I drove the Infiniti QX60 and Genesis GV80 for a week — here’s the 3-row, mid-size luxury EV I recommend

When I got behind the wheel of the 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD earlier this year, it set a remarkably high bar for what I expect in a mid-size luxury SUV with three-row seating. Between its whisper-quiet ride, lavish cabin space, and punchy 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 performance, it easily established the benchmark for getting the most premium features for your money in the category.

Enter the 2027 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD, which aims directly at the GV80's territory by pairing generous passenger utility with high-end styling. With an as-tested price of $73,750 — undercutting the fully loaded $84,475 GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD I tested by over $10,000 — the QX60 makes a compelling case on paper.

That’s why I drove the Infiniti QX60 and Genesis GV80 for a week each to find out how they perform against each other across the critical areas I test — all to see which one truly earns my recommendation.

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Specifications

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Design

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Both SUVs nail the upscale aesthetic that sets them apart from everyday vehicles, but they approach luxury styling from completely different angles. The Genesis GV80 leans heavily into a traditional look defined by its prominent crest grille, split-lighting architecture, and regal proportions. Between the two, it undoubtedly carries an executive presence that naturally resonates with a more mature, classic-luxury demographic.

The Infiniti QX60, by contrast, feels fresher and more dynamic. With its wider stance, sprawling front fascia, and prominent air intakes, it delivers a sleeker profile with just the right touch of sportiness.

While the GV80 commands respect, the QX60 strikes a sharper balance between everyday elegance and modern athletic edge without looking ostentatious.

Winner: Infiniti QX60

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Fuel economy

When you’re paying these prices, most buyers probably aren't too concerned with efficiency — especially for three-row SUVs meant to haul loads of people around. Despite that, my time behind the wheel reveals a surprising difference between the two.

On paper, the Infiniti QX60’s 2.0-liter variable compression turbo engine promises strong efficiency, and in my real-world testing, it delivers a decisive victory over the Genesis GV80’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.

Over a week of testing, the QX60 posted an impressive average fuel economy of 26.1 mpg across 210.6 miles — easily outpacing the GV80’s 19.4 mpg average over 268.7 miles. That roughly 7 mpg gap might not sound massive at first glance, but those gas savings will certainly add up at the pump over the course of a year.

The QX60 also holds a slight edge during short-distance city runs reaching 17.1 mpg versus the GV80's 15.8 mpg, but the difference widens dramatically on the open road. During one of my long-distance highway driving tests, the QX60 achieves a best mark of 31.9 mpg, leaving the GV80’s top highway run of 21.2 mpg in the dust. For road-trippers and daily commuters alike, the Infiniti is the clear efficiency winner.

Winner: Infiniti QX60

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Driving performance

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Both luxury SUVs command a confident presence behind the wheel. Despite the Infiniti QX60 being the larger vehicle, its 2.0-liter variable-compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels surprisingly light on its feet. It delivers the kind of peppy acceleration I typically expect from sportier crossovers, making it nimble and easy to maneuver through daily traffic despite its sizable frame.

However, when you need serious passing power or open-throttle acceleration, there’s simply no replacing the sheer muscle of the Genesis GV80. Beyond being slightly easier to handle due to its smaller footprint, the GV80 feels exceptionally planted on the road — thanks in large part to its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which puts out 375 horsepower with effortless authority.

While the QX60 stays remarkably responsive around town, the GV80 is noticeably punchier when digging into the throttle on the highway to overtake slower traffic, offering the smooth, commanding power delivery expected of a flagship luxury cruiser.

Winner: Genesis GV80

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Comfort

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Step inside both cabins, and it’s immediately apparent that passenger comfort is a top priority for each automaker. The 2027 Infiniti QX60 Autograph makes a strong impression with plush, comfortable seating across all rows, integrated sunshades on the rear windows, and a handy middle-row console compartment that adds extra storage for road trips and family essentials.

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However, the 2026 Genesis GV80 takes interior indulgence to an entirely different level. The GV80 presents a significantly more pleasing aesthetic, highlighted by an expansive 27-inch panoramic OLED display that flows seamlessly across the dashboard. Vibrant ambient lighting bathes the cabin in a truly high-end glow, while front-seat passengers are treated to massaging seats that make long-distance drives virtually fatigue-free.

While the QX60 nails practical luxury, the GV80 delivers an elevated, ultra-premium ambiance that feels genuinely special.

Winner: Genesis GV80

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Value

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For many buyers, the bottom line is what matters most.

The Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD delivers exceptional bang for the buck on that front. Coming in at a noticeably lower price point — which undercuts the GV80 by more than $10,000 — it still packs an impressive suite of high-end tech. You get a crisp head-up display, digital rearview mirror, expansive panoramic sunroof, and a dedicated steering-wheel button to conveniently confirm automated lane changes while ProPILOT adaptive cruise is active.

Furthermore, its larger overall cargo hold gives you more usable trunk volume for gear and luggage, even if that extra utility slightly shortens legroom in the second and third rows compared to the competition.

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In contrast, the Genesis GV80 certainly justifies part of its steep $84,475 sticker with its exceptionally confident ADAS driving assist system, panoramic roof, and handy blind-spot view cameras that project directly into the digital cluster.

However, those additions don't quite add up to a $10,000-plus advantage. Given how the Infiniti delivers nearly all the flagship luxuries, essential safety tech, and three-row practicality for significantly less money, it easily walks away with the value win.

Winner: Infiniti QX60

Infiniti QX60 vs. Genesis GV80: Verdict

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I said it before and I’ll say it again: the Genesis GV80 is still one of my favorite 3-row luxury SUVs. But faced with a price tag that demands $10,000 more out of pocket, I can’t deny the allure and value proposition of the Infiniti QX60. Both of these mid-size luxury SUVs deliver refined driving dynamics and upscale comfort, but the 2027 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD emerges as the overall winner.

While the Genesis GV80 remains an exceptional luxury cruiser with unmatched interior indulgence and effortless V6 muscle, the Infiniti QX60 simply offers the smarter, more well-rounded package for daily life. Between its sharper, sporty-yet-elegant exterior design, superior real-world fuel economy, and generous suite of high-end technology, the QX60 holds its own in every major category.

Add in its noticeably larger cargo trunk and an as-tested price tag that undercuts the GV80 by more than $10,000, and the Infiniti proves that you don't need to spend top dollar to get a premier three-row luxury experience.

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