2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2023 Lexus GX

Infiniti completely revamped the QX60 for the 2022 model year, introducing a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The redesign paralleled updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder, as both SUVs utilized the Nissan D platform. The QX60’s origin traced back to the 2013 JX, which was renamed in 2014 when Infiniti shifted its naming conventions. The 2022 QX60 marked the beginning of the crossover’s second generation.

The exterior changes gave the QX60 a dramatic and attractive look, featuring a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim level enhanced this with a contrasting black roof. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The craftsmanship and build quality were high, as expected from Infiniti.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding visual presence with its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The front end looked ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was disappointing with a significant amount of plastic material. While there were luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, the GX’s low sales volume meant Lexus had to keep manufacturing costs low. The GX’s design and features were more focused on off-road capability than luxury.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, which significantly improved the driving experience. The new transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, enhancing acceleration and deceleration. The familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for AWD models.

The QX60’s suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. The electric power steering assist delivered good feel, and the vehicle provided a smooth, serene ride. While not designed for off-road adventures, the QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering comfort and ample legroom in the second and third rows.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite not winning many battles on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with a linear power delivery. However, the GX’s fuel economy was poor, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX’s weight contributed to noticeable body roll, but it remained predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and solid. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjustable based on wheel slip. This made the GX user-friendly in various driving conditions, including snow and mud.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and functional interior, with storage throughout the cabin, charging ports, and plenty of comfort. The center console had a cubby for smartphones, big cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space between the rows, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for nimble adults. The QX60 provided 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. It also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX stuck with hard buttons for controls, which was a blessing for those put off by touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated, requiring some muscle to open.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with impressive standard and available technology. It featured full LED headlights, a power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. An AT&T WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were also included. The Autograph trim level added a color head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 offered a nine-speaker audio system, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX’s infotainment technology, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement but lagged behind other Lexus models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The GX came with three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen’s lag and outdated graphics were disappointing. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high ratings. The QX60 came with standard safety features, including a collection of airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems like forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, and blind-spot warning. Optional features included blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, and an around-view monitor camera system.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, the GX included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety systems were significantly newer than its body.