Like its parent company, Nissan, Infiniti's story is one of constant ups and downs, driven by controversial decisions. These include the variable-compression (VC Turbo) engine, which sounds great in theory, but is less than ideal in practice. Another indication that Infiniti missed the mark is the decision to equip the QX65 with a CVT. In a luxury crossover/SUV model, this is like giving Usain Bolt cement shoes and expecting him to perform at his usual pace.
As part of Infiniti’s return to its roots, the luxury brand decided to fix at least one of these issues. In summer 2027, the QX65 is getting a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. According to a scoop from Automotive News, reportedly based on a reliable source, aware of the company’s plans, the two-row luxury SUV will receive a 3.5-liter V-6 engine tuned to around 300 horsepower. The engine in question is expected to be the familiar VQ35 engine, which currently works in the Pathfinder SUV, and makes 284 horsepower.
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Currently, the Infiniti QX65 is powered by a 2.0-liter VC turbo engine making 268 horsepower. Sadly, it is also mated to a CVT. The switch to a V-6 engine is expected to be accompanied by the nine-speed automatic, found in models like the full-size QX80 and the Nissan Frontera pickup truck. That said, in the past, the 3.5-liter V-6 was also mated to a CVT (Nissan Maxima), but I really hope this is a closed chapter in the brand’s history.
Why the 3.5-liter V-6 is a perfect fit for the QX65
The QX65 is a performance crossover, and the VQ35 is a great fit for a number of reasons. Many clients want a more simplified powertrain, often devoid of hybrid assist and even forced induction. The 3.5-liter V-6 has been around for well over two decades. It is a proven platform with substantial aftermarket support. It also saves the company the development costs for an all-new engine.
This leaves the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 (VR30DDTT) reserved for even more performance-oriented models like the Q50 and upcoming Q70, both of which are said to offer a manual transmission, while the larger, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 (VR35DDTT) is reserved for models like the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80.
The addition of the 3.5-liter V-6 in the QX65 would open avenues for a potential Red Sport Variant, powered by the Nissan Z’s 400-horsepower twin-turbo V-6. Despite Nissan and Infiniti’s recent trepidations, the companies seem to be heading in the right direction. The value-per-dollar ratio is still there, and with a new line of enthusiast-focused luxury models, Infiniti has a chance to, once again, be a viable alternative to Lexus and the German trio.
It is unknown whether the more practical, three-row QX60 (the QX65 shares its platform) will get the same V-6 treatment. I think it would be a mistake not to, since this is Infiniti’s best-selling model for the past two years. Despite Infiniti sales falling by 9.2 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, the QX60 saw a 4.4-percent increase in sales over the same period.
The QX65 (previewed by the Monograph concept) is a two-row, fastback-style version of that SUV that features sportier suspension tuning. Whether this will be enough to captivate the audience remains to be seen.
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Image source: Infiniti QX65 Monograph
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experience to the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Experience
- 2012-2017 and 2025-Present: Insurance Advisor - ANG Univers and Generali Insurance Group
- 2016-2016: Car salesman at Toyota dealership
- 2014-Present: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, test driver
Education
- Bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations
- Master's degree in Marketing
- Master's degree in Media and Communications
Dimitar Angelov has been quoted in the following publications:
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