Infiniti is planning to expand the engine options for its upcoming QX65 SUV, adding a V-6 engine in the second model year (summer 2027). This move signals a broader shift towards performance-oriented vehicles within the brand, including a potential future Red Sport trim.
Return to Performance
The QX65, set to arrive in showrooms as a 2027 model, will initially launch with a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine—the same unit found in the QX60. However, just over a year later, the automaker intends to introduce a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 sourced from the Nissan Pathfinder.
Power Upgrade
The V-6 will likely be tuned to around 300 horsepower, aligning with Infiniti’s strategy of offering higher-performance variants across its lineup. The Pathfinder’s V-6 delivers 284 horsepower in standard trims, but a Rock Creek edition boosts output to 295, suggesting Infiniti will extract even more power for the QX65.
Broader Strategy Shift
This decision is part of a larger overhaul at Infiniti, which also includes reviving the Q50 sedan with potential twin-turbo V-6 and manual transmission options. The QX60 may also receive the Pathfinder’s V-6, setting the stage for both models to eventually offer Red Sport versions.
“The V-6 is still king in this segment for the perception of power,” one source told Automotive News. “Infiniti wants a performance model for every vehicle eventually, and the V-6 makes that easier.”
Infiniti’s renewed focus on performance reflects a competitive market where buyers often equate higher horsepower with luxury and desirability. The inclusion of a V-6 engine will allow the QX65 to compete more effectively against rivals offering similar options.
The move underscores a clear strategic direction: Infiniti is actively re-establishing itself as a brand that prioritizes driving experience and performance, rather than solely relying on comfort or fuel economy.
