INFINITI QX50 vs Lexus RX

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering prowess, particularly due to its VC-Turbo engine. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood design gave it a sporty appearance, while the unique chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel, although visibility was slightly compromised by thick B-pillars and a short rear window. Inside, the QX50 boasted a well-appointed cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, and the controls were generally intuitive, though the gear shift system was a mix of traditional and modern elements.

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in various trims including the sporty F Sport, maintained a modern and aggressive design with sharp character lines and angular features. The RX's exterior was eye-catching, with a range of paint options and distinctive elements like 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia on the F Sport model. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin with numerous color combinations and high-quality materials. However, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable than expected. Despite these drawbacks, the RX excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a unique turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency, offering a smooth and quiet operation. The QX50's CVT had simulated shift points for a more familiar driving experience, and the vehicle came with a drive mode selector offering Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency. The QX50's all-wheel drive option provided reassurance on challenging surfaces, though it was primarily a road-focused vehicle.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h offered a combined output of 308 hp. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added features like adaptive suspension and a sound generator, but the differences between drive modes were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections effectively. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined and the RX 450h hybrid reaching 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The QX50 included practical features like cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, enhancing its functionality.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 38.0 inches of legroom in the rear. The three-row RX 350L offered limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet available with all seats upright. The RX's cargo area expanded to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down, though the seats didn't fold completely flat. The RX included thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot, adjustable cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, offering seamless smartphone integration and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The system included voice recognition and a suite of connected services, though the built-in navigation was less intuitive than using Apple CarPlay. The QX50 also came with an Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist, providing advanced driving assistance features.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered an 8-inch touchscreen with an optional 12.3-inch version, though the positioning was ergonomically challenging. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, the latter being difficult to use. The RX featured a range of tech amenities, including USB ports, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote personalization and vehicle settings.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The QX50 received high ratings from the IIHS for crash protection and front crash prevention, though NHTSA ratings were limited to rollover resistance.

The 2022 Lexus RX included the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights, though it received four stars overall from the NHTSA.