When Volvo launched the first-generation XC90 on the 2002 North American Worldwide Auto Present in Detroit, it was, because the Scandinavian automaker described it, essentially the most versatile car that they had ever designed. Whereas its contemporaries have been usually truck-based and arguably cumbersome, the XC90 rode on a car-based platform that felt like a sedan (one of many tag traces was “drives like a automobile, however hundreds like a wagon”).
As anticipated from a safety-centric producer like Volvo, the early XC90 was a pioneer of latest security options for the time, akin to roll stability management. The XC90 was so profitable that Volvo stored the unique platform in manufacturing for 12 years (an eternity within the automotive world) earlier than the present technology arrived in 2016.
The 2016 redesign, which Volvo retailers had anxiously awaited to advertise to their buyer bases, launched plenty of key updates, with the “Thor’s Hammer” design language being amongst them (the literal hammer design was most noticeable on the entrance headlights at evening).
Infiniti adopted a few decade later with the JX35. Just like the XC90, it too pioneered a security expertise generally known as backup collision intervention, which might robotically apply the brakes when sensing an object whereas in reverse. Following its 2014 title change to QX60, the SUV has change into considered one of Infiniti’s best-selling fashions, interesting to households who desire a extra refined cabin with out sacrificing cargo house.
For the 2026 mannequin 12 months, the QX60 underwent a mid-cycle refresh, popping out with a brand new exterior look impressed by the model’s Artistry in Movement design language. The design language additionally seems on the QX60’s bigger stablemate, the three-row QX80.
Whereas Volvo defines the luxurious expertise by means of Scandinavian minimalism and a legacy of security, Infiniti has pivoted towards a tech-centric method that leverages aerospace analysis to unravel a really terrestrial downside: driver fatigue.
Base Trim Engine
2.0-liter turbo inline-4
Base Trim Transmission
9-speed automated
Base Trim Drivetrain
Entrance-Wheel Drive
The beginning worth hole
Almost an $8,000 distinction
Automobile comparisons begin and finish with the window sticker for some consumers. The 2026 Infiniti QX60 enters the market with a major worth benefit over its Swedish rival.
- 2026 Infiniti QX60: Begins at $54,080 for the FWD Pure mannequin, which incorporates the vacation spot cost of $2,190.
- 2026 Volvo XC90: Begins at $62,445 for the B5 Core, which incorporates the vacation spot price of $1,395.
Though new car costs can fluctuate, this represents a spot of about $8,300. Patrons who desire a premium three-row SUV on a extra family-friendly price range could be inclined to take a look at the QX60 over the XC90 because of this.
Quiz
8 Questions · Take a look at Your Information
Infiniti QX60 trivia
Learn on and check your information
From its debut 12 months to its standout options — put your Infiniti QX60 information to the check.
Historical pastEfficiencyDesignOptionsRivals
Start
In what 12 months did the Infiniti QX60 first go on sale as a manufacturing car?
A2010B2012C2014D2016
Appropriate! The Infiniti QX60 debuted for the 2013 mannequin 12 months, occurring sale in 2012. It changed the JX35 nameplate and introduced a recent id to Infiniti’s three-row SUV lineup.
Not fairly — the QX60 first went on sale in 2012 as a 2013 mannequin 12 months car. It was launched to switch the short-lived JX35 and has been a staple of Infiniti’s lineup ever since.
Proceed
What’s the engine displacement of the usual V6 engine discovered within the second-generation Infiniti QX60?
A2.5 litersB3.0 litersC3.5 litersD4.0 liters
That is proper! The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, producing round 295 horsepower. It is a clean, refined powertrain well-suited to household hauling duties.
The right reply is 3.5 liters. The QX60’s 3.5-liter V6 places out roughly 295 horsepower and is paired with a 9-speed automated transmission within the second-generation mannequin.
Proceed
What number of rows of seating does the Infiniti QX60 provide as commonplace?
ATwoBThreeC4DIt varies by trim
Appropriate! The QX60 is a three-row SUV, providing seating for as much as seven or eight passengers relying on configuration. This makes it a well-liked selection for bigger households searching for a luxurious hauler.
The QX60 comes commonplace with three rows of seating. It accommodates as much as seven or eight passengers, positioning it as a direct competitor within the three-row luxurious SUV section.
