INFINITI QX60 vs Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing market for crossovers with its rugged appearance, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and elevated driving position. Subaru's strategy mirrored the success of the Outback, transforming the Impreza into a more SUV-like vehicle with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance. The Crosstrek's vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal, while the Subaru Global Platform provided a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional but plain interior, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery and simulated carbon-fibre trim.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior featured a bold new look with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and chrome accents, giving it a concept-car-like appearance. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60's design emphasized elegance and comfort, with thoughtful storage solutions and a focus on passenger convenience. The vehicle's craftsmanship and build quality were evident, reflecting Infiniti's commitment to delivering a premium experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. While a six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, most buyers opted for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Crosstrek's standard AWD and X-Mode with hill descent control provided some off-road capability, though it was primarily suited for on-road driving. The new 2.5-litre engine offered improved performance, but the CVT's droning remained noticeable.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 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, featuring MacPherson struts and an independent multilink setup, offered a comfortable ride, while the electric power steering delivered good feedback. Despite its size, the QX60 managed body roll effectively, though it wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. The vehicle excelled on highways and suburban streets, providing a serene ride for passengers.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded, the Crosstrek lagged behind some competitors. The vehicle featured a rear-seat reminder system and a practical front cubby with USB ports, though rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging options. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility remained excellent due to the large side windows.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row seating, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, accommodating adults comfortably. The QX60 offered 411 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and 2,135 litres with both rows down. The vehicle's towing capacity ranged from 1,587 to 2,721 kilograms, depending on the model. The interior featured numerous storage solutions, including a spacious centre console and open space beneath it for additional storage.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 boasted a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The vehicle included six to seven USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system with TomTom map data. Higher trims featured a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60's Intelligent Key stored personalized settings, while the Bose Performance series sound system provided an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. The vehicle featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its predecessor received high marks. The QX60 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on most trims, with additional options like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure prevention available.