2027 Infiniti QX65 Autograph AWD Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2027 Infiniti QX65 Autograph AWD, including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2027 2027 Infiniti QX65 Autograph AWD review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

Well, folks, it’s Roosevelt Gist from AutoNetwork.com, and we need to have a little talk. The automotive world has decided that what every family really wants is an SUV that looks like a sports car, what they call a “coupe SUV.” It’s a trend that’s been sweeping through the luxury brands, and now Infiniti is throwing its hat squarely in the ring with the 2027 QX65 Autograph. I recently got some time with this machine at a media event, and I’m here to tell you what I saw, what I touched, and what you need to know before that $71,355 price tag starts looking too tempting. Let’s be clear from the jump: this was a static walkaround. I didn’t get to drive it. I sat in every seat, poked every button, and measured every seam with my eyes, but we’ll have to wait for a full test drive to talk about how it feels on the road. For now, let’s talk about what this truck is telling us just by sitting still.

First, let’s get the numbers out of the way, because seventy-one grand is real money. That kind of cash puts the QX65 Autograph in a tough neighborhood with the likes of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Under the hood, Infiniti has put its 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine. On paper, it delivers 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. Now, that’s a respectable number, and it’s routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system, which is a big plus for our readers in places like Camden, New Jersey, who have to deal with actual seasons. The EPA says you can expect around 22 miles per gallon combined, which is decent for a vehicle this size. But here’s the thing my colleagues who have driven it are saying: the engine is smooth and quiet for your everyday commute, but if you put your foot in it and kick it into Sport mode, that four-cylinder starts to drone and make its presence known. Even Infiniti’s own people will tell you that Sport mode is for quick bursts, not for living in. So, don’t buy this thinking you’re getting a fire-breathing German V8. You’re getting a sophisticated, efficient powertrain designed for confident, comfortable cruising.

But let’s be honest, you don’t buy an Infiniti Autograph for what’s under the hood. You buy it for what’s inside the cabin, and let me tell you, this is where the QX65 earns its keep. The moment you open the door, it’s clear where the money went. The model I examined had this incredible quilted semi-aniline leather on the seats, the kind that feels soft and substantial. You run your hand across the dashboard and find beautiful open-pore wood trim that feels like it came from a high-end furniture store, not a car factory. The massaging front seats and the multi-color ambient lighting create an atmosphere that genuinely feels a class above. It feels special. It feels expensive. It’s the kind of interior that makes you feel good about your purchase every single time you get in, whether you’re driving to the office or just sitting in the school pick-up line.

The real showstopper, though, is the sound system. Infiniti has partnered with Klipsch for a 20-speaker, 1,200-watt Reference Premiere audio system, and it is nothing short of spectacular. This isn't just about loud bass; it's about clarity. But the feature that’s going to save a few marriages is the individual audio capability. There are speakers built right into the front seat headrests. This means the driver can be listening to navigation prompts or taking a phone call privately, while the rest of the family is enjoying their music through the main cabin speakers without interruption. It’s a brilliant piece of practical technology. When I see a feature like this, I know that someone who actually has a family was involved in the design process. It’s thoughtful details like this, and the excellent active noise cancellation, that make the cabin a truly serene and peaceful place to be.

Infiniti also packed in some useful tech to make driving easier. The 10.8-inch head-up display projects your speed and navigation right onto the windshield, so you can keep your eyes on the road. And for anyone who’s ever tried to park a mid-size SUV in a tight spot, say in a crowded lot in Gardena, California, the Invisible Hood View technology is a game-changer. It uses cameras to create a virtual view of what’s directly in front of and under the nose of the car, so you can see the curb and avoid scratching up those beautiful wheels. Getting in and out is easy, and the overall sense of quiet and composure, even just sitting in it, is top-notch.

Now, for the real talk. No vehicle is perfect, and there are a few things you absolutely must check for yourself before you sign on the dotted line. First, that sleek, fastback roofline looks great from the outside, but it comes at a cost on the inside. I’m six feet tall, and while I had plenty of room up front, when I sat in the back seat, my head was definitely making friends with the headliner. If you have tall teenagers or plan on carrying adults in the back regularly, you need to put them in that seat at the dealership. Don’t take my word for it; take theirs. Second, on a bright day, there was a noticeable amount of glare from the dashboard reflecting onto the windshield. This is a common problem in cars with sweeping dash designs, but it’s something you need to experience for yourself. I always tell people to test drive a car on a sunny day for this exact reason.

There were a couple of other small things I noticed. The digital rearview mirror, which uses a camera to show you what’s behind you, can be disorienting for some people, especially those of us of a certain age or who wear progressive lenses. Thankfully, you can flip it back to a traditional mirror with the flick of a switch. Also, in a cabin that is otherwise library-quiet, the fan for the ventilated seats was surprisingly audible. It’s a small detail, but in a vehicle that tries so hard to be a sanctuary, it’s the little noises that stand out.

So, what’s the verdict? The 2027 Infiniti QX65 Autograph AWD is a beautifully crafted, incredibly comfortable, and technologically advanced luxury SUV. It’s not trying to be a sports car, and you shouldn’t buy it if that’s what you’re looking for. Its strength lies in that stunning, feature-packed interior. It’s for the family that values comfort, style, and a serene driving environment over raw, aggressive performance. The warranty is strong, with four years bumper-to-bumper and six years on the powertrain, plus three years of complimentary service, which adds real-world value.

For the young family looking to upgrade to a true luxury experience without the punishing maintenance costs of some of the German brands, the QX65 Autograph is a compelling option. I’m calling this one a BUY, but with two big conditions. You must take your tallest family member and have them sit in the back seat. And you must drive it on a bright, sunny day to see if that windshield glare bothers you. If you can live with those potential trade-offs, you’ll be getting a vehicle with an interior and an audio system that punches well above its price tag, making every drive feel like a first-class experience.

The Bottom Line

Buy it if you value comfort, style, and a serene driving environment over raw performance, and if your tallest family members are comfortable in the back seat and the windshield glare on a sunny day does not bother you. It offers a compelling option for a luxury experience without the punishing maintenance costs of some German brands like the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Best For

• Families that value comfort, style, and a serene driving environment
• Buyers looking for a luxury experience without the high maintenance costs of some German brands
• Those who prioritize a high-quality interior and advanced audio system

Skip It If

• You are looking for a sports car or raw, aggressive performance
• Tall passengers will regularly occupy the back seat
• You are sensitive to dashboard glare on the windshield

More from AutoNetwork

Browse all vehicle reviews, see Roosevelt's best picks, or use our comparison tool and auto loan calculator before visiting a dealer.