Proceed
What was the Infiniti QX60 initially bought as earlier than receiving the QX60 title?
AInfiniti FX35BInfiniti QX56CInfiniti JX35DInfiniti EX37
Appropriate! The QX60 was initially launched because the Infiniti JX35 for the 2013 mannequin 12 months. Infiniti rebranded its whole lineup shortly after, renaming the JX35 to QX60 beginning with the 2014 mannequin 12 months.
The unique title was the Infiniti JX35, not any of the opposite choices. Infiniti launched a company-wide renaming technique in 2014, and the JX35 grew to become the QX60 as a part of that overhaul.
Proceed
Which superior driver help expertise did Infiniti provide on the QX60 to assist with freeway driving?
ATremendous CruiseBProPilot HelpCAutopilotDBlueCruise
That is proper! Infiniti’s ProPilot Help is a single-lane driver help system obtainable on the QX60 that mixes adaptive cruise management with lane-centering help on highways.
The right reply is ProPilot Help — Infiniti’s personal semi-autonomous freeway driving system. Tremendous Cruise is GM’s expertise, Autopilot belongs to Tesla, and BlueCruise is Ford’s providing.
Proceed
What kind of transmission does the second-generation Infiniti QX60 use?
A7-speed dual-clutchB8-speed automatedCRepeatedly variable transmission (CVT)D9-speed automated
Appropriate! The second-generation QX60 moved to a brand new 9-speed automated transmission, changing the CVT used within the first-generation mannequin. This transformation was broadly praised for bettering the driving expertise.
The second-generation QX60 makes use of a 9-speed automated transmission. The primary-generation mannequin truly used a CVT, however Infiniti swapped it out within the redesigned 2022 mannequin to enhance efficiency really feel.
Proceed
Which of the next is taken into account a direct competitor to the Infiniti QX60 within the three-row luxurious SUV section?
ACadillac EscaladeBAcura MDXCBMW X7DLincoln Navigator
Spot on! The Acura MDX is without doubt one of the QX60’s closest opponents, sharing the same footprint, worth vary, and audience of luxury-seeking households. Each provide three rows and refined all-wheel-drive programs.
The Acura MDX is the closest match right here. The Cadillac Escalade, BMW X7, and Lincoln Navigator are bigger and dearer full-size luxurious SUVs, whereas the QX60 competes within the midsize three-row luxurious class.
Proceed
What technology of the QX60 launched the fully redesigned exterior with a brand new ‘Artistry in Movement’ styling language?
A2013 mannequin 12 monthsB2016 mannequin 12 monthsC2019 mannequin 12 monthsD2022 mannequin 12 months
Appropriate! The 2022 mannequin 12 months introduced essentially the most important redesign within the QX60’s historical past, that includes sharper styling, a extra upscale inside, and Infiniti’s up to date design philosophy. It was a generational leap ahead for the nameplate.
The total redesign got here with the 2022 mannequin 12 months, which was the largest overhaul the QX60 had ever obtained. Earlier updates have been largely incremental, however the 2022 model launched new styling, a revamped cabin, and a brand new transmission.
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Two completely different powertains
Gasoline engine vs. mild-hybrid configurations
Each Infiniti and Volvo have moved away from bigger engines in favor of extra environment friendly turbocharged four-cylinders, however their approaches to energy supply differ.
Infiniti changed the QX60’s earlier V6 with a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo for brief) that produces 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft. of torque. The VC-Turbo engine is related to a nine-speed automated and has new mounting buildings for the 2026 mannequin 12 months that decrease engine noise for a quieter trip.
The VC-Turbo is exclusive as a result of it might alter its compression ratio on the fly to steadiness each energy supply and gasoline economic system. Pure and Luxe trims are commonplace with front-wheel drive, whereas all-wheel drive is obtainable for each. QX60 Sport and Autograph are commonplace with all-wheel drive.
In the meantime, the XC90 presents two main mild-hybrid configurations and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) choice, the T8 AWD. Essentially the most relevant comparisons to the QX60 are the B5 and B6 powertrains.
- B5 AWD: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing round 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque.
- B6 AWD: 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder producing round 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque.
Each fashions characteristic Volvo’s eight-speed Geartronic automated transmission with commonplace all-wheel drive. Volvo’s B6 powertrain is called a “bi-charged” powertrain, the place the supercharger handles decrease to mid rpms whereas the turbo takes over at greater rpms. The bi-charged powertrain debuted with the 2016 XC90.
