2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the greenhouse resembled a protective shell. The rear was marked by bold, large taillights, contributing to its classy, modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 stood out with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a focus on technology without clutter. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row featured standard leather upholstery, adding to the overall luxurious feel.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, introducing a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The redesign paralleled updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder, as both SUVs shared the Nissan D platform. The QX60's second generation began with a dramatic and attractive exterior, featuring a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply raked windshield conveyed elegance, while the roof appeared to float above the cabin due to blacked-out pillars. 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 on the dash. 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, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics and information. The QX60 models for North America were crafted with high build quality at the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding an extra 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The vehicle's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, resulting in a superior driving experience. The transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, enhancing acceleration and deceleration. The QX60 was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.9 litres per 100 km in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 10.8 combined. The suspension was reworked with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, providing a smooth and serene ride. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering comfort in the second and third rows. While not designed for off-road adventures, the QX60 delivered a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console armrest with a storage bin.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row configuration, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats could slide fore and aft, and the third row was accessible with one-touch seat flipping. The QX60 offered 411 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and 2,135 litres with both rows down. The SUV had a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms with additional equipment. The interior featured convenient storage options, including a roomy centre console, cupholders, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The interior was enhanced with colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 boasted a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The SUV featured full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a wireless charging pad. Higher trim levels included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 offered a nine-speaker audio system in lower trims and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in higher trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high ratings. The QX60 included a comprehensive set of airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems like forward emergency braking and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on most trims, with additional optional features available.