INFINITI QX60 vs Lexus NX Hybrid

In Canada, the 2026 INFINITI QX60 was available 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 test vehicle was an Autograph trim in a new 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 Pixar's "Cars". The Sport trim added gloss black wheels and a diamond-mesh grille. 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 cabin was upscale, with digital displays and a touch-sensing dashboard, resisting dust and fingerprints effectively.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was characterized by its over-stylized design, featuring a large spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The profile was sporty yet less extroverted, with body-coloured fender flares and dark 20-inch wheels. The fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, including a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model featured dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery. Lexus's NuLuxe textile convincingly mimicked real leather, and soft-touch surfaces enhanced the upscale feel.

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 economy, 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, allowing front wheel slip before engaging. The ride was quiet in urban settings, but the suspension was too soft at higher speeds, leading to unwanted body motion. Enthusiastic driving on mountain roads revealed the QX60's ponderous and heavy feel.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, providing standard AWD and a combined output of 240 horsepower. The NX offered a 7.2-second 0 to 96 km/h time. While the ride was firm due to the adaptive dampers and 20-inch wheels, it remained comfortable. The hybrid powertrain felt slushy, with the engine droning under hard acceleration. Steering wheel paddles allowed for simulated downshifts, but the drivetrain lacked the excitement of a regular automatic transmission. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power at 340 hp for those seeking a thrifty option with more grunt.

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. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. The Autograph trim added ventilated front seats and a massage function. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and provided easy access to the third row, though the third-row seats were tight for adults. Cargo space was 411 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and 2,135 litres behind the front seats.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model offered well-bolstered front seats with ample room, even for tall adults. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The rear seat accommodated two average-sized adults comfortably, with 950 millimetres of headroom and 917 mm of legroom. Cargo space was 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The NX's coupe-like roof shape limited cargo space compared to rivals, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 featured a new Google built-in infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps via the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Autograph trim included a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system, though it lacked fidelity compared to competitors. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display were also included, along with a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was optional. The NX offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription with a 4G connection, allowing remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The touchscreen was angled toward the driver for easy access, and the infotainment system responded quickly to inputs. A volume dial and embedded temperature controls provided convenient access to audio and climate settings.

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

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test from the NHTSA. The NX 350h included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, featuring blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems performed well during testing, though the adaptive cruise control was slightly complicated to set.