2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 featured a blend of Volkswagen’s minimalism and a tech-focused design, with piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a complete makeover, including 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, and the roof appeared to float above the cabin. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim level featured a contrasting black roof, enhancing the floating effect. 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 delivered crisp graphics. The QX60 models displayed a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many electric cars, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup replaced the previous generation’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), resulting in a superior driving experience with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60’s suspension used MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the 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. 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 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk (frunk), but the interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat. Forward visibility was good, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage space was limited.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 catered to all passengers with ample storage, charging ports, and comfort. The center console in the front had a cubby for smartphones, big cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space between rows, with the Autograph trim level offering twin captain’s chairs. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The QX60 provided 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 also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. The touchpads were difficult to use without looking, but the natural-language voice-control system provided an alternative. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

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 was standard, and six USB charge points (seven in higher trims) were available throughout the cabin. The Autograph trim level included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also had a nine-speaker audio system in lower trims and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in higher trims. Infiniti’s Intelligent Key with memory and a suite of connectivity features via a smartphone app were also included.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist was designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high ratings. The QX60 came with a comprehensive set of airbags and 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 but the base trim, with additional optional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention.