2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the prominent spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a modern touch. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, as it felt outdated for a luxury SUV. The wood trim resembled plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the luxury feel. While semi-aniline leather was standard, the overall interior experience lagged behind contemporary standards.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, emerging as a striking and elegant crossover SUV. The new exterior featured a bold 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 modernity, with a floating roof effect and large wheels enhancing its visual appeal. The cabin offered a sense of openness and sophistication, aligning with the expectations of a premium SUV.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms (5,178 pounds) affected its performance at higher speeds. Merging and overtaking required careful planning, and the braking system demanded extra attention. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, typical of traditional SUVs. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a low-range 4WD system, and various off-road modes. It boasted a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds) and impressive ground clearance.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered a smoother and more refined driving experience compared to the previous CVT-equipped model. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts and an independent multilink setup, provided a comfortable and composed ride. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the QX60 excelled in delivering a serene and comfortable journey. It was more suited for highway cruising and urban environments, with a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms (6,000 pounds) when properly equipped.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the dashboard shape and boxy profile offered excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The centre-console storage was limited, and the third-row seats were best suited for children. Cargo space was also restricted, with only 1,833 litres available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 provided a more spacious and versatile interior. The centre console featured ample storage, and the shift-by-wire technology allowed for additional space beneath it. The second-row seats could slide and fold easily, providing access to the roomy third row. The QX60 offered 411 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,135 litres with both rows folded. It also had a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with the right equipment.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, the GX featured analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech experience felt dated for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 impressed with its advanced technology offerings. It featured a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The QX60 had multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system. Higher trim levels included a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60's tech package was comprehensive, enhancing convenience and connectivity for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for this model.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a robust suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also featured ProPilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. While crash-test ratings for the 2022 model were not yet available, the previous generation received high safety ratings, suggesting similar performance for the new model.