INFINITI QX60 vs Lexus RX

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, marking the beginning of its second generation. This transformation included a new exterior and interior design, updated powertrains, and advanced technologies. The exterior changes resulted in a striking and elegant crossover SUV, featuring a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and a floating roof effect enhanced by blacked-out pillars. The interior of the QX60 was spacious and luxurious, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, emphasizing a wide and open feel. The craftsmanship and build quality were of a high standard, as expected from Infiniti vehicles.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a modern and sophisticated design, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase. The exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, with a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. The interior was thoroughly modern, featuring fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX offered high-quality materials, including NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims, ensuring a luxurious feel. The RX was available in various trims, including hybrid and performance hybrid options, providing a range of choices for consumers.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT, with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60 delivered a smooth and serene ride, with a reworked suspension and good steering feel. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for AWD models. The QX60 was not designed for off-road adventures but excelled on highways and suburban streets.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It offered slightly better fuel economy and performed well at higher altitudes. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, with three rows of seating and ample storage options. The second-row seats could slide and fold to provide access to the roomy third row. The QX60 had a cargo capacity of 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. It also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable and modern interior, with premium leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The F Sport Handling package included sport seat bolsters for added support. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support and legroom, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. It featured a WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The QX60 also included a navigation system, Infiniti InTouch services, and a simplified version of Alexa for voice commands. The Autograph trim offered a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services. The system featured an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands and user profiles for different drivers. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and digital key technology. A color head-up display was available, though visibility could be an issue with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, offering features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure prevention. While crash-test ratings were not available, the previous generation received high marks, suggesting similar performance for the 2022 model.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a robust collection of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not flawless, and the HUD could be difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.