INFINITI QX65 vs. Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 is America's best-selling luxury SUV. The INFINITI QX65 is its fastback alternative — with more cargo, nearly double the towing capacity, and a design the RX cannot match.
America's Best Seller vs. A Bold New Challenger.
The Lexus RX 350 is the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States for good reason — it is exceptionally reliable, comfortable, and well-rounded. Its reputation for low ownership costs and strong resale value is unmatched in the segment. It starts at $53,350 for the AWD model, nearly identical to the QX65.
The INFINITI QX65 offers a compelling alternative: significantly more cargo space, dramatically higher towing capacity, a bold fastback roofline, and Google Built-In navigation as standard. The Lexus wins on reliability reputation, resale value, fuel economy, and the available hybrid lineup. The QX65 wins on cargo utility, towing, design distinctiveness, and technology integration.
| Specification | INFINITI QX65 | Lexus RX 350 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $55,535 | $53,350 ✓ |
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo I-4 | 2.4L Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 275 hp ✓ |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft ✓ |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard | AWD Standard |
| Body Style | Fastback / Coupe-SUV | Traditional SUV |
| Seating | 5 Passengers | 5 Passengers |
| Cargo — Behind Row 2 | 35.8 cu ft ✓ | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo — Seats Folded | 67.7 cu ft ✓ | 46.2 cu ft |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 22 mpg est. | 24 mpg (AWD) ✓ |
| Hybrid Option | No | Yes (RX 350h, 36 mpg) ✓ |
| Google Built-In | Standard ✓ | Not Available |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Standard ✓ | Available |
| Wireless Phone Charging | Qi2 Standard ✓ | Available |
| Driver Assistance | ProPilot Standard | Safety Sense 3.0 Std. |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs ✓ | ~3,500 lbs |
| Assembly | Smyrna, TN — USA ✓ | Ontario, Canada |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 60,000 mi ✓ | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
The Cargo Gap Is Bigger Than It Looks
On paper, 35.8 versus 29.6 cubic feet sounds like a modest difference. In practice, it is the difference between fitting a full set of luggage for a family of four and leaving a bag at home. The QX65 carries over 6 cubic feet more behind the second row — enough for a large duffel, a stroller, or a week's worth of groceries on top of what the Lexus can hold.
The real story is in the maximum cargo figure. With rear seats folded, the INFINITI QX65 opens up to 67.7 cubic feet. The Lexus RX 350 manages just 46.2 cubic feet — a gap of more than 21 cubic feet. That is the equivalent of an entire additional large suitcase. For anyone who hauls gear for outdoor activities, sports equipment, or home improvement runs, this difference is not trivial.
The Lexus RX's relatively small cargo area is a known limitation of the model, frequently cited in owner reviews as the vehicle's primary weakness. The QX65 addresses this directly with a longer cargo floor and a wider load opening.
6,000 lbs vs. 3,500 lbs — This Is Not Close
The INFINITI QX65 is rated to tow up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped. The Lexus RX 350 AWD is rated for approximately 3,500 lbs. That is not a minor difference — the QX65 can tow 71% more than the Lexus.
To put that in real-world terms: the QX65 can tow a fully loaded dual-axle boat trailer, a mid-size travel trailer, or a horse trailer with two horses. The Lexus RX 350 is limited to a small single-axle boat, a jet ski, or a lightweight pop-up camper. For buyers in the Akron area who use their SUV for anything beyond daily commuting, this gap matters enormously.
The Lexus RX has never been positioned as a towing vehicle, and its platform reflects that. The QX65's higher towing rating is a structural advantage built into its chassis design — not an optional add-on.
Google Built-In vs. Lexus's Proprietary System
Every 2027 INFINITI QX65 ships with Google Built-In as standard equipment. This means Google Maps is the native navigation system — with real-time traffic, live lane guidance, and seamless integration with your Google account. Google Assistant responds to natural voice commands without requiring a phone connection. Google Play gives access to apps directly through the vehicle's display.
