This Japanese SUV has space shuttle tech and costs 8K less than a Volvo XC90
When Volvo launched the first-generation XC90 at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it was, as the Scandinavian automaker described it, the most flexible vehicle they had ever designed. While its contemporaries were often truck-based and arguably cumbersome, the XC90 rode on a car-based platform that felt like a sedan (one of the tag lines was “drives like a car, but loads like a wagon”).
As expected from a safety-centric manufacturer like Volvo, the early XC90 was a pioneer of new safety features for the time, such as roll stability control. The XC90 was so successful that Volvo kept the original platform in production for 12 years (an eternity in the automotive world) before the current generation arrived in 2016.
The 2016 redesign, which Volvo retailers had anxiously awaited to promote to their customer bases, introduced a number of key updates, with the “Thor’s Hammer” design language being among them (the literal hammer design was most noticeable on the front headlights at night).
Infiniti followed about a decade later with the JX35. Like the XC90, it too pioneered a safety technology known as backup collision intervention, which would automatically apply the brakes when sensing an object while in reverse. Following its 2014 name change to QX60, the SUV has become one of Infiniti’s best-selling models, appealing to families who want a more refined cabin without sacrificing cargo space.
For the 2026 model year, the QX60 underwent a mid-cycle refresh, coming out with a new exterior look inspired by the brand’s Artistry in Motion design language. The design language also appears on the QX60’s larger stablemate, the three-row QX80.
While Volvo defines the luxury experience through Scandinavian minimalism and a legacy of safety, Infiniti has pivoted toward a tech-centric approach that leverages aerospace research to solve a very terrestrial problem: driver fatigue.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0-liter turbo inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
The starting price gap
Nearly an $8,000 difference
Vehicle comparisons start and end with the window sticker for some buyers. The 2026 Infiniti QX60 enters the market with a significant price advantage over its Swedish rival.
- 2026 Infiniti QX60: Starts at $54,080 for the FWD Pure model, which includes the destination charge of $2,190.
- 2026 Volvo XC90: Starts at $62,445 for the B5 Core, which includes the destination fee of $1,395.
Although new vehicle prices can fluctuate, this represents a gap of about $8,300. Buyers who want a premium three-row SUV on a more family-friendly budget might be inclined to look at the QX60 over the XC90 for this reason.
Quiz
Infiniti QX60 trivia
Read on and test your knowledge
From its debut year to its standout features — put your Infiniti QX60 knowledge to the test.
HistoryPerformanceDesignFeaturesRivals
In what year did the Infiniti QX60 first go on sale as a production vehicle?
Correct! The Infiniti QX60 debuted for the 2013 model year, going on sale in 2012. It replaced the JX35 nameplate and brought a fresh identity to Infiniti’s three-row SUV lineup.
Not quite — the QX60 first went on sale in 2012 as a 2013 model year vehicle. It was introduced to replace the short-lived JX35 and has been a staple of Infiniti’s lineup ever since.
What is the engine displacement of the standard V6 engine found in the second-generation Infiniti QX60?
That’s right! The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, producing around 295 horsepower. It’s a smooth, refined powertrain well-suited to family hauling duties.
The correct answer is 3.5 liters. The QX60’s 3.5-liter V6 puts out approximately 295 horsepower and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission in the second-generation model.
How many rows of seating does the Infiniti QX60 offer as standard?
Correct! The QX60 is a three-row SUV, offering seating for up to seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. This makes it a popular choice for larger families seeking a luxury hauler.
The QX60 comes standard with three rows of seating. It accommodates up to seven or eight passengers, positioning it as a direct competitor in the three-row luxury SUV segment.
What was the Infiniti QX60 originally sold as before receiving the QX60 name?
Correct! The QX60 was originally introduced as the Infiniti JX35 for the 2013 model year. Infiniti rebranded its entire lineup shortly after, renaming the JX35 to QX60 starting with the 2014 model year.
The original name was the Infiniti JX35, not any of the other options. Infiniti launched a company-wide renaming strategy in 2014, and the JX35 became the QX60 as part of that overhaul.
Which advanced driver assistance technology did Infiniti offer on the QX60 to help with highway driving?
That’s right! Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist is a single-lane driver assistance system available on the QX60 that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance on highways.
The correct answer is ProPilot Assist — Infiniti’s own semi-autonomous highway driving system. Super Cruise is GM’s technology, Autopilot belongs to Tesla, and BlueCruise is Ford’s offering.
What type of transmission does the second-generation Infiniti QX60 use?
Correct! The second-generation QX60 moved to a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the CVT used in the first-generation model. This change was widely praised for improving the driving experience.
The second-generation QX60 uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. The first-generation model actually used a CVT, but Infiniti swapped it out in the redesigned 2022 model to improve performance feel.
Which of the following is considered a direct competitor to the Infiniti QX60 in the three-row luxury SUV segment?
Spot on! The Acura MDX is one of the QX60’s closest competitors, sharing a similar footprint, price range, and target audience of luxury-seeking families. Both offer three rows and refined all-wheel-drive systems.
The Acura MDX is the closest match here. The Cadillac Escalade, BMW X7, and Lincoln Navigator are larger and more expensive full-size luxury SUVs, while the QX60 competes in the midsize three-row luxury class.
