2026 INFINITI QX60 vs. 2025 INFINITI QX60: The Clear Choice for Winston-Salem and Beyond

2026 INFINITI QX60 vs. 2025 INFINITI QX60: The Clear Choice for Winston-Salem and Beyond

If you are exploring upscale midsize SUVs around Winston-Salem, Clemmons, or Germanton, and weighing the benefits of the latest luxury vehicles, the jump from the 2025 to the 2026 INFINITI QX60 is truly worth considering. Both model years hold their own in the crowded three-row luxury segment, but when it comes to enhanced refinement, technology, and overall ownership experience, the 2026 INFINITI QX60 sets the bar notably higher. Whether you are commuting from Mint Hill or planning family adventures around Kernersville, understanding the tangible improvements of the 2026 model will clear the path.

Modern INFINITI Of Winston-Salem at 1500 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 warmly invites you to test drive the 2026 INFINITI QX60, accessible at the heart of Triad. Contact us anytime at (336) 767-7800 with questions or to schedule a visit.

Table of Contents

• Setting the Stage: Comparing Two Generations of the QX60
• Powertrain and Driving Dynamics: The Evolution of Performance
• Exterior Styling and Presence: Visual Refinement and Modern Flair
• Interior Comfort and Passenger Accommodations: Space Meets Sophistication
• Advanced Technology and Connectivity: Driving into the Future
• Safety Measures and Driver Assistance: Confidence on Every Mile
• Fuel Economy and Everyday Efficiency: Practical Luxury
• Cargo Capacity and Usability: Ready for Real Life
• Ownership Value: Warranty, Maintenance, and Long-Term Satisfaction
• Final Perspective: Why the 2026 INFINITI QX60 Stands Apart

Setting the Stage: Comparing Two Generations of the QX60

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 represents a solid refinement of its 2025 predecessor, leveraging incremental updates that matter in both everyday usability and luxury expectations common in Yadkinville and Lexington commutes. Both models share the same foundational architecture as a three-row luxury SUV with seating configurations that interchange between seven-passenger capacity and six with second-row captain’s chairs. However, the 2026 model introduces subtle yet impactful advancements in powertrain tuning, interior materials, and digital integration.

While the 2025 QX60 established a strong base with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque, the 2026 iteration refines this engine tuning to offer improved sound quality and smoother transmission shifts with its 9-speed automatic gearbox replacing the prior CVT system. This combined powertrain polishing enhances the driving experience for residents commuting daily in areas like Rural Hall and Walkertown, presenting a more sophisticated and composed ride.

Choosing between these two comes down to nuance: the 2026 QX60’s delivery feels more modern and measured with better technology, while the 2025’s competitive pricing and foundational setup still appeal to budget-conscious drivers. Yet those seeking a vehicle that holds future-proof tech, enhanced luxury, and improved sound engineering should recognize the 2026 QX60 as the preferred choice.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics: The Evolution of Performance

Engine and Transmission

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powering both the 2025 and 2026 QX60 models outputs an identical 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2026 version benefits from an updated engine calibration that not only improves audible refinement but also pairs with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. This results in more natural and responsive gear changes, smoothing acceleration and minimizing lag, an area where the 2025 model showed some delays under brisk acceleration in typical Kernersville traffic conditions.

Acceleration and Drive Feel

Taking a closer look at performance numbers, the 2026 QX60’s 0-60 mph sprint hovers around 7.5 to 7.9 seconds, slightly edging out the 2025’s roughly 7.8-second time. This modest enhancement translates into noticeable real-world responsiveness. Steering feedback and cornering dynamics have also been subtly improved, addressing the previous generation’s slightly disconnected driving sensation. Drivers moving through the curves surrounding Mint Hill or negotiating urban streets in Salem will appreciate the more composed balance.

Suspension and Handling

Both model years use a front strut/setup with a multilink rear suspension. However, the 2026 QX60 has refined its chassis tuning to soften the harshness in ride quality while maintaining sufficient control and poise. The ride remains firm compared to some European rivals but feels more polished over varied surfaces common to routes connecting Lewisville and Mocksville, offering elevated passenger comfort without sacrificing driving engagement.

Exterior Styling and Presence: Visual Refinement and Modern Flair

Updated Design Language

The 2026 QX60 takes a thoughtful approach to exterior upgrades with a subtly reimagined front grille featuring a floating design with illuminated INFINITI badging — a noteworthy upgrade from the standard emblem of the 2025 model. This adds sophisticated visual drama especially evident during evening drives in neighborhoods like Coventry or Thomasville.

Introducing a new Sport appearance package, the 2026 model exhibits striking gloss black 20-inch wheels and a signature “S” badge on the liftgate, elements absent on the previous generation’s trims. The segmented daytime running lights, inspired by the flagship QX80, cascade a distinctive signature, enhancing the QX60’s street presence around Grandview Crossing.

Color and Wheel Options

New exterior finishes such as Deep Emerald and Graphite Shadow with a black roof on the Autograph trim enhance the 2026 lineup’s personality. Both model years standardize 20-inch wheel sizes, but the 2026’s premium finishes and Sport and Autograph package styling edge out the earlier 2025’s more conventional palette.

Interior Comfort and Passenger Accommodations: Space Meets Sophistication

Seating and Materials

Both models welcome passengers with flexible seating for six or seven, based on second-row configuration choices. The 2026 QX60 enhances this experience with upgraded TailorFit faux leather containing 65% recycled materials in entry trims, while the Autograph trim boasts semi-aniline leather and open-pore wood combined with laser-etched metal accents, elevating the cabin’s tactile richness.