The Lexus RX 350 does not offer Google Built-In on any trim level. It relies on Lexus's proprietary infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — so smartphone mirroring is available, but the native navigation and voice assistant are Lexus's own, not Google's. For buyers who live in Google's ecosystem, this is a meaningful daily-use difference.
Both vehicles include standard wireless phone charging and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. The QX65 adds Qi2 fast wireless charging as standard, while the Lexus offers standard wireless charging on most trims.
Where the Lexus RX 350 Has the Genuine Edge
The Lexus RX 350's reliability record is not marketing — it is consistently backed by J.D. Power dependability studies and Consumer Reports owner satisfaction data. Toyota's manufacturing quality is among the best in the industry, and the RX benefits from decades of refinement. Owners report fewer issues over the long term, and the RX holds its resale value better than almost any other luxury SUV in the segment.
Fuel economy is another genuine Lexus advantage. The RX 350 AWD is rated at 24 mpg combined versus the QX65's estimated 22 mpg. More significantly, Lexus offers the RX 350h hybrid at 36 mpg combined — a figure the QX65 cannot approach. For buyers who prioritize fuel costs above all else, the RX hybrid is a compelling choice that the INFINITI lineup does not currently match.
The Lexus also starts $2,185 less than the QX65, and its powertrain produces slightly more horsepower (275 vs. 268) and torque (310 vs. 286 lb-ft). These are real, if modest, advantages worth acknowledging.
Where the QX65 Has the Clear Advantage
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX 350 if:
- Long-term reliability and resale value are your top priorities.
- You want a hybrid option — the RX 350h at 36 mpg is exceptional.
- You prefer a traditional, upright SUV roofline for maximum headroom.
- You rarely or never tow anything heavier than a small trailer.
Buy the INFINITI QX65 if:
- You need to tow a boat, camper, or trailer over 3,500 lbs.
- You want significantly more cargo room for family, gear, or road trips.
- You want Google Built-In as your native navigation and voice system.
- You want a bold fastback design that stands apart from every RX in the parking lot.
- You want a vehicle assembled in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more cargo space, the INFINITI QX65 or Lexus RX 350?
The INFINITI QX65 offers 35.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, compared to 29.6 cubic feet in the Lexus RX 350. With rear seats folded, the gap grows dramatically: 67.7 cubic feet in the QX65 versus 46.2 cubic feet in the RX 350.
Can the INFINITI QX65 tow more than the Lexus RX 350?
Yes. The INFINITI QX65 is rated to tow up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped. The Lexus RX 350 AWD is rated for approximately 3,500 lbs — the QX65 can tow nearly double what the Lexus can handle.
Does the INFINITI QX65 have Google Built-In?
Yes. Every 2027 INFINITI QX65 comes standard with Google Built-In, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. The Lexus RX 350 does not offer Google Built-In on any trim.
Is the INFINITI QX65 or Lexus RX 350 more fuel efficient?
The Lexus RX 350 AWD is rated at 24 mpg combined, slightly better than the INFINITI QX65's estimated 22 mpg combined. Lexus also offers the RX 350h hybrid at 36 mpg combined for buyers who prioritize fuel economy above all else.
Which has a better warranty, the INFINITI QX65 or Lexus RX 350?
The INFINITI QX65 is covered by a 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. The Lexus RX 350 covers only 4 years/50,000 miles — 10,000 fewer miles of basic protection at nearly the same starting price.
INFINITI QX65 over Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 is a legitimate legend — its reliability record, resale value, and hybrid efficiency are genuine, well-earned advantages that no competitor easily dismisses. If long-term ownership costs and peace of mind are your top priorities, the RX deserves serious consideration. But the INFINITI QX65 delivers dramatically more cargo space, nearly double the towing capacity, Google Built-In, a longer warranty, and a bold fastback design — at essentially the same price. For buyers who want utility and style along with luxury, the QX65 makes a compelling case.
Experience the QX65 at INFINITI of Akron
Visit us to see the all-new QX65 in person. Our team will walk you through every trim and feature — no pressure, no games.