2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, marking the beginning of its second generation. This transformation included a new exterior and interior design, updated powertrains, and advanced technologies, aligning it with its Nissan counterpart, the Pathfinder. The QX60's exterior boasted a striking appearance with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and chrome accents, giving it a concept-car-like look. The interior was spacious and luxurious, featuring quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, emphasizing a wide and open feel. Built in Tennessee, the QX60 showcased high craftsmanship and build quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered practicality and efficiency. It was a unique plug-in hybrid minivan with a starting price of $55,995 for the base Touring L trim. The interior featured quality black Nappa leather and a flowing design, though it appeared softer and more dated compared to modern trends. Despite its minivan appearance, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in functionality, offering a spacious and comfortable interior with features like a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. The Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice for those prioritizing efficiency and utility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, resulting in a superior driving experience. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, it delivered 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 QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts and an independent multilink setup, provided a smooth and serene ride, though it wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. It excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering comfort for passengers in all rows.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes. The regenerative braking system contributed to an average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain impressed with its efficiency, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. However, it excelled in taking speed humps smoothly and offered a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, with three rows of seating and ample storage options. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, accommodating passengers comfortably. The QX60 provided 411 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,135 litres with all seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms with additional equipment.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and generous cargo space. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,477 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats created a massive 3,978 litres of cargo space, surpassing many SUVs. However, the process of removing the seats was less convenient than in standard Pacifica models.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It featured a head-up display, smart rearview mirror, and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system on higher trims. The QX60 also offered a suite of connectivity features through Infiniti InTouch services.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It offered a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers and an optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Pacifica Hybrid also provided Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though its voice recognition technology had room for improvement.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including multiple airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, and ProPilot Assist. While crash-test ratings for the 2022 model were not available, the previous generation received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. However, its adaptive cruise control system required refinement, particularly in recognizing lane changes and moderating speed in traffic.