2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its black floor mats were a hassle to clean, especially for pet owners. The interior quality was high, but the design felt more like a minivan, which, coupled with its drab exterior, did not enhance its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The redesign gave the QX60 a dramatic and attractive look, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim featured a contrasting black roof and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60 models were built in Tennessee, showcasing high craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and refined, providing quick acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered driving modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, and fuel-saving measures like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start. The EPA rated the AWD Pilot at 22 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by its 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 replaced its previous CVT with a nine-speed automatic transmission, significantly improving driving feel. The new transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, though it could use some fine-tuning for passing situations. The QX60's 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy rated at 23 mpg combined for FWD models and 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The reworked suspension and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes provided a smooth and serene ride, though the QX60 was not designed for aggressive cornering. The electric power steering delivered good feel, and the spacious second and third rows offered ample comfort. The QX60 was best suited for smooth highways and suburban streets.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered seating for up to eight people with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the front passenger. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low and flat bottom cushion. The Pilot provided ample storage, including a large center console and hidden compartments. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, while not a minivan, offered a similar level of functionality. The three-row SUV featured storage throughout the cabin, charging ports, and comfortable seating. The front center console had a cubby for smartphones, cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space with the third row, and the Autograph trim included captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults, depending on second-row legroom. The QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The QX60 also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system was adequate but had a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also added a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet, HDMI port, and Cabin Talk feature.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot was standard, along with multiple USB charge points and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The navigation system was standard on all but the base Pure trim, and Infiniti InTouch services added connectivity features via a smartphone app. The Autograph trim included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. A nine-speaker audio system was standard on lower trims, while a 17-speaker Bose system was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high marks. The QX60 included a comprehensive set of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems like forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, and additional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention were available.