2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, marking the beginning of its second generation. This transformation included a striking new exterior with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car-like appearance. The long hood and steeply raked windshield added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. Inside, the QX60 offered a spacious and luxurious cabin with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The craftsmanship and build quality were top-notch, reflecting Infiniti's commitment to excellence.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and ruggedness in its design. With a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, it exuded a sporty appeal. The CX-50 featured blistered fender swells, lower body cladding, and fake skid plates, enhancing its SUV-like appearance. The interior boasted a driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The CX-50's cabin was comfortable, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The cargo space was practical, offering 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with the seats folded.

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 provided a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT, with smooth and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, delivered a serene ride. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 10.8 combined. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering a comfortable ride for passengers in all rows.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Fuel economy for the turbo model was 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered various driving modes, and its ride quality was slightly firmer than the CX-5. The CX-50 excelled on pavement, feeling more like a sporty wagon than an SUV, with impressive ground clearance for off-road adventures.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats slid fore and aft, providing easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 411 litres behind the third row, 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and 2,135 litres with both rows down. The QX60's towing capacity ranged from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds, depending on the model and equipment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy, and the rear doors opened wide for easy access. Cargo space measured 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with the seats folded. While storage space was adequate, some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The CX-50's power liftgate and long load floor added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also boasted a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system on Sensory and Autograph models, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display offered touchscreen control for these platforms, though the native interface lacked touchscreen functionality. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered satisfying audio quality. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display, projecting essential information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, offering advanced driver assistance. While crash-test ratings were not available, the previous generation received high marks, suggesting similar performance for the 2022 model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some limitations in headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50 offered a robust package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.