Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us and see if the Infiniti QX65 is swanky enough for today's luxury buyers... We'll then shift gears in an Italian World Rally champion... On "Your Drive," how some not-so-honest auto shops operate... And we'll saddle up the popular Toyota RAV4... So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: After paring their lineup down to just two vehicles, both being SUVs, Infiniti is now beginning to build back up.

And starting with an attention getter like this QX65 utility is certainly a great place to begin.

So, let's see if this gorgeous go-getter will lead to better days for Nissan's luxury division.

♪ ♪ While, the 2027 Infiniti QX65 is indeed a new model, you could think of it as a more stylish couple-like cousin of the midsize QX60, as that's exactly what it is.

Performing a sporty fastback-style makeover on an SUV is not a new concept.

It's now pretty much the norm for Infiniti's European luxury brand rivals.

And we'd say Infiniti has mastered the formula better than most; recently having traveled down this road with the compact QX55, and even helping to establish the trend with the FX way back in 2003.

The QX65's 114.2 inch wheelbase is the same as the QX60, but with half an inch added to overall length.

Highlighted by a chrome-trimmed sloping roofline, it's a single arch from windshield to taillights.

There are three grades of QX65, each with its own exterior details; that means satin chrome trim, 21 inch machine finished aluminum wheels and black roof for this top Autograph.

Luxe is just the basics, while Sport adds aggression with dark trim, unique grille, and 20 inch wheels.

Our stunning Grand Blue tester was not wearing Infiniti's showcase "Sunfire Red" livery which features real gold-coated glass flakes, but we prefer to fly under the radar anyway.

All QX65s work with the QX60's 2.0 liter variable compression 4-cylinder turbo engine rated for 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque.

Infiniti says it's tuned specifically for duty here in the QX65, as is the 9-speed automatic transmission with heightened throttle response and more aggressive shifts.

We could certainly feel the difference around town, but it came across as more hyper than sporty.

Standard all-wheel-drive helps mitigate power flow, while max tow rating is a great 6,000 pounds.

Due to the QX65's sloping roofline and the sportier ambitions, the QX60's 3rd row did not survive the transition, making this a 2-row, 5-passenger Ute.

But an abundance of rear seat headroom and legroom remain, and Infiniti kept cargo capacity good losing just 5.8 cubic-feet to 35.8, with a seatback folded max of 67.7 cubic-feet.

Tech is present, but not heavy handed, with a 12.3 inch touchscreen residing on a shelf-like portion of the dash, with a redundant console controller behind the sliding electronic shifter.

An additional 12.3 inch display provides driver information in a more traditional hooded pod behind the steering wheel.

Here, Autograph trim adds quilted leather, open pore wood accents, massaging seats and a 20-speaker audio system with headrest speakers for driver and front passenger; both of which also experience great comfort in the seats.

At our Mason Dixon Dragway test track, that hyper throttle response seemed more subdued in acceleration runs.

But once things got going, the 2.0 liter built power steadily and effectively, moving us to 60 in 7.8 seconds.

Similar, if slightly slower, than what we saw in the QX60.

The 9-speed's shifts seemed a little lazier than we remember, regardless of drive mode or even when triggered manually.

We cleared the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 89 miles per hour.

Things were more on mission in our handling course.

There was some modest body roll to deal with, but all-wheel-drive grip was plentiful, keeping understeer to a minimum.

The steering had surprisingly good feel too, very linear and predictable.

There was some minor brake fade, but test stops were very smooth as, after some aggressive forward pitch, it settled in quite nicely, coming to a halt in a fine average of 110 feet.

Away from the track, it felt best in eco mode as it tamed that throttle response a bit, with effortless highway cruising being the true specialty of this machine; all very quiet and calm.

ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is available to take control on compatible highways.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 20 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined; we averaged 23.2 miles per gallon of Premium.

It scored slightly worse than average on the Energy Impact Score, consuming 13.5 Barrels of Oil Annually, with 6.7 Tons of CO2 Emissions.

Pricing for the Tennessee-built QX65 starts at $55,565 with top Autograph beginning at $64,860.

While, they may have gone a little overboard trying to deliver a more dynamic driving experience, there's no denying the 2027 Infiniti QX65 is a beautiful and well-done SUV inside and out.

It also hasn't forsaken the actual utility aspects of the genre just for the sake of luxury.

That's the kind of balanced approach that bodes well for the future at Infiniti.

