2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a complete makeover with a redesigned exterior, interior, new powertrains, and advanced technologies. This thorough update mirrored the changes seen in its Nissan Pathfinder cousin, as both SUVs utilized the Nissan D platform. Originating from the 2013 JX (renamed to QX60 in 2014), the updated model signaled the beginning of its second production generation. The dramatic exterior of the QX60 featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, oversized air intakes, and substantial chrome detailing—all contributing to a striking, concept-car-like appearance. The long hood, steeply-raked windshield, and blacked-out pillars gave it an elegant, floating-roof look, further accentuated in the top-tier Autograph trim with its contrasting black roof and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the interior felt expansive, highlighted by horizontal lines and layers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, quilted leather upholstery, and an intuitive center console—all enhancing the luxurious feel. Built in Tennessee, the QX60 exemplified high craftsmanship and build quality expected from Infiniti.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered six trim levels, ranging from the budget-friendly LE to the feature-rich Limited, with two off-road-oriented trims for adventurous drivers. The exterior design for 2023 largely retained the look introduced in 2019, especially for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims with their two-part faces. The Adventure trim featured an aggressively styled grille, blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and bold black cladding around the wheel arches. The interior included orange accents with contrasting stitching, livelier trim, and a frameless rearview mirror to inject a sense of premium feel into an otherwise practical cabin. While the LE and XLE trims offered fabric seats, the XLE Premium and higher trims upgraded to synthetic leather upholstery with varying levels of adjustability, culminating in heated and ventilated front seats with memory functions and optional heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 saw substantial improvements with its switch from a CVT to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a superior driving experience. The former's tendency for rubber-banding and droning was replaced by the crisp, clean shifts of the new transmission. While some fine-tuning could enhance kick down for passing, the driving feel was overall more refined. Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, using premium unleaded fuel. Fuel economy figures were competitive at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD and slightly lower for AWD models. The reworked suspension, rack-mounted electric power steering, and ventilated disc brakes contributed to a smooth, comfortable ride, though the QX60 was more suited for highways and suburban streets than off-roading, despite its Pathfinder lineage.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with front-wheel drive, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims defaulting to all-wheel drive. The single engine option, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly thrilling, the performance was acceptable and benefited from the noise reduction compared to competitors like the Subaru Forester. The RAV4 Adventure trim, despite its rugged appearance, was more suited to moderate terrain with all-season tires and a standard MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension. The TRD Off-Road trim, with larger all-terrain tires and TRD-tuned suspension, was better equipped for off-road escapades.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, a three-row SUV with traditional doors, excelled in passenger comfort and convenience. The interior featured ample storage, multiple charging ports, and a versatile layout. The front center console offered various compartments, and the second-row seats on runners allowed for flexible space-sharing between rows. While lower trim levels had a 60/40 split-bench, the higher Autograph trim boasted second-row captain’s chairs with additional storage. Access to the third row was straightforward, with the seats providing reasonable comfort for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The towing capacity ranged from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, provided good headroom and legroom, except for slightly restrictive backseat leg space compared to rivals. In the front, cupholders were conveniently placed side by side, and the gear shifter maintained a rugged appeal with ergonomic functionality. Storage spaces including door pockets and a dashboard shelf offered practical solutions for drivers and passengers. Cargo capacity for the RAV4 was commendable, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, competitive within its class and better than some rivals like the Mazda CX-5.

For 2022, the INFINITI QX60 came well-equipped with advanced technologies, 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 capable of supporting seven devices, multiple USB ports, and a wireless charging pad were available, along with a standard navigation system on all but the base trim. The luxury-focused Autograph trim featured a color 10.8-inch head-up display, a smart rearview mirror, and a 17-speaker Bose Performance sound system, reflecting Infiniti’s commitment to high-end tech and connectivity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 received a significant tech upgrade, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, with higher trims getting a 10.5-inch version. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were included, along with voice command capabilities. Our tested RAV4 Adventure came with an upgraded multimedia system costing an additional $3,490, which included the 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a larger 12.3-inch display available on higher trims, illustrating a strong emphasis on modern, adaptable technology.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, though not yet rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time, was expected to mirror the previous generation’s safety accolades. Standard safety features included a comprehensive airbag system, front emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, enhancing driver assistance with features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention.

Toyota’s 2023 RAV4 offered robust standard safety features across all trims, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The updated TSS 2.5 suite improved driver assistance with Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and enhanced performance in crash tests, contributing to its 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS.