INFINITI QX60 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was available in Canada in Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trims, with the Pure trim level no longer offered. Prices ranged from $70,573 to $84,573, including destination charges and fees. The Autograph trim, which we tested, featured a striking Deep Emerald colour with a Black Obsidian roof, priced at CAD $85,773. The QX60's design was updated to align with the larger QX80, featuring a new grille inspired by a bamboo forest, though some likened it to a character from the Pixar "Cars" franchise. Inside, the QX60 offered a luxurious cabin with options like Stone Grey and Dusk Blue interiors, and the Autograph trim boasted premium semi-aniline leather and real wood accents.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was offered in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrating seamlessly with the gas-only lineup. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille flanked by LED headlights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities on the Luxury Hybrid. The rear design was equally impressive, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its thoughtful design, offering features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a rich sense of craftsmanship. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Nappa leather upholstery and other premium features.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four VC-Turbo engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. This engine offered a balance of power and fuel efficiency, averaging 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres with standard AWD. The QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. Despite its power, the QX60's AWD system lacked sophistication, and its suspension was too soft at higher speeds, leading to unwanted body motion. The QX60 offered various driving modes, but Auto mode was preferred for its smoothness and fuel efficiency.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive performance, aided by an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was somewhat soft. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 offered seven-passenger seating in Luxe and Sport trims, while the Autograph trim featured six-passenger seating with captain's chairs. The QX60's interior included heated power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging, and the third-row seats were tight for adults. The QX60 provided 411 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,135 litres behind the front seats.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but exceeding others. The Palisade Hybrid's second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but it remained comfortable for adults. The third row offered less legroom and headroom compared to some rivals. The Palisade Hybrid featured dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and a spacious cabin with various storage solutions. The standard second-row bench seat provided seating for eight, with captain's chairs available on higher trims.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 introduced a new Google built-in infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a Klipsch premium audio system. The Autograph trim featured a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere setup, though the audio quality was not as satisfying as some competitors. The QX60 also included a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade Hybrid featured a Driver Talk intercom system, a 14-speaker Bose stereo on higher trims, and a built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The vehicle also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 included standard driver assistance systems such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. ProPilot Assist 1.1 and 2.1 offered adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving capabilities, though the system's performance was inconsistent. The QX60 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but IIHS ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Palisade Hybrid's blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the vehicle performed well during testing. Crash-test ratings for the 2026 model were not available, but the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.