INFINITI QX60 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was available in Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trims in Canada, with prices ranging from $70,573 to $84,573, including fees. The Autograph trim, priced at CAD $85,773, featured a striking Deep Emerald colour with a Black Obsidian roof. Known for its stylish and distinctive design, the QX60 shared its platform with the Nissan Pathfinder but boasted a more refined exterior, aligning with the larger Infiniti QX80. The new Sport trim added gloss black wheels and a blacked-out trim, while the grille design drew inspiration from a serene bamboo forest. Inside, the QX60 offered a luxurious cabin with options like Stone Grey and Dusk Blue interiors, and the Autograph trim featured premium semi-aniline leather and real open-pore wood.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum Hybrid Max trims, offered a conservative design reminiscent of the popular RAV4. Prices for the hybrid models ranged from $57,465 to $69,060, including fees. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, priced at $69,060, featured Storm Cloud paint and no additional options. The Grand Highlander emphasized function over form, with a spacious interior accommodating up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. While the interior materials were decent, the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces highlighted its value-oriented approach. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was powered by 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, with an average consumption of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. Despite its smooth and refined performance in Auto mode, the QX60's AWD system lacked sophistication, allowing front wheel slip during hard acceleration. The suspension provided a soft ride but struggled with body motion on uneven surfaces, making it less suitable for spirited driving.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max combined a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with electronic full-time AWD and two electric motors, delivering 362 net horsepower. This setup provided impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Hybrid Max achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km combined, with observed figures around 9.1 L/100 km. The powertrain's smooth acceleration and responsive handling made it easy to navigate highways and urban environments. The Grand Highlander's ride quality was soft and isolating, though it exhibited some vertical bounding and lateral rocking on uneven roads. Handling was secure but limited by early tire scrub and squeal.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 offered seven-passenger seating in Luxe and Sport trims, while the Autograph trim featured six-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Autograph trim added ventilated front seats and a massage function. However, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging, and the third-row seats were tight for adults. Cargo space was limited to 411 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded and 2,135 litres with the second row down.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across all three rows, with a maximum cargo capacity of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, offering heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults. Cargo space measured 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with the third row folded and 2,761 litres with the second row down, making it ideal for family road trips.

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 through the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio and Infiniti InTouch connected services. The Autograph trim featured a Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system with 20 speakers, though the sound quality was underwhelming. 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 and MyQ Connected Garage technology.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, though the font was difficult to read against the background. The Platinum trim included a colour head-up display, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a JBL premium audio system, which delivered better sound quality than expected. Toyota Connected Services offered a range of features, including automatic collision notification and a digital voice assistant, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with standard driver assistance systems, including 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 QX60 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but IIHS ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also standard, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.