Nissan may be in dire straits, but it’s not giving up on its luxury brand. Several new or updated Infiniti models are coming, and the 2026 QX60 leads the pack. However, the company must be strapped for cash, as the mid-cycle update isn’t as comprehensive as most facelifts in this segment. For the new model year, the lineup expands to include a Sport trim, though it’s essentially a cosmetic package.
The Sport trim isn’t bringing back the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 that powered the QX60 through the 2024 model year. Infiniti is sticking with the turbocharged variable-compression four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter unit, still with 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. It’s down by 27 hp but up 16 lb-ft compared to the larger engine. Reliability may be a concern compared to the old powertrain. A nine-speed automatic transmission carries over, sending power to both axles in the QX60 Sport, though lesser trims still offer front-wheel drive.
Photo by: Infiniti
To help the Sport stand out, Infiniti gives it a sharper-looking grille and black body accents. Unique 20-inch wheels and a subtle “S” badge on the tailgate are also exclusive to this trim. Exciting stuff, I know. Curiously, the rear Infiniti badge below the wiper has been deleted, not just on the Sport, but also on the high-end Autograph trim, which now features an updated grille.
Infiniti claims the larger QX80 inspires these mild styling tweaks for its BMW X5 rival. Updates include an illuminated front badge, extra LED segments in the daytime running lights, and red reflectors repositioned lower at the back. The rear bumper’s upper section is now body-colored. Redesigned side skirts are part of the nip and tuck.
Even the base Pure trim now gets standard 20-inch wheels, replacing the previous 18-inch set. The higher-end Luxe and Autograph trims come with newly designed alloys of the same size. The range-topping Autograph also features a light curtain that projects Infiniti’s logo and geometric shapes on the ground when the vehicle is unlocked. Rounding out the exterior changes is a new Deep Emerald paint option. The Sport and Autograph trims also receive a two-tone treatment with a black upper body section.
Photo by: Infiniti
Inside, changes are minimal, though Infiniti now offers a new Stone Gray upholstery option. The Sport trim has seats wrapped in Dusk Blue leather, paired with a black headliner and black open-pore ash wood with a metal inlay, shared with the Autograph. The more affordable Pure and Luxe trims use a silver metallic weave. Infiniti doesn’t mention the Sensory trim as being available for 2026.
Opting for the Autograph unlocks the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.1 driver assistance system. It works on select freeways by taking over acceleration, braking, and steering. On the tech side, a new surround-view camera system is standard from the Luxe trim upward. To sweeten the deal, a 16-speaker Klipsch audio system comes with the Luxe and Sport, while the Autograph can be upgraded to a 20-speaker setup.
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Source: Infiniti
The 2026 QX60 will arrive at dealerships this summer, with standard second-row captain’s chairs in the Sport and Autograph trims. Otherwise, the Genesis GV80 competitor has a second-row bench seat, allowing it to carry seven people. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but for reference, the outgoing model starts at $50,200 for the Pure trim and goes up to $66,150 for the Autograph, before options.
If you’re willing to sacrifice some rear practicality for added style, a swoopier QX65 is coming. Expect it to cost more, as coupe-style SUVs typically command a premium over their donor vehicles.