2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2022 Lexus GX

Infiniti completely overhauled the QX60 for the 2022 model year, introducing a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. This redesign mirrored updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder, as both SUVs shared the Nissan D platform. The QX60’s lineage began with the 2013 JX, which was renamed in 2014 when Infiniti shifted its naming conventions. The 2022 QX60 marked the start of the crossover’s second generation, featuring a dramatic and attractive exterior with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The interior felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

The Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition for 2022 featured a black-on-black aesthetic, eliminating almost all chrome from the exterior. Despite its new look, the GX still appeared dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor from 2002. The interior, however, maintained Lexus’s legendary quality, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet cabin. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, which significantly improved the driving experience. The new transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, enhancing acceleration and deceleration. Under the hood, the QX60 housed a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. 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 reworked suspension and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes contributed to a smooth and serene ride, although the QX60 was not designed for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a stable and secure driving experience. However, the GX’s fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg combined. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing excessive body motions on pavement. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, almost reminiscent of a luxury minivan. The three-row SUV featured ample storage, charging ports, and comfort for all passengers. The second-row seats could slide fore and aft, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The QX60 provided 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear outward visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The second-row seats offered plenty of legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The GX’s cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with impressive standard and available technology. The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display featured wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were also included. The Autograph trim level offered a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The audio system ranged from a nine-speaker setup in lower trims to a 17-speaker Bose Performance series in higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high marks. The QX60 included a comprehensive array of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional safety features available.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking recent crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.