2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo’s traditionally conservative styling. Debuting in its current form in 2016, the XC90 maintained its recognizably Volvo identity while adding modern character. Key design features included a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille. The details set it apart: softer lines, chrome accents replacing unpainted plastic, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, which boasted extra chrome trim and (optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, was particularly flashy, while the R-Design offered a sportier look with 20-inch wheels and a gloss-black grille surround. The base Momentum trim featured 19-inch wheels.

Volvo designed the XC90 as a car-based crossover, sharing its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" series models and some smaller "60" series models. Inside, the XC90 embodied “Swedish minimalism” with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim provided a natural look, unlike the heavily-lacquered trims in most luxury cars. With an optional wool upholstery (Nappa leather also available), our test car’s Orrefors crystal shifter added an unexpected, high-end touch.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, showcasing a striking new exterior and a refreshed interior. The QX60 featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes for an almost concept-car look. Chrome details, a floating roof effect enhanced by blacked-out pillars, and a contrasting black roof on the top-of-the-line Autograph trim provided additional design flair. All trims except the base Pure offered 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the QX60 emphasized horizontal lines and layers, creating a wide-open feel. The dash featured quilted leather upholstery (on the Autograph trim), and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display perched prominently atop the center dash. The TFT instrument panel displayed crisp graphics, while intuitive hard buttons and controls decorated the center console. Crafted at the Nissan plant in Tennessee, the QX60 impressed with high levels of craftsmanship and build quality, true to Infiniti standards.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three distinct powertrains, all based around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, delivering 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 engine combined turbocharging and supercharging, boosting power to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (Recharge) powertrain incorporated the T6 engine with electric assist, achieving a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 featured front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system, while AWD was standard on the T6 and T8.

Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small inline-four engine sometimes struggled, particularly during low-speed electric-only acceleration, where the gasoline engine needed to assist frequently. Three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—required careful management to balance power and efficiency. The ride quality, enhanced by an optional air-suspension system, was plush, and the cabin maintained impressive quietness. The XC90 also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds for the base FWD T5), falling slightly short of competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 transitioned from a CVT to a nine-speed automatic transmission, significantly improving driving dynamics. The CVT's rubber-banding and droning issues were replaced by clean and crisp shifts that matched engine revs seamlessly with acceleration or deceleration. Although the nine-speed could use some fine-tuning for quicker response in passing situations, it facilitated a more refined driving experience.

The QX60's 3.5-liter V6, naturally aspirated and direct-injected, produced 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It offered EPA-estimated fuel economy figures of 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, similar to its predecessor. The reworked suspension (MacPherson struts in the front and independent multilink at the rear) provided a smooth and stable ride. Although not particularly sporty, it handled corners with minimized body roll, complemented by variable-ratio electric power steering with good feedback. The QX60 prioritized comfort and space for passengers, with generous legroom and headroom in the second and third rows.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, depending on the choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While space in the third row was tighter and seats across the second and third rows lacked support, the cabin felt spacious due to the tall roof profile and optional power moonroof. Up front, the Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats with backrest massage but fell short by not including a power-adjustable steering wheel. Despite limited storage, the XC90 offered a hands-free power tailgate.

Cargo capacity for the XC90 varied: 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 64.1 cubic feet with both rows folded, placing it near the lower end of the segment's offerings.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60’s interior earned high marks for practicality. While it approached minivan-like functionality, it maintained traditional SUV aesthetics with front-hinged doors and a rear liftgate. The spacious cabin featured ample storage, charging ports, and a roomy center console. Thanks to shift-by-wire technology, the space beneath the center console was also available for storage.

Second-row seats in the QX60 slid on rails to balance space across rows, with a quick flip feature for third-row access. The third row comfortably accommodated nimble adults, contingent on second-row generosity. With 14.5 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down, the QX60 outperformed the XC90 in cargo space. Towing capacity also excelled at 6,000 pounds with the towing package, surpassing the XC90.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system in the 2021 XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. USB-A and USB-C ports were available, although only second-row USB-C ports existed, posing a minor inconvenience for front-seat users with newer phones. The touchscreen, praised for its simplicity and ease of use, complemented the minimalist interior.

On the tech front, the XC90 provided a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and an optional head-up display. Despite the user-friendly interface, the text-heavy menus were sometimes difficult to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad’s small size limited phone compatibility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 met expectations with a robust technology suite. Externally, full LED lights and a power liftgate (motion-activated in higher trims) offered convenience. Inside, the latest 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display provided wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, supported by an AT&T WiFi hotspot for up to seven devices. A wireless charging pad, and an intuitive navigation system (standard on all but the base Pure trim), added to the appeal.

The QX60 also featured integrated Amazon Alexa, allowing voice commands for various functions. The Autograph trim, standard with a 10.8-inch head-up display, came with Infiniti’s Intelligent Key, which stored seat and climate control preferences. A smart rearview mirror was another thoughtful addition for when passenger heads obstructed the natural mirror view.

In safety, the 2021 Volvo XC90 excelled, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Equipped with comprehensive safety features—including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering—the XC90 set a high benchmark. Its Pilot Assist system smoothly reacted to surrounding vehicles but had limitations on highway curves.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 lacked updated crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA but was expected to mirror the previous generation’sTop Safety Pick and five-star accolades. It included a full suite of airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver-assistance systems: forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. ProPilot Assist, available on all trims except Pure, offered additional driver aids like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure warning with haptic feedback.