Compared to the 2025 model’s more conventional materials, the new interiors feel distinctly more luxurious, especially in trims prioritizing comfort. Additionally, the 2026 model introduces new interior color combos like dark blue and black in the Sport trim, amplifying visual appeal for those coming from areas like Walkertown or Rural Hall.

Passenger Space and Roominess

Legroom measurements remain nearly unchanged, with the 2026 model offering best-in-class front and second-row accommodation but a somewhat tighter third row compared to competitors like the Buick Enclave. However, refined seat designs and easier second-row folding mechanisms make third-row access smoother — a subtle design focus appreciated by families traveling around King or Advance.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity: Driving into the Future

Infotainment Systems

Technology is where the 2026 QX60 truly diverges from its 2025 predecessor. Both years feature dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and driver information, but the newer model integrates Google-based software encompassing Google Maps for richer navigation and voice controls, elevating convenience especially for residents commuting daily in Mocksville or Yadkinville.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard, but infotainment responsiveness has improved, and the 2026 model offers a head-up display measuring 10.8 inches that projects critical data right into the driver’s line of sight — an advantage missing in the 2025 lineup.

Audio and Comfort Tech

Audio systems range from 9-speaker setups in base models to a class-leading 20-speaker Klipsch surround sound system with headrest-mounted speakers in the 2026 Autograph trim, delivering superior sound clarity and immersive entertainment. Massage front seats, available exclusively in 2026, further enhance long drives in areas like Thomasville or surrounding Charlotte suburbs.

Safety Measures and Driver Assistance: Confidence on Every Mile

Both 2025 and 2026 INFINITI QX60 models earn exemplary safety ratings including 5-star overall from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS for the 2025 edition. The 2026 model builds on this foundation by expanding active safety features as standard.

Automatic emergency braking now extends to front and rear, combined with vigilant blind-spot monitors with intervention capabilities and a 360-degree camera system with Moving Object Detection — providing a comprehensive protective envelope ideal for navigating busy streets in Lewisville and Walnut Cove.

Lane departure warning in the 2026 QX60 includes a steering wheel vibration alert, heightening driver awareness beyond the 2025 model’s more basic lane assistance. Hill Start Assist maintains uphill stability across both models, valuable when setting off in hilly areas of King or Advance.

Fuel Economy and Everyday Efficiency: Practical Luxury

Both model years deliver nearly identical fuel efficiency benchmarks. The EPA estimates a combined 24 mpg, with city figures around 22 mpg and highway efficiency approaching 28 mpg on front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive variants average a slight decrease to 27 mpg highway.

One noticeable improvement with the 2026 model is the adoption of a 9-speed automatic that harmonizes engine response and throttle feedback, promoting steadier fuel consumption during stop-and-go commutes in areas like Coventry or Mocksville compared to the earlier CVT experience.

The resultant estimated driving range climbs to approximately 468 miles on a full tank, underlining suitability for longer trips weaving through the region from Grandview Crossing to Walnut Cove without frequent refueling stops.

Cargo Capacity and Usability: Ready for Real Life

Both the 2025 and 2026 QX60 trim the fine balance expected in three-row SUVs, accommodating families and active lifestyles in Winston-Salem and environs. The 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, along with 41.6 cubic feet behind the second, and 75.4 cubic feet behind the first row, provide usable volume that supports grocery runs, camping gear, or weekend sports equipment.

Minor enhancements in the 2026 model include a power-returning third-row seat back in the Autograph trim, easing seat repositioning after fold-downs—an appreciated convenience for drivers loading and unloading in King or Lexington.

Ownership Value: Warranty, Maintenance, and Long-Term Satisfaction

Ownership peace of mind is strengthened with both model years carrying a 4-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and a commendable 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2026 increase in technology and creature comforts justifies slight value enrichment but still offers compelling total ownership costs given the comprehensive coverage and 3-year/30,000-mile complimentary maintenance included with newer models.

Modern INFINITI Of Winston-Salem stands ready to assist with expert service and genuine replacement parts via our parts department at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem. For maintenance scheduling, customers across Lewisville, Tobaccoville, and other regions can conveniently schedule vehicle service at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem. Also, find tremendous value in your current vehicle by opting to value your trade-in at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem.

Final Perspective: Why the 2026 INFINITI QX60 Stands Apart

Choosing between the 2025 and 2026 INFINITI QX60 for buyers throughout Winston-Salem, Charlotte, or Mint Hill presents a fairly straightforward decision once the nuances are examined. While the 2025 model offers strong foundational performance, respectable fuel efficiency, and a comfortable cabin, recent refinements in the 2026 QX60 elevate its standing as a more complete and polished luxury SUV.

The move from a CVT to a 9-speed automatic transmission, alongside refined engine tuning, noticeably improves driving dynamics and responsiveness — a critical factor for drivers navigating diverse road conditions near Rural Hall or Germanton. Meanwhile, the integration of advanced infotainment technology featuring Google applications, standout audio upgrades, and enhanced safety features provide a modern luxury experience that only the latest QX60 can fully deliver.

For those seeking genuine value backed by a reputable powertrain warranty, attractive interior materials, and a distinctive exterior — all available at Modern INFINITI Of Winston-Salem — the 2026 INFINITI QX60 emerges as the obvious choice.

Explore our current new and used inventory at new vehicles for sale at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem and used vehicles for sale at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem. Discover how the Modern team supports your vehicle’s lifetime enjoyment and safety through expert service and schedule vehicle service at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem.

For any emergencies on the road, remember that INFINITI’s exclusive roadside assistance is the premier solution, offering authorized repairs and genuine parts with comprehensive policy coverage. Access support anytime by calling INFINITI Roadside Assistance: 800-662-6200. Our dealership team at 1500 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 remains your trusted partner throughout your ownership journey.

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