2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic emblematic of the Lexus brand. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, a shapely body, and a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland. The RX was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, with the F Sport being the most performance-focused. The 2021 model retained the body changes introduced in 2020, including elongated headlights and a redesigned front end. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lights, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior boasted standard features such as NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, with available options like semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a complete makeover, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The redesign paralleled updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder. The QX60's exterior changes included 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 added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim level featured a contrasting black roof. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The QX60 models for the U.S. market were built in Tennessee, showcasing high craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models featured a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling systems were tuned for a more dynamic driving experience, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX could reach 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, with a top speed limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission provided a superior driving experience compared to the outgoing CVT, with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models. The suspension setup included MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink rear, delivering a smooth and serene ride. The QX60 was not designed for aggressive cornering but excelled in providing comfort for passengers in all three rows. The QX60's off-road capabilities were not tested, as it was primarily intended for smooth highways and suburban streets.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h models, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid models. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, while the second row was also comfortable for adults. The third row in the RXL models was tight for any age group. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, while not a minivan, offered functionality akin to one, with traditional front-hinged doors and a rear liftgate. The three-row SUV provided ample storage, charging ports, and comfort for all passengers. The front center console featured a cubby for smartphones, cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space, with a 60/40 split bench in lower trims and captain’s chairs in the Autograph trim. 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 had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Available upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was functional but took up valuable center console space. The RX did not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured full LED headlights, running lights, taillamps, and a center high-mounted stop light. The latest 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display included wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot could connect up to seven devices. Six USB charge points were standard, with seven in higher trims. A wireless charging pad was standard on Sensory and Autograph models. The navigation system, powered by TomTom, was standard on all but the base Pure trim. Infiniti InTouch services offered 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, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system available in higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and scored all Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

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 front- and side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensors, knee airbags, second-row side-impact airbags, and front central seat-mounted airbags. It also featured LATCH connectors and advanced driver assistance systems, including forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera, rear sonar, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional features like blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, around-view monitor, front sonar, and driver attention alert.