2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2022 Volvo XC90 proved that Volvo had come a long way from its boxy car designs of previous decades. This sleek, modern SUV effortlessly merged family-friendly functionality with near-luxury aesthetics. The XC90, built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, launched as a 2016 model and firmly established itself as Volvo's flagship SUV. Its design had an assertive stance and an excellent profile, evoking a sense of dynamic motion. The long roofline and pronounced wheel arches projected athleticism, grounded by a snub nose reminiscent of Volvo’s classic wagons. The overall fit and finish conveyed high quality, augmented by LED headlights featuring the iconic "Thor’s Hammer" design, a playful nod to Volvo's Swedish roots. Inside, the XC90 embraced a "Scandinavian Modern" decor, with authentic natural wood and metal trims. Luxurious touches like the sliding wood tambor cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector further underscored its premium feel. Although Volvo declared it would go leather-free by 2030, the 2022 XC90 could be fitted with Nappa leather, which was requisite for ventilated front seats. Alternatively, a tailored wool blend upholstery offered a sustainable, although less universally appealing, option. Meanwhile, Infiniti's 2022 QX60 received a complete makeover, presenting a dramatically attractive and elegant SUV. Infiniti integrated a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes to create a concept-car-inspired front end. The steeply-raked windshield and long hood added a touch of elegance when viewed from the side, while blacked-out pillars gave the roof a floating appearance—a look further accentuated by the Autograph trim's contrasting black roof. Large wheels filled the defined wells, and the rear design showcased a classy yet grounded look with "INFINITI" spelled out prominently. Inside, the QX60 felt spacious and open, particularly on the Autograph trim level, which was swathed in quilted leather. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-positioned, keeping drivers’ eyes close to the road. The QX60’s interior layout emphasized horizontal lines and layers, creating a harmonious aesthetic. The overall craftsmanship was impressive, likely a testament to its production at Nissan's Tennessee plant.

Performance metrics painted a distinct picture for each SUV. The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains across its range. The T5 models, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generated 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of this engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. At the pinnacle, the T8 models combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission standard across all models, the T5 was available in both FWD and AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD-only. Fuel economy for the T5 FWD was rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, while the T6 AWD managed 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The T8 plug-in hybrids boasted combined ratings of up to 66 MPGe with an electric range up to 36 miles. The XC90 delivered an engaging driving experience, with minimal body roll and nimble handling for its size. The electric motor in the T8 models provided immediate torque, ensuring smooth power delivery without turbo lag. In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 stuck with a more conventional powertrain—a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It switched from a CVT to a nine-speed automatic transmission, significantly improving the driving feel. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for AWD versions. The QX60's MacPherson strut front and independent multilink rear suspension, combined with rack-mounted electric power steering, promised a smooth and comfortable ride. While it wasn’t the vehicle for aggressive cornering, it handled calmly with refined body control, suitable for highway cruising and urban drives.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 catered to practicality with six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations. The second-row seats offered easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. Though spacious, the third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom and thigh support. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and further to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's well-utilized interior space featured ample storage solutions and a large panoramic moonroof that enhanced the airy feel. During a heatwave test, the air-conditioning system performed admirably, maintaining a comfortable cabin environment. The 2022 INFINITI QX60, likened to a luxury minivan sans sliding doors, provided ample interior space and comfort across its three rows. The second-row seats, which slid and folded easily, offered adjustable space sharing between rows. The QX60 boasted 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, increasing to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 75.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Without the rear liftgate, Infiniti's SUV still embraced family-centric features like charging ports and extensive storage options, including a centrally-located storage area beneath the floating center console. Capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package, the QX60 suited larger hauling tasks compared to the XC90.

Volvo's Sensus infotainment system in the XC90 utilized a nine-inch, portrait-oriented touchscreen with tablet-like gestures for navigation. Despite occasional lag and slow responses, it integrated well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XC90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and, in models with the Advanced package, a head-up display and 360-degree camera system. Audiophiles could upgrade from the standard Harman Kardon setup to an immersive Bowers & Wilkins system. Convenience came via multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot, with Volvo Care app functions included. The INFINITI QX60 excelled in technology offerings, featuring a 12.3-inch InTouch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A WiFi hotspot supported up to seven devices, while six USB ports (seven in higher trims) were strategically placed throughout the cabin. The QX60 also came with Infiniti’s InTouch services and Amazon Alexa integration. The top Autograph trim added a 10.8-inch head-up display and smart rearview mirror. A 17-speaker Bose audio system elevated the in-car entertainment experience in higher trims.

Volvo's long-standing commitment to safety was reflected in the 2022 XC90's extensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist, and more. The XC90's top performance earned it both the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA’s five-star overall safety rating. For the 2022 INFINITI QX60, official ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were still awaited, but the previous model’s accolades suggested similar results. The QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, ProPilot Assist, and driver assistance features like rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure prevention.