2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator distinguished itself in a crowded field of luxury SUVs by embracing its own unique style and avoiding the temptation to mimic its rivals. Drawing from the successful styling of the larger Navigator, the Aviator showcased sharp, crisp lines and made excellent use of chrome accents. The exterior design carried a sense of strength and elegance, demonstrating a harmonious blend of traditional and modern aesthetics.

Inside, the Aviator exuded an air of comfort and warmth. It echoed design cues from the exterior with crisp lines and chrome elements. The cabin was awash with soft-touch materials, and the standard 10.1-inch touchscreen elegantly dominated the dashboard. Unique touches like the piano button shifter and Lincoln's soothing chimes further elevated the sense of luxury.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, brought to life with a complete redesign, boasted a dramatic exterior that combined elegance with an almost concept-car-like appearance. Its prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and substantial chrome-inlaid front fascia created a striking first impression. From the side, the QX60's long hood and steep windshield added to its elegance, while the blacked-out pillars and available contrasting black roof on the Autograph trim enhanced the floating roof effect. The rear, with its big wheels and tastefully executed elevation, emphasized a solid, planted look.

Inside, the QX60 felt expansive, with horizontal lines and layers contributing to a wide-open feel. The Autograph trim’s quilted leather upholstery extended to the dashboard, adding a touch of luxury. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was positioned perfectly to keep the driver’s eyes on the road, while the controls in the center console were intuitively designed for ease of use.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and could be configured with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims took performance up a notch with a plug-in hybrid setup that boosted output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid model could travel up to 21 miles on electric power alone. The Aviator provided robust acceleration and smooth power delivery, although its substantial size resulted in noticeable body roll and somewhat awkward maneuverability in tight spaces. Drive modes like "Excite" and "Conserve" allowed drivers to tailor their experience, though the Aviator was more at home on highways and suburban streets than in urban settings.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 swapped out its predecessor’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a nine-speed automatic, significantly enhancing the driving experience. The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The new transmission shifted smoothly, though it could be slow on kick down in passing situations. Fuel economy for the QX60 was competitive, with figures of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD versions.

The QX60’s reworked suspension, with MacPherson struts upfront and an independent multilink setup in the rear, provided a smooth, serene ride. Infiniti’s electric power steering assist with variable ratios delivered good feedback. Despite the vehicle’s considerable size, Infiniti controlled body roll effectively, though the QX60 wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. The vehicle shone on highways and suburban streets, providing passengers with a comfortable ride in all three rows.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered solid cargo space with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second-row captain's chairs, power-lift-and-lower third-row seats, and helpful digital control panel made the Aviator’s middle row the place to be. However, the use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery ever died.

Conversely, the 2022 INFINITI QX60, while evoking a luxurious minivan vibe without invoking the term, offered abundant storage and comfort. The front featured a roomy center console, while the second row could slide on rails for optimal space sharing. The third row was accessible and reasonably comfortable for adults, provided second-row passengers cooperated. The QX60 provided 14.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX60 also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's technology suite centered around a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was both intuitive and visually pleasing. It came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display offered easy reading with clear graphics. Tribute to Lincoln's attention to detail was evident with features like rear USB ports and multiple controllers for rear settings.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a new 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot could support up to seven devices, and the cabin housed up to seven USB charge points in higher trims. Alexa integration and a range of connectivity features via Infiniti InTouch services kept the QX60 at the cutting edge. Key features included a 10.8-inch head-up display, smart rearview mirror, and a sophisticated sound system, all enhancing the tech-savvy experience of the QX60.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator included the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety marks from both NHTSA and IIHS, along with a Top Safety Pick accolade from IIHS.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, though not yet rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time, was expected to follow in its predecessor's footsteps with top safety scores. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features including a full array of airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, and the excellent ProPilot Assist. Options included blind-spot intervention and an around-view monitor camera system, ensuring a robust safety net for drivers and passengers alike.