2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape, in its fourth generation, presented a blend of SUV and hatchback aesthetics. Its design featured a curved snout and sleek roofline, giving it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Despite its unique exterior, the Escape's interior lacked cohesion, with angular instrument clusters and low-quality materials. The top Titanium model offered ambient lighting but not standard leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control was only available from the SEL trim level.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior boasted a dramatic look with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and chrome accents. The interior was spacious and luxurious, especially in the Autograph trim, featuring quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60 was crafted with high-quality materials and offered a serene ride, emphasizing comfort and elegance.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including two gasoline engines and hybrid options. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, delivering 200 hp. The Escape's towing capacity reached 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine, but the chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT. The QX60's suspension was reworked for a smooth ride, and it provided a comfortable experience for passengers in all three rows. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered competitive interior space, with first and second-row headroom and legroom near the top of its segment. The sliding rear seat allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space, with up to 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, while hybrid models had slightly less due to battery placement.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 provided a luxurious and spacious interior, with storage throughout the cabin and charging ports for all passengers. The second-row seats slid on rails for easy access to the third row, and the Autograph trim featured captain's chairs with a removable center console. Cargo space was generous, with up to 75.4 cubic feet available with both rear rows folded. The QX60 also offered a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch touchscreen on base models and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were standard, but the Escape lacked some advanced tech features found in competitors, such as wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 impressed with its technology offerings, including a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were available. The Autograph trim featured a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience. The QX60 also offered a premium Bose sound system and advanced connectivity features.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous model received high marks. The QX60 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on most trims, with additional options like lane-departure prevention and a 360-degree camera system.