2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083 with almost every option, presented a somewhat misleading exterior. Despite being fully loaded, it resembled a standard rental car RAV4. The trim level lacked the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited, and an Adventure trim level would have been a welcome addition. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic all-wheel-drive system wasn't designed for rugged tasks, but it still managed to look tough for a compact SUV. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, though quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was a minor annoyance.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent 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 resulted in a dramatic, attractive crossover SUV with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while the roof appeared to float above the cabin. 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 high craftsmanship and build quality, originating from the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, generating 219 horsepower. The front electric motor produced 149 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor generated 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, with the instant electric-motor torque providing lively acceleration. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 39.7 mpg during testing. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated transparently, and the regenerative braking system was smooth. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were maximized by a MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension design, and a brake-based Active Cornering Assist system. However, the P225/60R18 Michelin Primacy all-season tires offered low grip, making cornering less fun.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, which improved the driving experience. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy rated 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 QX60's suspension used MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. The electric power steering assist delivered good feel. The QX60 provided a smooth, serene ride, with generous leg and headroom in the second and third rows. It was not designed for off-road use but excelled on highways and suburban streets.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front cushions. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest and heated rear cushions. The dashboard was well-arranged, with oversized climate control and stereo knobs. Storage was accommodating, with useful shelves and a center armrest with cupholders. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 catered to passengers with ample storage, charging ports, and comfort. The center console had a cubby for smartphones, cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft, with a 60/40 split bench or captain’s chairs in the Autograph trim. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. 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. It had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-shelf infotainment system included an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot connected up to seven devices, and six USB charge points were available throughout the cabin. The navigation system was standard in all but the base Pure trim level. The Autograph trim included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also had a nine-speaker audio system in Pure and Luxe models, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in Sensory and Autograph trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights and a road-sign recognition system. The Hybrid Limited trim added rear automatic braking. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high ratings. The QX60 included front- and side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and second-row side-impact airbags. It also had advanced driver assistance systems, including forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trim levels except Pure.