2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, though it remained functional.

Infiniti gave the 2022 QX60 a complete makeover, including a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The new front featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car look with plenty of chrome. The side profile conveyed elegance with a long hood and steeply-raked windshield, while the rear elevation was tasteful with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. The top Autograph trim level featured a contrasting black roof, enhancing the floating effect.

Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with horizontal lines and layers emphasizing this feeling. 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 delivered crisp graphics. The center console controls were simple and intuitive. The QX60 models for the U.S. market were built in Tennessee, showcasing high craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically through the speakers, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering was somewhat numb.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, offering a superior driving experience with clean and crisp shifts. The transmission could use some fine-tuning for better kick down in passing situations. Fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models, and 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for AWD models.

The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, provided a smooth and serene ride. The electric power steering assist delivered good feel, and the vehicle handled body roll well. The QX60 was not designed for off-road use but excelled on highways and suburban streets. The second and third rows offered generous leg and headroom, ensuring passenger comfort.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. The cabin was well-insulated from road and wind noise, though engine noise could be noticeable. Cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, almost resembling a luxury minivan. The three-row SUV had ample storage, charging ports, and comfort features. The center console had a cubby for smartphones, cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft, with a 60/40 split-folding bench or captain's chairs in the Autograph trim. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The QX60 had a 3,500-pound towing capacity, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot could connect up to seven devices. The navigation system, powered by TomTom, was standard on all but the base Pure trim. Infiniti InTouch services offered connectivity features via a smartphone app. The Autograph trim had a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The standard audio system had nine speakers, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high safety ratings. The QX60 came with a comprehensive set of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, including forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera, rear sonar, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional safety features available.