2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the sharp angles and straight lines of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, such as plastic body cladding and a slightly taller ride height, it didn't quite resemble an SUV. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior boasted a dramatic and attractive look, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply raked windshield added elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The interior felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was centrally positioned, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The QX60 was built in Tennessee, showcasing high craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes, though it wasn't particularly sporty. It relied on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking, providing a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT, with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, delivered a smooth and serene ride. While not designed for aggressive cornering, it provided ample comfort for passengers in all three rows. The QX60's off-road capabilities were not tested, as it was more suited for highways and suburban streets.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row configuration, offered ample storage and comfort for all passengers. The centre console provided storage for smartphones and other items, while the second-row seats slid to share space between rows. The QX60 could hold 411 litres of luggage behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded and 2,135 litres with both rows down. It also had a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms with additional equipment.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12-inch screen optional. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster. The control setup relied on haptic touchpads, which were challenging to use without tactile feedback. A natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation, and the ID.Light feature communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It included six USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also had a nine-speaker audio system, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new standard features for 2021, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high safety ratings. It came with a comprehensive suite of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, including forward emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional safety features available.