The Last Hybrid Infiniti Models In The USA

If you want to get your hands on an Infiniti hybrid, you’ll have to go back a few years, as the most recent discontinuation was the 2018 Q50. During Nissan’s recent internal turmoil, Infiniti was forced to downsize its lineup to a few core models, more of which are being discontinued after this model year. With that being said, the last Infiniti hybrid models met their demise around the 2017-2018 model years due to poor sales figures. While there are still plenty of brands shifting their focus to hybrid models, Infiniti currently feels stuck with no particular direction. We’ll talk more about that later; for now, here is a brief history of the brand, its first hybrid model, and the three last hybrids Infiniti produced.

A Brief History Of Infiniti

An Attempt At Affordable Luxury

After being conceived in 1989, Nissan’s luxury division has come a long way. Though there have been plenty of ups and downs, Infiniti still exists today (though it is dwindling). It tried everything from basic luxury sedans to a single performance version of the G37 coupe, but ultimately boiled down to a handful of SUVs.

After years of internal discussion, branding, and other preparations, Infiniti was born in 1989. Its original mission was to produce performance luxury cars that rivaled prevailing American and European brands, only it would focus on a driver-centric experience and better customer service. The first models, launching at 51 dealerships across America, were the Q45 sedan and M30 coupe, both of which are still sought after by enthusiasts today. It wasn’t until 1995 that Infiniti’s first V6 engine was introduced for the VQ series, which ultimately resulted in some of the brand’s best cars.

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Models including the G35 used a 3.5-liter V6, then later models, like the G37, used an improved, more powerful 3.7-liter V6, which went on to supply many Infiniti cars with smooth and reliable power. After the early days of luxury performance, Infiniti introduced some hybrid models, like the M35h.

The First-Ever Hybrid Infiniti

Branching Out To New Sectors

The first hybrid Infiniti came in the form of the M35h, which was an electrically assisted version of the gas-powered M35 luxury sedan. Having only been available for two model years, 2012 and 2013, this model was short-lived. Fortunately, the model continued as the Q70 Hybrid with new body styling. The 2012–2013 M35h was one of Infiniti’s more luxurious sedans, with smooth, quiet power, a premium interior, and better fuel economy than the standard M35. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid that made a combined 360 horsepower, and achieved an estimated 27/32 mpg city/highway.

Most Recent Hybrid Infiniti Models

While there hasn’t been an Infiniti plug-in hybrid, there were a handful of regular hybrids from the brand. All three of the mentioned models had gas-only versions with longer production lifespans than the hybrid models, but the hybrids were not popular enough to warrant producing more. After a short run for each of them, they saw the light between 2017 and 2018.

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid (2014–2017)

The only Infiniti hybrid SUV was the QX60 Hybrid. This model looked more luxurious than the Nissan Pathfinder, which it shared a platform with, but the interior felt like a mix of plastic parts-bin specials from the cheaper brand. If you can get past the cheap feeling of the interior, it handles well for an SUV. It sends power to either the front or all four wheels via a CVT connected to a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder hybrid. Total combined outputs reach 250hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. As for fuel economy, the EPA rates it at 25/27 mpg city/highway.

Infiniti Q70 Hybrid (2014–2018)

We talked about the M35h earlier, which technically only lasted for a couple of model years before the nameplate was discontinued. However, the car lived on through the Q70 hybrid. This luxurious sedan was not the brand’s most popular. Having only sold 5,772 units across all versions in the United States, with the hybrid surely being a smaller portion of the total, it was time to let this one go. Under the hood was a familiar 3.5-liter V6 hybrid that made 360 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque, which was more powerful than the standard Q70’s 3.7L V6.

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid (2013–2018)

The very last model to survive among Infiniti hybrid cars was the Q50 Hybrid. When the automaker pulled the plug on this model in 2019, it marked the end of the Infiniti hybrid; non-hybrid models continued until 2024. Powering the hybrid, though, was a 3.5-liter V6 assisted by an electric motor that, when combined, produced 360 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Power could be sent to either the rear or all four wheels, and the car reached an EPA-rated 28/34 mpg city/highway.

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Where Infiniti Stands Today: Current Models

The End Of An Era?

While some might be surprised by the lack of Infiniti’s competition in today’s market, or disappointed by the brand’s failure to include more efficient options, Infiniti hybrids don’t have a place in the brand’s current lineup. The last Infiniti models of 2025 are four SUVs, including the QX80, QX60, QX55, and QX50.

The 2025 QX80 shares a platform with the Nissan Armada, which is also a huge, family SUV with plenty of tech. The Infiniti version ranges from $82,450 for the Pure trim in RWD format and tops out at the Autograph trim in 4WD for $110,595. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

As for the other models, buyers should be aware that the QX50 and QX55 will only last until the summer of 2026. Infiniti wants to push upmarket, and the less expensive models are starting to look dated, according to Nissan of America’s Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer, Ponz Pandikuthira. The QX60 is currently here to stay.

Conclusion

A Gas-Powered SUV Brand

So many brands in the past decade have announced their plans to be full-electric by this year or that, but nearly all have renounced those plans in favor of hybrid powertrains. Infiniti, in particular, announced back in 2018 that it would have a full-electric lineup by 2021, which obviously didn’t happen. Since it left the last hybrid option back in 2018, Infiniti’s lineup has been slowly shrinking. As of next year, the only models for sale will be the huge QX80 and the more reasonably-sized QX60 crossover.

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In a recent press release, however, Infiniti and Nissan explained how they intend to debut a range of refreshed models and next-generation technology between FY25 and FY27 in the United States and Canada. Nissan’s e-Power hybrid tech is already included in a few models, but we’re going to see the next iteration of the powertrain and fully-electric models soon. It’s possible Infiniti’s struggles with a shrinking lineup and a lack of hybrids stem from Nissan’s internal turmoil and failed mergers with Honda, but we suspect they won’t be out of the running for too much longer.

FAQs

Why did INFINITI stop making hybrids?

The last Infiniti hybrid models were cut from production due to low sales figures.

What is the best SUV hybrid to buy?

Some of the best hybrid SUVs include the Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Does the Infiniti QX60 come in hybrid?

The Infiniti QX60 used to be available as a hybrid, but that version was discontinued after the 2017 model year.

Sources: Infiniti