What generation of the QX60 introduced the completely redesigned exterior with a new ‘Artistry in Motion’ styling language?
Correct! The 2022 model year brought the most significant redesign in the QX60’s history, featuring sharper styling, a more upscale interior, and Infiniti’s updated design philosophy. It was a generational leap forward for the nameplate.
The full redesign came with the 2022 model year, which was the biggest overhaul the QX60 had ever received. Earlier updates were largely incremental, but the 2022 version introduced new styling, a revamped cabin, and a new transmission.
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Two different powertains
Gasoline engine vs. mild-hybrid configurations
Both Infiniti and Volvo have moved away from larger engines in favor of more efficient turbocharged four-cylinders, but their approaches to power delivery differ.
Infiniti replaced the QX60’s previous V6 with a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo for short) that produces 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft. of torque. The VC-Turbo engine is connected to a nine-speed automatic and has new mounting structures for the 2026 model year that minimize engine noise for a quieter ride.
The VC-Turbo is unique because it can adjust its compression ratio on the fly to balance both power delivery and fuel economy. Pure and Luxe trims are standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available for both. QX60 Sport and Autograph are standard with all-wheel drive.
Meanwhile, the XC90 offers two primary mild-hybrid configurations and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, the T8 AWD. The most applicable comparisons to the QX60 are the B5 and B6 powertrains.
- B5 AWD: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque.
- B6 AWD: 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder producing around 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque.
Both models feature Volvo’s eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. Volvo’s B6 powertrain is known as a “bi-charged” powertrain, where the supercharger handles lower to mid rpms while the turbo takes over at higher rpms. The bi-charged powertrain debuted with the 2016 XC90.
While the Volvo offers more powertrain variety, the Infiniti QX60 provides a more expansive factory warranty. Every QX60 comes with a four-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. By contrast, the Volvo XC90 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which includes powertrain coverage.
While extended warranties are always available, Infiniti does offer longer standard coverage for powertrain components, which may be a selling point for some, especially high-mileage drivers.
Infiniti QX60 vs. QX65: Why you’re paying more for fewer seats
Mechanical twins with different personalities.
NASA-inspired tech vs. traditional orthopedic support
Kimono-inspired stitching
The top feature of the QX60’s interior is its Zero Gravity seats. Influenced by NASA research into neutral body posture, the natural position the human body assumes in weightless environments, the seats minimize the constant pressure gravity exerts on the spine during long commutes.
By using a unique shape and 14 different pressure points to support the body from the pelvis to the chest, the seats help maintain blood flow and reduce muscular fatigue. In the Autograph trim, this NASA-derived ergonomic tech is paired with open-pore ash wood and semi-aniline leather with kimono-inspired stitching, the latter of which is a personal favorite among the engineers at Infiniti.
Meanwhile, the Volvo XC90 is world-renowned for its own seat comfort, but it focuses on traditional orthopedic support rather than aerospace-inspired weight distribution. In effect, both the XC90 and QX60 are likely to be among the most comfortable SUVs to drive on a daily basis, so you can’t go wrong with either in this arena.
One marginal difference (although maybe not a dealbreaker) is that the QX60 has a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Google built-in (Maps and Assistant), compared to the XC90’s 11.2-inch display. Both the XC90 and QX60 have a panoramic moonroof.
- Material
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Oxford
- Special Feature
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Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.
Cargo space and versatility
QX60 and XC90 are nearly neck and neck
Both the Infiniti QX60 and Volvo XC90 make the most of their interior layouts. Here is how the numbers breakdown:
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: When all rear seats are stowed, the XC90 offers a maximum volume of 85.7 cubic feet, more than the QX60 at 75.4 cubic feet.
- Space Behind the Second Row: The QX60 offers 41.6 cubic feet of space compared to the XC90’s 34.6 to 35.6 cubic feet.
- Space Behind the Third Row: For grocery runs with a full passenger load, the QX60 provides 14.5 cubic feet while the XC90 offers 10.6 to 12.6 cubic feet, depending on the seating configuration.
- Front Legroom: The QX60 offers slightly more for the driver and passenger at 42.1 inches, whereas the XC90 provides about 41 inches.
- Rear (Second Row) Legroom: The QX60 has 37.7 inches, just a tad more than the XC90’s 37 inches.
- Third Row Legroom: The XC90 wins in the far back with about 32 inches of room compared to the QX60’s 28 inches.
- Headroom: The XC90 provides about 39 inches in the front, 38.5 inches for the second row, and 36.3 inches in the third row. By contrast, the QX60 offers 41 inches in the front, 37.5 inches in the second row, and 35.7 inches for the third row.
While the Volvo offers a more comfortable third row for taller passengers, the Infiniti QX60 provides more usable cargo space when the seats are up. The QX60 wins on front headroom, a benefit for taller drivers, but loses to the XC90 when it comes to headroom for the second and third rows.
QX60 is a strong alternative
The XC90 will forever be known for its Scandinavian design and the safety legacy that is associated with Volvo itself. However, its higher entry price and shorter warranty make it a tougher sell against something like the QX60.
Depending on how deep a buyer wants to dig, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a strong competitor to the XC90, as well as other more mainstream alternatives that offer high value relative to their starting MSRP.
In the case of the QX60 specifically, with its NASA-inspired tech and updated styling, Infiniti proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to receive a premium driving experience.