2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone a few updates over the years. The GX adopted Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further updated in 2020 with a new textured insert and new triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t see any styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim level.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a complete makeover, including a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The new front featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car look with plenty of chrome. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The rear elevation was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60 models displayed a high level of craftsmanship and build quality, originating from the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was a throwback to an earlier generation of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample power for acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the GX’s 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The braking and handling were also reminiscent of older SUVs, with low grip and significant body roll in corners. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern unibody SUVs. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD system with low range, and several driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX 460 had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, on the other hand, featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. This change significantly improved the driving experience, with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 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 reworked suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, provided a smooth and serene ride. The QX60 handled well, with good steering feel and minimal body roll, though it wasn’t designed for aggressive cornering. The QX60 was more suited for smooth highways and suburban streets, offering comfort and space for passengers in all three rows.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, and the tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, though forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best reserved for children due to limited space and difficult access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row up.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a more modern and spacious interior. The three-row SUV provided ample storage throughout the cabin, with a roomy center console, large cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space between the rows, and the Autograph trim level featured twin captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults, depending on the second-row occupants’ generosity. 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. The QX60 also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity as standard, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, in contrast, was packed with technology. It featured full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a 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, head-up display, and smart rearview mirror were available on higher trim levels. The QX60 also offered a nine-speaker audio system, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trim levels except Pure, with additional features like blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, and driver attention alert available on higher trims.