2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

Infiniti completely revamped 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 in 2014 to align with Infiniti’s new naming conventions. The 2022 QX60 marked the beginning of the crossover’s second generation.

The exterior of the QX60 featured a dramatic and attractive design, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top Autograph trim level included a contrasting black roof, enhancing this effect. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The craftsmanship and build quality were high, as expected from Infiniti vehicles.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim offered a long list of upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials.

Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with the Premium option package, had AWD, two-tone paint, and various other upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $43,100. This price overlapped with the most affordable version of the Infiniti QX50. The Rogue’s interior featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat designs. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped pleats that felt like sitting on bubble wrap.

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 use some fine-tuning for better kick down in passing situations. The QX60 was powered by 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 QX60’s suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, anti-lock braking, and brake assist were standard. The electric power steering assist delivered good feel. The QX60 provided a smooth, serene ride, with generous leg and headroom in the second and third rows. While not designed for off-road capabilities, the QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue introduced a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The new engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that included paddle shifters. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Remote engine starting with climate system interior pre-conditioning was also available.

The VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban and suburban driving situations, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The engine’s unusual note and vibration through the accelerator pedal might be off-putting to some drivers. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue’s suspension design included strut-type front and multi-link rear, with brake-induced ride quality and cornering enhancements. The Rogue handled speed humps and bumps well but exhibited more body motion on undulating pavement. The steering felt lifeless, but the overall handling was secure and consistent.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, despite its luxury SUV status, could almost function as a luxury minivan with its spacious interior and practical features. The three-row SUV offered ample storage, charging ports, and comfort for all passengers. The front center console 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 featuring twin captain’s chairs and a removable center console. The third row was roomy enough for adults, and the QX60 provided 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The QX60 also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical replacement for a traditional family car, offering ease of entry and exit, better visibility, and a larger cargo area. The Rogue comfortably accommodated four people, with room for a fifth when necessary. The Platinum trim featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped pleats.

The Rogue’s rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload kids. The rear seat area included climate controls, air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, side window shades, and heated outboard seats. The cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for six different cargo configurations, and underfloor storage areas were included.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with impressive standard and available technology. Full LED headlights, running lights, taillamps, and a power liftgate were standard, with adaptive front lighting available on the Autograph trim. The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display featured wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with an AT&T WiFi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices. Six USB charge points were distributed throughout the cabin, with a wireless charging pad standard on higher trims. The navigation system, powered by TomTom, was standard on all but the base Pure trim. The QX60 also featured a color 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a nine-speaker setup in lower trims to a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in higher trims.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. Alexa Built-in was new for 2023 and standard in the Rogue Platinum, though the voice recognition technology had limitations.

The test vehicle also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well. However, the voice recognition system struggled with certain requests, and the key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high marks. The QX60 came with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist was standard on all but the base Pure trim, with additional optional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. Higher trim levels offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, though it received lower scores in updated tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.