, such as navigation prompts, music or calls.
Photo: Vincent Aubé
On Sale This Summer
We’ll know more once the first 2026 Infiniti QX60 models arrive at dealerships this summer. Pricing details will be revealed closer to the Canadian launch date. It’s worth noting that the QX60 is built in the U.S. and will face Canadian countertariffs unless a new deal is made between the two countries. Given the ongoing trade war that’s proving costly for Nissan, concerns over the long-term future of its luxury brand are bigger than ever.