2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, offering magnificent views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions. The interior controls were user-friendly, though the gear shift lever's design raised some questions.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, emphasized functionality over form. Its rugged exterior, with protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal, gave it a unique look. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its outdoor appeal. Comfort levels were high, with tall seating positions and excellent visibility. The rear seats offered ample space, and the cargo area was usefully shaped, accommodating various needs. The Forester's interior exuded quality, even if it appeared somewhat inexpensive and dated.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a 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. The engine operated smoothly and quietly, though the CVT's simulated shift points aimed to provide a familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness and Eco mode prioritizing fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The CVT and all-wheel drive were standard, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. The Forester Wilderness also doubled its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different surfaces, enhancing off-road capability. The re-tuned suspension and longer springs in the Wilderness trim improved ride quality and ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures.

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 flexibility in legroom or cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The optional Cargo package added practical features for transporting various items. The QX50 also included numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with excellent visibility and ample rear-seat space. The cargo area measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's cargo area was usefully shaped, and the Wilderness trim included a full-size spare tire.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered powerful sound. The Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar and moving-object detection made parking easier. ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system, combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, ideal for outdoor activities. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial for off-road navigation.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection. The vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system received a Superior rating.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.