2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, although thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with front seats offering heating and cooling. The interior controls were user-friendly, though the mix of traditional and push-button gear selectors was somewhat confusing.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, with its Black Onyx exterior, aimed to appeal to those who love black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment removed most chrome, giving the SUV a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX's design felt dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX offered a comfortable driving position and clear visibility, but the narrow width and short length made it feel cramped. The third-row seat was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults, while the side-swinging tailgate made loading cargo challenging.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The CVT, though not perfect, provided a smooth driving experience with simulated shift points. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode delivering the best performance. Eco mode, while fuel-efficient, felt sluggish.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a 7.8-second run to 60 mph and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. However, its high drag coefficient and heavy curb weight resulted in poor fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The GX's ride and handling were refined, but the slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt outlet.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, but its narrow width and short length made it feel cramped. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, while the rear seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. With the third row stowed, the GX offered 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate made loading cargo challenging.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with Infiniti's InTouch infotainment system, featuring dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also included ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with voice recognition technology that was quick and accurate. The GX also offered a CD player, a WiFi hotspot, and an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the placement of the stereo controls below the off-roading controls was confusing. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view cameras, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for crash protection. The vehicle also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and evasive steering assist.