2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning it with the rest of Volvo's lineup through signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these distinctions, the Recharge maintained a subtle appearance, appealing to those who preferred not to flaunt their electric vehicle choice. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium interior environment.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, introducing a striking new exterior with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and chrome accents, giving it a concept-car-like appearance. The long hood and raked windshield added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect, especially pronounced in the Autograph trim with its contrasting black roof. The interior of the QX60 felt spacious and luxurious, featuring quilted leather upholstery on the seats and dash in the Autograph trim. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was centrally positioned for optimal driver visibility, complemented by a crisp TFT instrument panel. The QX60's craftsmanship and build quality were evident, reflecting Infiniti's commitment to delivering a high-end driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. Gasoline variants included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort over performance, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. Notably, the Recharge model offered a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, naturally aspirated and direct-injected, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It transitioned from a CVT to a nine-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience with smooth and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, provided a smooth and serene ride. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for AWD. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the QX60 excelled in delivering comfort and stability, making it ideal for highway cruising and suburban driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and electric versions, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a bag hook in the glovebox, compensated for the limited space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options, highlighting a minor shortcoming in interior functionality.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 excelled in interior space and versatility, almost resembling a luxury minivan with its three-row configuration. The second-row seats, which could slide and fold, provided easy access to the third row. The Autograph trim featured captain’s chairs with a removable center console, enhancing comfort and convenience. The QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 75.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Additionally, it boasted a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package, making it a practical choice for families and those needing extra cargo space.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, though the Google-centric interface might not appeal to all users. The Recharge model also eliminated the traditional start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park to start the vehicle.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 impressed with its technological offerings, including 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 standard on higher trims. The QX60 also featured a color head-up display, smart rearview mirror, and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system on select trims. Infiniti InTouch services and a simplified version of Alexa added to the vehicle's connectivity and convenience, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, including the IIHS’s "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for its gasoline models. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model included Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids through OTA updates.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its predecessor received high safety ratings. It offered a robust array of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on most trims, with additional options like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention available, ensuring a high level of safety and driver assistance.