2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced an evolution that had it firmly aligned with modern SUV aesthetics, drawing heavily from the Japanese automaker’s contemporary styling cues. The front showcased a reinvigorated take on Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights and eyebrow-like slim LED daytime running lights. This set the stage for a bold, three-slot grille with Nissan's latest emblem, a tribute to the Pathfinder's original design.

Viewed from the side, the Pathfinder’s bulky C-pillar and body panels hinted at robustness akin to that of the Kia Telluride, contrasting with the more elegant Toyota Highlander. The vehicle's width increased by 0.6 inches, with a track extended by 1.2 inches, heightening its stable, planted appearance. Coupled with discrete design tweaks such as a 0.2-inch increase in height and a 0.8-inch reduction in length, the Pathfinder’s remodeled proportions promised enhanced legroom and a rugged persona.

Four trim levels were offered: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Across all trims, body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille complemented privacy glass for a polished exterior. Panoramic moonroofs and roof racks were available on higher trims, enriching the vehicle's versatility.

The Pathfinder seated eight passengers in its standard setup, dropping to seven with optional captain's chairs in higher trims. Interior materials varied by trim, ranging from standard cloth to semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with optional quilting in the Platinum trim. This redesign embodied upscale styling comparable to its rivals, showing off its new-found blend of ruggedness and refinement.

Infiniti’s 2022 QX60 emerged with a similar commitment to reinvention, mirroring updates seen in the Pathfinder. The redesign heralded the beginning of the QX60's second generation, featuring a dramatically new exterior that balanced elegance and brawn. The front grille, flanked by slim LED headlights and large air intakes, commanded attention with its concept-car aura, often adorned in chrome.

Side profiles revealed a long hood and a steeply raked windshield, enhancing its sophistication. The so-called “floating roof,” achieved by blacked-out pillars and available in a contrasting black on the Autograph trim, further elevated the QX60’s presence. The 18-inch wheels on the base model and 20-inch wheels on higher trims added grandeur while maintaining a planted stance.

At the rear, the QX60 exhibited tastefully arranged design elements with "INFINITI" boldly spelled out across the liftgate—a touch some found overly showy despite the elegant logo above it. Chromed panels on the top Autograph trim, intended to balance the front’s faux skid plates, were a minor aesthetic misstep for some.

Inside, the QX60’s dashboard featured horizontal layers, contributing to a sense of spaciousness. Quilted leather upholstery in the upper trims lent a luxurious feel, matched by the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system perfectly poised atop the center dash. Infiniti’s attention to driver convenience was evident through a crisp TFT instrument panel and intuitively placed controls.

Nissan retained the dependable 3.5-liter V6 engine for the 2022 Pathfinder, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Despite the static power output, the shift from the old CVT to a new nine-speed automatic transmission—as provided by ZF—marked a significant upgrade. The transmission exchanged the rubber-band feel of the CVT for smooth, precise shifts, enhancing the driving experience.

The Pathfinder came in both FWD and AWD variants, with AWD models featuring a seven-mode drive selector and FWD models a five-mode selector. Fuel economy ranged notably: FWD models achieved 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD versions slightly improved on highway mileage but saw a drop in city and combined figures in fully-loaded Platinum trims.

The vehicle’s platform, while not entirely new, benefited from enhancements that improved stability and ride comfort. The Pathfinder’s responsive steering and excellent turning radius made maneuvering effortless, whether in urban settings or light off-roading. With a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and the inclusion of stabilizing trailer sway control technology, the Pathfinder earned high marks in versatility.

The QX60 benefited considerably from swapping its previous CVT for a nine-speed automatic transmission, overhauled to rectify past complaints of rubber-banding and droning. The new geared transmission brought seamless gear changes, though there was some room for improvement in responsiveness during passing maneuvers.

Under the hood lay Infiniti’s signature 3.5-liter V6 engine, churning out 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency for the FWD models stood at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD variants managed a slightly lower combined figure.

Infiniti upgraded the QX60’s suspension, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and an independent multilink rear setup. The SUV's driving dynamics were designed more for comfort than spirited handling, and its plentiful legroom and serene ride comforted passengers in all rows.

While not an off-road warrior like its Pathfinder counterpart, the QX60’s performance shone on highways and paved suburban streets, catering primarily to luxury-seeking drivers.

The Pathfinder's interior focused on sound reduction, with improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thoughtful design to minimize road and engine noise. This made for a tranquil cabin, ideal for families.

Configurable seating catered to versatility. Second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat provided flexibility, while innovative features such as EZ Flex Latch and Glide system made accessing third-row seats effortless, even with installed car seats. This setup signaled Nissan’s intent to address real-world family usage.

Cargo space was ample, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 45.0 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The Pathfinder's spacious front center console and additional storage under the rear cargo floor further enhanced its practicality.

With its abundance of storage options, the QX60 nearly resembled a luxury minivan—albeit without sliding doors. The shift-by-wire gear selector allowed for an cleverly utilized storage space below the center console, perfect for keeping personal items secure and accessible.

The second-row seats easily moved to balance space with third-row occupants, essential for longer trips with full cabins. The Autograph trim’s captain’s chairs offered added convenience and storage.

Cargo capacity measured at 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row flat, and 75.4 cubic feet with second and third rows down. The QX60’s towing capacity ranged up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package, offering functionality for those requiring both luxury and utility.

Nissan equipped the Pathfinder with an impressive suite of standard tech, designed to enhance user friendliness rather than obfuscate. The standard features list included a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a comprehensive array of connectivity options like Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

Higher trims featured a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, a larger 9-inch touchscreen, and wireless charging. Pathfinders equipped with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display highlighted Nissan’s commitment to integrating advanced yet user-friendly technology.

Infiniti continued its tradition of rich technological offerings with the QX60. The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display came standard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Additionally, an AT&T WiFi hotspot supported up to seven devices, catering to tech-savvy families.

Innovative features like the smart rearview mirror and head-up display enhanced convenience and safety, particularly in the top Autograph trim. The integration of Amazon’s Alexa for voice commands introduced a novel layer of tech interaction. A 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system provided superior audio quality in upper trims.

The Pathfinder’s safety suite, Nissan Safety Shield 360, was extensive and came standard across all models. It included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The top trim level, Platinum, added an additional airbag for a total of 11.

Despite lacking crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA at the time of this review, the comprehensive safety features suggested strong potential performance in test scenarios.

Without crash-test results from IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model, the QX60’s predecessor's high ratings provided a positive indicator. The new QX60 came with a robust array of standard safety features, including an extensive set of airbags covering all three rows, knee airbags, and front central seat-mounted airbags.

Infiniti’s driver assistance technologies, such as ProPilot Assist, were standard on all except the base Pure trim, rounding out an impressive safety package designed to instill confidence in drivers.