2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the prominent spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a modern touch. However, the interior did not match the luxury standards expected in contemporary SUVs. The wood trim felt more like plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the overall luxury feel. While leather upholstery was standard, the interior's outdated design and materials were noticeable drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out with its distinctive design and engineering, particularly its VC-Turbo engine. The exterior featured a large honeycomb grille and a sporty, curved hood, while the rear showcased a unique chrome strip. The panoramic moonroof added an airy feel to the cabin, enhancing the spaciousness. However, visibility was slightly compromised by thick B-pillars and a short rear window. The interior boasted soft-touch materials, aluminum accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with heated and cooled front seats providing comfort in varying temperatures. The QX50's design and interior quality were more in line with modern luxury expectations.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and various driver aids. It offered a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, making it a strong choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. The VC-Turbo engine offered a balance of power and efficiency by adjusting the compression ratio. The CVT, while not perfect, provided a smooth and quiet driving experience. The QX50's intelligent AWD system offered reassurance on slippery surfaces, and the drive mode selector allowed for customization of driving dynamics. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency. The QX50's performance was well-suited for everyday driving, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was also restricted, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

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 maximizing legroom or cargo space. The cargo area was accommodating, with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 provided practical storage solutions, including cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, enhancing its functionality for everyday use.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option, but overall, the tech offerings were limited for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 excelled in technology, featuring the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the 16-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality. The QX50 also included advanced safety features like ProPilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Around View Monitor and moving-object detection added convenience in tight spaces. The QX50's tech offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for crashworthiness.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS for crash protection. The QX50's safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.