2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport offered seating for five, while the L trim provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The 2022 model continued the modern and sporty design introduced in its 2020 facelift, featuring a revised grille and other exterior enhancements. Among its competitors, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features that balanced eye-catching design with careful restraint. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and a unique front fascia.

Inside, the RX maintained its luxury appeal across all trims, with the F Sport adding a sporty vibe through model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. The cabin offered nearly a dozen color combinations, with non-F Sport models featuring a mix of NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather seats and various metal and wood trim pairings. Despite the high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, the center stack felt dated due to an abundance of buttons. Comfort was a mixed bag, with the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim lacking cushioning and lumbar support, making it challenging to find an ideal driving position. The limited-edition Black Line trim level added high-end looks with exclusive black-colored features and contrast gray stitching throughout the cabin.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The redesign paralleled updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder, and marked the start of the QX60's second generation. The exterior changes resulted in a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim level further enhanced this look with a contrasting black roof. The rear elevation was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate.

Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with horizontal lines and layers emphasizing this spaciousness. 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 for easy access, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The center console controls were intuitive and easy to master. The QX60 models for the U.S. market were built in Tennessee, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors to the V6, resulting in a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's real-world performance was underwhelming. The engine note was more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration was unimpressive, with the vehicle often feeling hesitant.

The F Sport trim included front and rear performance dampers, and an optional F Sport Handling package added an adaptive variable suspension, sport steering, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. However, the differences between drive modes like Sport and Sport+ were minimal, and Normal mode became the default setting. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, with slight variations for AWD and three-row models. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, naturally aspirated and direct-injected, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, offering a superior driving experience with clean and crisp shifts. The transmission could use some fine-tuning for better kick down in passing situations. The QX60's suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. The vehicle delivered a smooth and serene ride, with good steering feel and minimal body roll. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 combined for FWD models, with slight reductions for AWD.

The standard two-row Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear. Legroom was ample, with 44.1 inches up front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The three-row models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row configuration, catered to passengers with ample storage, charging ports, and comfort. The front center console included a cubby for smartphones, large cupholders, and covered storage. The gear selector's shift-by-wire technology allowed for open space beneath the console, ideal for handbag and device storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space with the third row, with a 60/40 split bench in lower trims and captain's chairs in the Autograph trim. The third row was accessible with one-touch seat flipping, providing comfortable seating for adults. The QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The vehicle also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreens were ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip in front of the screen creating access issues. The alternatives were voice commands and a touchpad, both of which were frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and various premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional personalization options.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. An AT&T WiFi hotspot was standard, capable of connecting up to seven devices. The vehicle had six USB charge points, with seven in higher trims, and a wireless charging pad in Sensory and Autograph models. The navigation system was standard in all but the base trim, with map data from TomTom. Infiniti InTouch services offered 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. A nine-speaker audio system was standard in lower trims, with a 17-speaker Bose system available in higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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 set of airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems like forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, and blind-spot warning. Optional features included blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, an around-view monitor, and driver attention alert.