2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident in its design, leading some to dub it the "Pilot Sport." Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout mirrored that of the Pilot, including Honda's awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels ranged from the entry-level Sport, which included features like 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights, to the top-tier Elite, which added amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The exterior changes resulted in a dramatic, attractive crossover SUV with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The interior of the QX60 felt wide and open, with horizontal lines and layers emphasizing this spaciousness. The Autograph trim level featured quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60 models were built in Tennessee, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well. The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Intelligent Traction Management for AWD models. FWD Passports could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, naturally aspirated and direct-injected, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provided a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT. The QX60's suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. The vehicle delivered a smooth, serene ride, with good feel from the rack-mounted electric power steering assist. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console offered deep storage bins and an open cargo tray. The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, while not a minivan, offered functionality akin to one with its three-row seating and ample storage. The center console featured a cubby for smartphones, large cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space between rows, with the Autograph trim offering captain’s chairs and a removable center console. The third row was accessible with one touch and provided comfortable seating for adults. The QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. It also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of these features as standard was a significant advantage over the three-row Pilot.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with impressive standard and available technology. It featured full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and the latest 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were also included. The navigation system was standard on all but the base Pure trim. The Autograph trim featured a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The audio system ranged from a nine-speaker setup in Pure and Luxe models to a 17-speaker Bose Performance series in Sensory and Autograph trims.

The 2021 Honda Passport came well-equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, with some "Acceptable" ratings for specific tests.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high marks. The QX60 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention.