Jump to content
Create New...
  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • Drew Dowdell
    Drew Dowdell

    Infiniti Offers a Striking New Update for the 2026 Infiniti QX60

      The Infiniti QX60 gains the Artistry in Motion design language from its big brother the QX80

    2026 Infiniti QX60 Rear-SideInfiniti has given the 3-row midsize QX60 a styling update to match its big brother, the Infiniti QX80 full-size luxury SUV.  This mid-cycle refresh rather than all-new as the refresh joined the lineup in 2021.  

    Infiniti has been making steady changes to the QX60 throughout this generation's life, most notably, swapping out the VQ-V6 for Nissan's variable compression VC-Turbo 2.0 liter, and this remains the sole powertrain choice for 2026. Unfortunately, most will not see this engine swap as an upgrade as it lacks the refinement and effortless power of the VQ-V6, though Infiniti says they have made improvements to noise, vibration, and harshness.  Available in front- and all-wheel drive version, the 2.0T-VC feeds the wheels through a 9-speed automatic, propelling the crossover to 60 mph in just under a leisurely 8 seconds. This refresh would have been a good time to add a hybrid option. Back in 2019, Infiniti promised to electrify 5 new models over the coming years, hinting that the QX60 was one of them. None have arrived. Infiniti does claim that the QX60 has best-in-class towing capacity with a 6,000 lb. tow rating when properly equipped.

    More on the VC-Turbo

    The VC-Turbo is a variable compression engine that has the ability to vary its displacement and compression ratio based on driving demands. In this iteration is can vary displacement by up to 0.027 liters, ranging from 1.970 liters to 1.997 liters, by varying the piston stroke from 90.1 mm to 88.9 mm. This in turn allowed for compression ratios ranging from 8.0:1 - 14.0:1.  When in full power mode, the compression ratio drops to allow for the turbo to push more fuel and air into the cylinder.  When cruising, the turbo is idling, allowing for a higher compression ratio and making for more efficient and cleaner burning of fuel.  This effectively allows the engine to run either as either a traditional turbo-charged engine or an efficient Atkinson-cycle engine (think, Toyota Prius). The downside of this extra complexity is that it limits the VC-Turbo to a relatively low 6,000 RPM red line and a premium fuel requirement. In the 2026 Infiniti QX60, the VC-Turbo 2.0 produces 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 286 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM.

    Style and Tech Updates

    2026 Infiniti QX60 Sport - DashboardThe visual refresh for 2026 QX60 is limited primarily to the front end styling. Already a handsome crossover, the grille gains the vertical slats featured on the 2025 Infiniti QX80 and a mild redesign of the running light brows, while the front logo comes with standard illumination. The rear hatch remains the same save for the removal of the badge leaving just the brand name spelled out.  The interior carries over, though the top tier Autograph trim gets a third interior color option, Stone Gray, with some contrast stitching and open pore wood.

    Tech updates include an improved top-down 360-degree camera system with a hood view that allows the driver to see under the front bumper, available on the mid-level Luxe trims and above. New twin 12.3-inch displays are now standard on all trims, a change over the previous analog instruments on lower trims.  The infotainment system now has Google Built-In standard allowing drivers to activate navigation and climate control by voice command. 

    Autograph trim buyers have the option to select ProPILOT Assist 2.1, a hands free driving system for compatible highways. Autograph trim also adds Individual Audio Technology from the QX80 allowing the driver to hear certain audio signals without distracting other occupants.  For example, the driver can listen to map directions or take a call while other passengers continue to listen to music.

    The Sensory trim has been discontinued in favor of a new Sport trim that features a Dusk Blue interior color, standard second-row captains chairs, gloss black 20-inch wheels, and a tighter mesh on the grille.

    The 2026 Infiniti QX60 goes on sale this summer but has not yet been released.

     

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    The variable compression is SUPER awesome but it couldn't be used in a more bland, boring and underwhelming way. This is very Nissan. 

