2026 Land Rover Defender vs 2026 INFINITI QX60

Based on the Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60 is neither compelling nor competitive, meeting the barest of expectations in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Moreover, it looks and feels entirely disconnected from Infiniti’s history of building stylish, enjoyable-to-drive vehicles. Updates to the 2026 QX60 don’t help, either, though its technology now meets the class standards. Reportedly, Infiniti is planning a renaissance, drawing on its roots and its most successful past models. That can’t happen fast enough.

Verdict: If you want a soft-riding and quiet luxury three-row SUV that meets most of your technology expectations, an Infiniti QX60 in Pure or Luxe trim makes sense if the three-year lease payment undercuts the competition. Otherwise, get a loaded Nissan Pathfinder or spend extra to drive one of this Infiniti’s many rivals.

As the rest of the lineup has trended toward luxury, the Land Rover Defender has stayed true to the brand’s roots of tough off-roaders ideal for the military and farmers alike. That’s mainly because Land Rover put off updates for decades, but a redesigned Defender that’s more passenger car than farm implement arrived for 2020, bringing the nameplate back to the U.S. Changes for 2026 include subtle styling changes, a larger touchscreen, and new color and accessory options.

Verdict: The Defender offers an unmatched combination of off-road capability and everyday civility.