Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs INFINITI QX60

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, aligning it with its Nissan counterpart, the Pathfinder. The QX60's exterior boasted a striking appearance with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car-like look. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. Inside, the QX60 offered a spacious and open feel, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The craftsmanship and build quality were impressive, reflecting Infiniti's commitment to excellence.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a familiar design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for higher trims. The Highlander's design was characterized by exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and flared rear fenders, which some found over-styled. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and oversized climate control knobs. However, the interior's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made it visually overwhelming. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid prioritized practicality and comfort, offering features like heated and ventilated seats and a quiet ride on the road.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 delivered a superior driving experience with its nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. This change improved driving feel, eliminating the rubber-banding and droning associated with CVTs. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the QX60 offered a smooth and serene ride. Its suspension, featuring MacPherson struts and an independent multilink setup, provided good handling and comfort. While not designed for off-road adventures, the QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, delivering 243 combined horsepower. While the electric assist motors aided acceleration, the gas engine's limited torque made high-speed passing challenging. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to maximize efficiency. However, the test vehicle's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.7 mpg instead of the EPA-rated 35 mpg. The Highlander Hybrid's soft suspension and CVT contributed to a comfortable but uninspiring driving experience, making it suitable for city and suburban driving.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, providing ample legroom and comfort. With 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 75.4 cubic feet with all seats folded, the QX60 offered practicality for families. Additionally, it had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized family-friendly features, offering seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, while the third row was best suited for occasional use. The Highlander Hybrid featured a useful dashboard shelf and a wireless smartphone charger. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. However, the interior's storage areas lacked lining, and the center armrest storage console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 impressed with its advanced technology offerings. It featured a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. The Autograph trim level included a color head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also offered a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system, providing excellent audio quality. Infiniti's Intelligent Key with memory settings added convenience for drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air software updates. The Highlander Hybrid offered connected service plans, including Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The test vehicle featured a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, delivering decent sound quality. However, the graphics on the infotainment screen could benefit from sharper contrast.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, and ProPilot Assist. While crash-test ratings were not available for the 2022 model, the previous generation received high ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, suggesting similar safety performance.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander Hybrid also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation for safety.