2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2022 Toyota Venza

Infiniti completely overhauled the QX60 for the 2022 model year, introducing a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. This redesign paralleled updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder, as both SUVs utilized the Nissan D platform. The QX60’s lineage began with the 2013 JX, which was renamed QX60 in 2014 when Infiniti shifted its naming conventions. The 2022 QX60 marked the start of the crossover’s second generation.

The exterior changes to the QX60 resulted in a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV. The front featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car look with plenty of chrome. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim level enhanced this with a contrasting black roof. The rear elevation was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. However, the top Autograph trim level had a slight misstep with chromed panels at the lower corners of the rear fascia, which looked like fake exhaust outlets.

The interior of the QX60 felt wide and open, with horizontal lines and layers emphasizing this feeling. The Autograph trim level featured quilted leather upholstery on the seats and dash, adding a touch of luxury. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed on the dash’s center, keeping the driver’s eyes close to the road. The TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics, and the center console controls were simple and intuitive. The QX60 models for the U.S. were built at the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, showcasing high craftsmanship and build quality.

Toyota reintroduced the Venza for the 2021 model year, riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. The Venza measured 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, placing it at the short end of the midsize crossover SUV segment.

The Venza had excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was a deeply scalloped body side that bulged to form the rear fender, emphasizing power. The tailgate was eye-catching with a stripe of LED lighting, and the nose had a prominent overhang, making it more suited for parking lots than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza had an elegant interior layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash took advantage of a steep windshield, and the placement of the touchscreen display was just right. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats could accommodate three adults easily.

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. However, it could still use some fine-tuning for better response in passing situations. The QX60 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy estimates 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.

The QX60’s suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. It had four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock braking and brake assist. The electric power steering assist delivered good feel. The QX60 provided a smooth and serene ride, with generous leg and headroom in the second and third rows. It was not designed for off-road capabilities but excelled on highways and suburban streets.

The 2022 Toyota Venza had a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid setup balanced electric and gas drive for optimum efficiency and performance. Drivers could opt for electric-only operation for short distances or select among Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine.

The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, feeling maneuverable like the Camry. Its taller body and higher ground clearance did not encourage aggressive cornering, but it delivered a comfortable ride for a midsize family hauler. The hybrid system was transparent in operation, requiring no special attention from the driver.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, though not a minivan, offered functionality akin to one with its three-row seating and ample storage. The front featured a roomy center console with a cubby for smartphones, big cupholders, and covered storage. The gear selector’s shift-by-wire technology allowed for open space beneath the center console for additional storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space between the rows, with a 60/40 split bench in lower trims and twin captain’s chairs in the Autograph trim. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults, depending on the second-row occupants’ generosity with legroom.

The QX60 could hold up to 14.5 cubic feet of luggage 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 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench. Both rows offered good headroom and legroom, with 45.2 inches of hip room in the second row. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim. The interior featured numerous convenience items, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat on XLE and Limited models. The electric parking brake and sliding sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors added to the convenience.

The Venza had four cupholders and four bottle holders, with each door accommodating a 24-ounce bottle. The lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had little impact on cargo capacity. The Venza could hold up to 28.8 cubic feet of luggage behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota added sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout the cabin, making the Venza a quiet and serene vehicle.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with impressive standard and available technology. Outside, it featured full LED headlights, running lights, taillamps, and a power liftgate. The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display offered wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, with an AT&T WiFi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices. Six USB charge points were standard, with seven in higher trims. A wireless charging pad was standard on Sensory and Autograph models. The navigation system, powered by TomTom, was standard in all but the base Pure trim. Infiniti InTouch services added a suite of connectivity features via a smartphone app.

The Autograph trim included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, which replaced the passive reflected image with a live camera feed. A nine-speaker audio system was standard in Pure and Luxe models, while a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system was available in Luxe and standard on Sensory and Autograph.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from the driver. The Venza’s hybrid setup was transparent in operation, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles. Toyota’s Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to analyze driving habits and optimize battery charging.

The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Both multimedia setups included Toyota Connected Services, with various trial periods for Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect.

An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A digital rearview mirror was also available. The instrument cluster featured a 5-inch display on LE models and a 7-inch display on XLE and Limited models.

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 standard safety features, including a comprehensive collection of airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trim levels except Pure, with additional optional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with features like stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags and three-point seatbelts for every seating position. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 group of driver aids was standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.