2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone interior with soft leather for the Limited and Platinum trims, although the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The controls were well-organized, but the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV. The new exterior featured a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car-like appearance with plenty of chrome accents. The long hood and steeply raked windshield added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The rear design was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. Inside, the QX60 felt spacious and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The controls were intuitive and easy to use, contributing to a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. The new engine delivered a total output of 243 horsepower and was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While this represented progress in terms of efficiency, the driving experience was less enjoyable. The Highlander Hybrid's power was adequate but not thrilling, and the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbing. The steering was lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement. However, the regenerative brakes performed well, and the SUV offered a comfortable and quiet ride on smooth roads.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, on the other hand, benefited from a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. This change significantly improved the driving experience, with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 10.8 combined. The suspension was reworked for a smooth and serene ride, and the electric power steering provided good feel. While the QX60 wasn't designed for aggressive cornering, it excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering comfort and ample space for passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was low and lacked support, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres with both rows down. However, storage was less generous than the previous generation, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, with storage throughout the cabin and charging ports for all passengers. The centre console featured a cubby for smartphones and covered storage, while the shift-by-wire technology allowed for additional storage space beneath the console. The second-row seats slid on rails for easy access to the third row, which provided ample room for adults. Cargo capacity was 411 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,135 litres with both rows down. The QX60 also offered a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms with the appropriate equipment.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The JBL sound system, however, had mixed audio quality. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 boasted a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It featured multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system with TomTom map data. Higher trims included a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also offered a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system on the Sensory and Autograph trims, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure with steering assist. The system also featured intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars in frontal-impact crash tests.

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, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, and additional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor.