2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

Infiniti transformed the QX60 for the 2022 model year with an all-new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. Sharing the Nissan D platform with the Pathfinder, the QX60's second-generation production embodied sophistication and luxury. The exterior featured a striking new front with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, exuding a concept-car vibe enhanced with ample chrome. The side profile displayed an elegant long hood and steeply-raked windshield, while the blacked-out pillars gave the roof a floating appearance. The top Autograph trim level offered a contrasting black roof, intensifying the floating effect. Wheel sizes varied with the trim, with base Pure models sporting 18-inch wheels and others getting 20-inch wheels. The rear elevation was tasteful and carried the sophisticated "INFINITI" chrome lettering on the liftgate. Despite a minor design misstep with faux exhaust outlets in the top Autograph trim, the QX60's aesthetics were mostly applauded.

Meanwhile, Toyota's 2023 Sienna aimed to shed the minivan's historically unappealing image, rolling out a design reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. While it still boasted sliding doors and a spacious interior, the Sienna looked to inject style into functionality. Most trims featured 18-inch wheels, but the XSE and Platinum front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions rode on 20s. The Sienna was available in multiple trims, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, deluxe Limited, and the top-of-the-line Platinum. The new 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim added a touch of exclusivity for the 2023 model year. Inside, the Platinum trim wowed with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, making the cabin feel premium. Seating configurations allowed for seven or eight passengers, with the latter available only in LE or XLE trims, which could accommodate three-across car seats in the middle row.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 took a significant step forward by abandoning the CVT of its predecessor in favor of a nine-speed automatic transmission. This transition delivered a superior driving experience, with clean and crisp gear changes that avoided the rubber-banding and droning typical of a CVT. The 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power without the need for forced induction. 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 revised suspension, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, combined with ventilated disc brakes, provided a smooth and serene ride, although it wasn’t designed for aggressive cornering. The QX60's electric power steering assisted nicely, and the vehicle offered a comfortable ride for passengers in all rows.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid-only powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors for a total system output of 245 horsepower. This setup, paired with a CVT, was less powerful and sounded strained under acceleration compared to rivals. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering shined, providing nimbleness and ease of maneuverability uncommon in a minivan. It handled urban driving with finesse and cruised comfortably on the highway. Drive modes included EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, but the Sienna was best left in Normal mode due to limitations in other settings. Despite its adequate performance for daily driving, enthusiasts found the acceleration lackluster compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered versatility with its three-row seating and abundant storage solutions. The center console was roomy, featuring a cubby for smartphones and covered storage. The second-row seats were on rails, allowing easy adjustment to balance space between rows. The Autograph trim added second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console. Accessing the third-row seats was simple, and the area was spacious enough for adults. Cargo capacity measured 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX60 also boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled as a minivan with ingenious interior storage solutions, including a large cubby beneath the center console and a long shelf on the dash. It had ample bin space and numerous cupholders. Despite its larger profile at over 200 inches long and a 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna optimized interior space, offering 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet. Unlike some competitors, the Sienna's middle-row seats didn’t fold into the floor nor were they removable, which limited maximum cargo space compared to the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica. However, the second row's functionality and sliding capability made up for this shortfall, providing genuine legroom for third-row passengers.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 maintained Infiniti’s reputation for high-tech features. Standard LED lighting and a power liftgate (motion-activated on higher trims) enhanced convenience. The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and an AT&T WiFi hotspot. The premium trims featured a head-up display, smart rearview mirror, and a 17-speaker Bose performance audio system. The inclusion of Amazon's simplified Alexa allowed for voice commands, adding to the vehicle's high-tech appeal.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Sienna lagged with an older infotainment system, despite its reliability. Core features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth. The 9-inch touchscreen was surprisingly adequate but not impressive. Seven USB ports and some physical buttons added functional value. However, the system required wired connections for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the user interface felt outdated. The 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality but did not elevate the overall technological experience.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles. The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but it was expected to perform well based on previous generations. Standard safety features included a comprehensive array of airbags, advanced driver assistance systems like forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist, enhancing driving assistance, was standard on all but the base Pure trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in safety, earning a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and likely receiving a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, similar to its 2022 counterpart. Standard ADAS features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some of the innovative features found in competitors, Toyota did not compromise on essential safety technology.