♪ ♪ JOHN: To qualify for certain racing classes, manufacturers often need to produce a certain number of street-legal editions designated just for consumers.

They are best known as homologation specials, and they're the closest fans can get to driving their favorite race cars.

Well this week, our Roger Mecca samples one such special that's straight out of the WRC!

♪ ♪ ROGER MECCA: In 1987, World Rally Championship rules changed, stipulating that for a car to qualify for its Group A racing division, a manufacturer needed to build 2,500 street-legal versions that matched the race model and make the car available for anyone to buy.

That rule turned out to be a massive win for car fans, allowing us to enjoy the Lancia Delta Integrale Evolution 2.

Looking at it today, it's hard to believe just how modest the backstory of the Evo 2 really is.

It started life as the Delta, a small, sensible, 4-door hatchback that came out in 1979 with less than 100 horsepower.

But then opportunity came knocking and Lancia's engineers tweaked, tuned, and modified the Delta to turn it into not just one of the greatest rally racers ever made, but what many consider to be the greatest hot hatch of all time.

Lancia had already enjoyed a storied rally racing history by 1987, with legendary models like the Fulvia, Stratos, and O37 winning multiple championships.

Oddly enough, the little Delta was the perfect car to carry the torch.

The compact dimensions meant a relatively light body and beneath the Giorgetto Giugiaro styling was a chassis that could be easily modified.

By 1987, Lancia already had the then top of the range, turbocharged Delta HF 4-wheel-drive to build from.

And since it was already mass-produced, Lancia wouldn't need to worry about meeting the 2,500, car requirement.

When the Delta HF made its debut in 1987 in Monte Carlo, it took the rallying world by storm.

Not only did the Delta HF win that first race, it won the championship that year.

And then, it just kept on winning; 46 races and eight championships in all, including a stretch from 1987 to 1992-- six years in a row.

And that is a record that still stands today.

Each generation addressed weaknesses, increased capability, and kept the Delta competitive.

Every update brought wider fenders to fit wider tires, plus bigger brakes and stiffer springs.

In fact, the prominent bulge on the hood isn't because of a massive engine.

It's to accommodate the beefed-up suspension.

Every model made the car a little better, both in racing and out on the road.

By the time we get here, horsepower is up to 215, and it get to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds.

But you didn't really necessarily drive it for the speed, you drove for the handling.

In addition to those improved springs and better brakes, the 4-wheel-drive gives it huge grip, and you can get on the gas early in a corner as it pulls itself out.

It inspires confidence early and feels light and nimble, encouraging you to toss it around corners; the more curves, the better.

The steering is lightning quick and tells you exactly what the front tires are doing.

Now, the driving experience is so good, you might not realize just how nice it is in here.

The Recaro seats are very comfortable and extremely supportive as you're going around all these tight corners.

The driving position is great; I can see and reach everything perfectly.

It's got terrific visibility out of all the windows.

It's a car you can take to work every single day, commuting, going to school, going to the grocery store.

It's exactly what you want out of a hot hatch.

The practicality, but you can also set your hair on fire as you're flying down the road.

Though, the layout is simple, nothing in here looks cheap or poorly put together.

The transmission isn't especially smooth and the throws are a little long, but I do love the notch in the shifter for your thumb, showing just how much Lancia was focused on the driver.

As for the HF badges, it stands for "high fidelity," to represent driving precision, while those little elephants, well, those are meant to represent how a Lancia, once it gets running, is unstoppable.

Though, it wasn't originally sold in the U.S., quite a few have been brought over here since 2019 when the Evo 2 satisfied the 25 year import rule.

But keep in mind that a nice example like this, it's going to set you back about $160,000 or more.

They made the Integrale for two more years, but then, once that went away, they never returned to make a car quite like this ever again.

But I guess that's ok.

Because by then, it had already captivated a generation of both rally fans and car fans alike.

JOHN: Finding the right tech for car repairs can be hit or miss, so let's let Audra Fordin discern the sincere from the sketchy on MotorWeek's "Your Drive."

(car starts up) AUDRA FORDIN: Let's be honest, walking into an auto repair shop can feel intimidating for a lot of people.

Some drivers feel uncomfortable asking questions, some worry about being oversold, and some are afraid they'll sound silly, if they don't understand the terminology.

And unfortunately, fear and confusion are exactly what cause people to delay repairs in the first place.

Now, here's the important part: Not every uncomfortable experience means you're at a bad shop.

There are certain red flags, though, that drivers should pay attention to.

One of the biggest red flags is vague explanations.

What I mean by this is, if someone tells you, "you need a bunch of front-end work," that's not an explanation.

You deserve to understand what failed, why it matters, and what happens, if it's ignored.

MECHANIC: "It's going to be a lot of electrical work with multiple different sensors in the vehicle.

It's going to be at least $2,000 just for the labor.

AUDRA: Another red flag is pressure without education.

If somebody is trying to scare you into immediate repairs without showing you evidence, explaining priorities or answering questions clearly, that should raise your concerns.

Good shops educate, they don't intimidate.

One of my favorite things an auto shop can do is physically show you the issue.

Show you the worn brake pads, show you the leaking part, show you the cracked belt, because once drivers see the problem, the conversation completely changes.

Communication builds trust.

Now, another thing drivers should understand is that not every recommendation means somebody is trying to scam you.

Cars have maintenance needs.

Parts wear out.

Fluids age.

Rubber deteriorates over time.

Sometimes, the repair recommendation is absolutely legitimate - it just wasn't explained properly, and honestly, communication goes both ways.

Drivers, you should feel comfortable asking: "What is most urgent?"

"What can wait?"

"What are my options?"

And "can you show me?"

A good shop should welcome those questions, because the best repair experiences happen when both sides are working together instead of against each other.

The goal should not be fear.

The goal should be understanding, because educated drivers make more confident decisions, and that is better for everybody.

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us, right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: Now, let's check in with Stephanie Hart for this week's MotorNews.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: A lot of excitement here at the grand opening of McLaren's new Vehicle Processing Center here in Baltimore.

It represents McLaren's largest commitment to date to its biggest market, the Americas.

The bespoke-built automotive processing and vehicle enhancement center is located at Tradepoint Atlantic in the Port of Baltimore.

We had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility and see its capabilities up close.

What goes on inside here helps McLaren ensure every supercar exceeds client standards.

Using advanced quality-control systems, various automotive specialists methodically prep the supercars before they're delivered to dealerships across the country.

Software updates are also prioritized here, as well as individual customizations designed to enhance the ownership experience.

NICOLAS BROWN: The really cool part is having MSO, our McLaren Special Operations bespoke customization that is now available to clients, as well, here locally.

Clients who would like to include additional accessories or especially when we speak about paint applications or protecting their very special paint that they've had commissioned.

STEPHANIE: McLaren's $11 million investment in Baltimore is revitalizing the area and supporting the economy.

The VPC has provided 20 jobs so far for highly skilled automotive technicians, paint, logistics, and management personnel, and they're looking forward to scaling up.

I asked McLaren's president about the day-to-day dynamics here and he told me, it feels just like family.

And everyone came together recently to celebrate this big McLaren milestone joined by clients, friends, and Maryland's Governor, Wes Moore.

GOVERNOR WES MOORE: It means, new opportunities for really good, strong jobs, new opportunities for new types of vehicles to be able to be done and produced here.

When people are going all around the country and you see a McLaren, there's a very good chance that McLaren started here in the Port of Baltimore.

And so, increasing capacity just means increasing opportunities for the people here in the state.

STEPHANIE: Another $100 million investment in U.S.

sales and service facilities is expected by next fall.

That follows news that McLaren is developing its next generation of models, including its first performance SUV.

While, the Vehicle Processing Center here isn't open to the public, eventually groups of people will be allowed to tour this amazing facility.

And that's it for this week's MotorNews.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: If summer is for long Road Trips to the beach, fall is for shorter jaunts to the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, and local craft brewery to sample their seasonal suds.

As such, our 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid has seen a tad less mileage this time around, accruing about 1,700, bringing our total test mileage to nearly 11,000 miles.

As you can imagine, open road testing on this Kia does require stops at gas stations, which gives us plenty to be spooked about this Halloween season.

But, despite a minor dip, we'd say our overall 33.2 miles per gallon is more treat than trick.

What is playing tricks on us, however, is the keyless entry.

It doesn't always unlock as quickly as we want it to, requiring a few impatient pulls of the handle.

But, our drivers have all good things to say about the interior.

The seats leave us well rested after those long trips, and the heated surfaces are coming in clutch as the weather turns.

The infotainment screen is very fluid, complete with seamless smartphone integration.

As for other tech, the driver assistance features are on point, which takes some of the stress away from daily commuting.