Whereas the Volvo presents extra powertrain selection, the Infiniti QX60 offers a extra expansive manufacturing facility guarantee. Each QX60 comes with a four-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guarantee and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain guarantee. Against this, the Volvo XC90 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guarantee, which incorporates powertrain protection.
Whereas prolonged warranties are all the time obtainable, Infiniti does provide longer commonplace protection for powertrain parts, which can be a promoting level for some, particularly high-mileage drivers.
Associated
Infiniti QX60 vs. QX65: Why you’re paying extra for fewer seats
Mechanical twins with completely different personalities.
NASA-inspired tech vs. conventional orthopedic help
Kimono-inspired stitching
The highest characteristic of the QX60’s inside is its Zero Gravity seats. Influenced by NASA analysis into impartial physique posture, the pure place the human physique assumes in weightless environments, the seats decrease the fixed strain gravity exerts on the backbone throughout lengthy commutes.
Through the use of a novel form and 14 completely different strain factors to help the physique from the pelvis to the chest, the seats assist keep blood stream and scale back muscular fatigue. Within the Autograph trim, this NASA-derived ergonomic tech is paired with open-pore ash wooden and semi-aniline leather-based with kimono-inspired stitching, the latter of which is a private favourite among the many engineers at Infiniti.
In the meantime, the Volvo XC90 is world-renowned for its personal seat consolation, but it surely focuses on conventional orthopedic help fairly than aerospace-inspired weight distribution. In impact, each the XC90 and QX60 are prone to be among the many most snug SUVs to drive each day, so you possibly can’t go improper with both on this enviornment.
One marginal distinction (though perhaps not a dealbreaker) is that the QX60 has a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes Google built-in (Maps and Assistant), in comparison with the XC90’s 11.2-inch show. Each the XC90 and QX60 have a panoramic moonroof.
Materials
Oxford
Particular Characteristic
Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer options compartments to arrange and retailer groceries, sports activities gear, emergency provides, and different every day necessities.
Cargo house and flexibility
QX60 and XC90 are almost neck and neck
Each the Infiniti QX60 and Volvo XC90 benefit from their inside layouts. Right here is how the numbers breakdown:
- Most Cargo Capability: When all rear seats are stowed, the XC90 presents a most quantity of 85.7 cubic ft, greater than the QX60 at 75.4 cubic ft.
- House Behind the Second Row: The QX60 presents 41.6 cubic ft of house in comparison with the XC90’s 34.6 to 35.6 cubic ft.
- House Behind the Third Row: For grocery runs with a full passenger load, the QX60 offers 14.5 cubic ft whereas the XC90 presents 10.6 to 12.6 cubic ft, relying on the seating configuration.
- Entrance Legroom: The QX60 presents barely extra for the driving force and passenger at 42.1 inches, whereas the XC90 offers about 41 inches.
- Rear (Second Row) Legroom: The QX60 has 37.7 inches, only a tad greater than the XC90’s 37 inches.
- Third Row Legroom: The XC90 wins within the far again with about 32 inches of room in comparison with the QX60’s 28 inches.
- Headroom: The XC90 offers about 39 inches within the entrance, 38.5 inches for the second row, and 36.3 inches within the third row. Against this, the QX60 presents 41 inches within the entrance, 37.5 inches within the second row, and 35.7 inches for the third row.
Whereas the Volvo presents a extra snug third row for taller passengers, the Infiniti QX60 offers extra usable cargo house when the seats are up. The QX60 wins on entrance headroom, a profit for taller drivers, however loses to the XC90 with regards to headroom for the second and third rows.
QX60 is a powerful various
The XC90 will ceaselessly be identified for its Scandinavian design and the protection legacy that’s related to Volvo itself. Nonetheless, its greater entry worth and shorter guarantee make it a harder promote towards one thing just like the QX60.
Relying on how deep a purchaser desires to dig, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a powerful competitor to the XC90, in addition to different extra mainstream alternate options that provide excessive worth relative to their beginning MSRP.
Within the case of the QX60 particularly, with its NASA-inspired tech and up to date styling, Infiniti proves you needn’t lay our a fortune to obtain a premium driving expertise.