    I also understand it doesn't need to be used in a sporty vehicle to be "cool". It's the total output in a 3-row SUV that makes is suck. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    4 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    It's the total output in a 3-row SUV that makes is suck.

    Exactly, it's just not enough engine for this size vehicle. That's reflected in the fuel economy which only increases by about 2mpg over the big 3.5 liter VQ.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The problem with Infiniti (aside from they have no performance like the old days), is this car when this car is 5 years old, it will be worth about $20k, and when it is 10 years old it will be worth about $7k.  So you have to be nuts to spend $50-60k on one of these.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    22 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    The problem with Infiniti (aside from they have no performance like the old days), is this car when this car is 5 years old, it will be worth about $20k, and when it is 10 years old it will be worth about $7k.  So you have to be nuts to spend $50-60k on one of these.

    I’m sure it only makes financial sense to lease one.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 5/22/2025 at 4:23 PM, ccap41 said:

    The variable compression is SUPER awesome but it couldn't be used in a more bland, boring and underwhelming way. This is very Nissan. 

    I also understand it doesn't need to be used in a sporty vehicle to be "cool". It's the total output in a 3-row SUV that makes is suck. 

    Yeah, and a turbo 4 in something that is supposed to be a 'luxury' midsize... not a fan of 4 cyl engines outside of compacts...

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 5/25/2025 at 7:27 AM, Robert Hall said:

    Yeah, and a turbo 4 in something that is supposed to be a 'luxury' midsize... not a fan of 4 cyl engines outside of compacts...

    Largely, I agree, but some do it better than others. In this case, the VC isn't refine enough and doesn't have enough output.  the 2.5 in the GM crossovers is more appropriate from a power output, though still not as refined as a V6.  I recently drove the Explorer Platinum with the 2.3-Ecoboost and it doesn't have the NVH minimization befitting a $53k vehicle, but at least for another $4k you can get the 3.0V6 Ecoboost that should be smoother.   Infiniti does have a 3.0 V6 V6 Turbo that they could have used here, but they chose not to.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • WOW, Crazy List of Ford Recalls since May. Ford has issued over 30 recalls since late May. See list of models.
    • I think they should have just made Denali's nicer instead of doing this Denali Ultimate.  Half the trim levels are Denali now.  is a Buick Avenir Ultra next?  I feel like the Traverse/Enclave/Acadia is kind of a weak spot in GM.  Grand Cherokee is same money (not that I'd trust Jeep reliability) Toyota has Highlander, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX, Land Cruiser, that Palisade and Telluride are good, the competition seems to have GM beat here and the GM trio is pretty new to market.  
    • That's where your Windows Updates are being stored. If you're going from 10 to 11, Windows just treats that like a really huge Windows update.  11 sucked when it first came out, but for the last year they've fixed it up enough that it runs better than 10 now. 
    • Continuing on with the Windows 11 question. When I run a scan, as you know, the file paths flash by you with rapid speed and they move back and forth between things specific to the hardware and its programs and personal files such as documents, spreadsheets, and photos ... back and forth, back and forth ... I am able to see 2 paths that you tech guys may understand better than I do.  These also flicker on both and forth: 1. C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\ .... (varying #s and @s) ...\Metada\Windows11.0 ... 2. C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\ .... (varying #s and @s) ...\Package_for_RollupFix~ ... Since these flicker back and forth during the scan, I wonder what they mean.   Important item:  I don't remember if it was on my tower or on the laptop I'm asking about, but I think I almost let the Windows 11 upgrade get rolling by a click of the mouse, but cancelled it and/or shut down the computer.  Does item 1 mean that some files from the update, that need not be here, are sitting on my drives and taking up space when I'm not on 11 yet? In what folder on an HP product would I find if there are any Windows 11 files prematurely sitting there? Thanks.  It would help to know.  
    • Excellent I wonder how the changes in oil supply will affect the auto market in the USA
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search