Visibility is good in this Sportage, but we'll continue to sing the praises of Kia's blind-spot view monitor that shows up in the instrument panel.

It's great because it's there if you need it, but it's not distracting, if you don't.

That's a staple of effective safety tech.

We've still got plenty of time left with our Kia Sportage Hybrid, as well as our Acura ADX.

We've extended its stay with us, and we'll see how its faring on the next MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test Update.

JOHN: It probably won't come as a surprise to most of you that the Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling small SUV in the U.S.

It hit the ground running 30 years ago, establishing the whole small crossover segment that continues to grow to this day.

Well, the RAV4 itself, of course, has grown plenty over the years, and for 2026 is kicking off its 6th generation.

So, let's find out what's in store for the Toyota faithful.

♪ ♪ Over the last 30 years, Toyota has been just as dominant a force in the compact crossover segment as they've been in hybrid development.

This 2026 Toyota RAV4 sees these two specialties come together more than ever before, as, like many of Toyota's recent models, the RAV is now hybrid only, with you choosing strictly whether you want front- or all-wheel-drive and whether you want to plug it in or not.

Front-wheel-drive versions get 226 horsepower from Toyota's 5th gen Hybrid System which features a 2.5 liter I4 engine and a pair of electric motors.

With another electric motor strictly for the rear axle, all-wheel-drive versions up total output to 236 horsepower, 17 more than last year.

PHEVs get standard all-wheel-drive and crank power up to 324 horsepower, 22 more than before; and that's with up to 52 miles of battery range.

Toyota may have arrived a little late to the full BEV party, but they've certainly pioneered using electric motors in cars, powering the rear wheels of many of their all-wheel-drive vehicles going back to the Lexus 400h from 20 years ago, which was quickly followed by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

The RAV4 arrived in 1996, but it took Toyota until 2016 to offer a Hybrid version.

Having sold more hybrids than anyone, they've obviously got it dialed in with ultra-smooth transitions and good throttle response regardless of where power is coming from.

For '26, Toyota is distinguishing the lineup into three distinct families.

You can go rugged with the Woodland family, sporty with SEs, or stick with the core models, a series where our Limited-trimmed tester sits at the top.

While, the winds of change have blown strongly through the RAV4, they were blowing much stronger down the track during our test day.

Still, there was enough torque to chirp the tires a bit and fight the headwinds as we shuttled to 60 in 7.2 seconds.

Progressing down the track, our all-wheel-drive tester then accelerated quicker than expected, and even the consistent engine droning we're used to from all Toyota hybrids didn't seem as bad here.

We finished the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds at 91 miles per hour.

In our handling course, there was some understeer at initial turn in, but with a torquey rear electric motor and a very responsive throttle, we could initiate some oversteer too; all depending on how aggressive we were with throttle inputs.

Steering was light and quick, and while there was some body roll, it maintained great composure throughout.

A light brake pedal with short travel had us stopping quickly, just 97 feet from 60 with good stability.

A total transformation has taken place inside the new RAV, and there's certainly a lot going on, especially in the dash, with angles and plastic pieces pointing in every direction.

The central touchscreen has grown to 12.9 inches and there's a new digital gauge cluster; both are clear and comprehensive.

Manual controls are big and blocky like something you'd see in the 4Runner.

Limited gets 9-speaker JBL audio, heated and ventilated Softex trimmed seats, a toggle-style shifter, and one of the nicest wireless charging setups we've seen yet for two smartphones.

The RAV's trick center console lid opens to either side or can be removed entirely; and it's dual-sided, so you can choose between soft armrest or a hard work surface.

Rear seat legroom remains quite good, and cargo space grows a tiny bit to 37.8 cubic-feet with a rear seat folded max of 70.4.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are up mostly across the board, with Limited all-wheel-drive going from 41 city, 38 highway, and 39 combined, to 43 city, 37 highway and 41 combined.

We averaged a good 39.7 miles per gallon of Regular.

Pricing starts at $33,350 for LE trim, with top Limited stickering for $44,750.

Making the top-selling compact crossover in the U.S.

all-hybrid was a matter of when not if, based on Toyota's current strategy.

Combine that with tech and styling updates added to what was already one of the best-driving vehicles on the road, and you have our reasoning for making the 2026 Toyota RAV4 a MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winner, and we think it will be one for you too.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time for a next-gen benchmark luxury sedan, the new Lexus ES, followed by a rundown of compact cars on "Top of the Charts."

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

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We stock over a million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

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