Infiniti struts its stuff with its current model line.
It doesn’t happen often where we receive models from the same brand within a week of each other. Notably, a special one-day preview of the upcoming 2022 Infiniti QX55 SUV took place just days before an Infiniti Q60 sports coupe arrived for a week’s worth of testing. Apart, these vehicles target different consumers. Together, they’re the sportiest models from Nissan’s luxury brand. Nevertheless, we’re going to take a different approach this week by comparing these models for what they share and that’s plenty of sporty flair.
Infiniti Overview
As we approach the 2022 model year, the Infiniti brand introduces a new model (QX55) and updates another one (QX60). These two SUVs are bookended by the QX50 and QX80 SUVs. The remaining models in the brand’s portfolio are a pair of cars: the Q50 sedan and the Q60 coupe.
The two featured models share little in common except for certain styling attributes. The QX55 is a compact SUV ranging from $46,500 to $57,050. This model comes with standard all-wheel drive. The Q60 is a compact sports coupe costing from $41,550 to $60,100. This one features standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Also, both models incur a $1,025 destination charge.
Model Comparison
Our comparison models were a 2022 Infiniti QX55 Sensory and the 2021 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, both are range-topping trims. The equipment lists for these two vehicles vary based on the chosen trim and package offerings.
Exterior Styling
The QX55 is the newest of four Infiniti utility vehicles. Its grille is proportionally larger than the other three and the same can be said for various cutouts, lines, and sculpting that adorn its body. The Q60 seems more proportionate and has a less busy exterior than the SUV. Moreover, both models have a sloping roofline, which is a signature attribute for sportier models everywhere, especially for Infiniti.
Interior Highlights
The QX55 can sit up to five, while the Q60 is designed for four. In reality, four is the ideal for the SUV and two for the coupe. The Q60’s rear seat is simply too small to house adults in comfort. Children in car seats are an option, but the Q50 sedan is better purposed for ease of entrance and exit.
Infiniti models are known for their rich selection of high-end materials, including available leathers, metallic trim, and in some cases open-pore wood. Both models strive to reach discriminating shoppers and they largely succeed. The QX55 is the clear winner in the in-cabin storage compartment with its multiple compartments and hideaways. But that’s expected of an SUV, not just the QX55.
Cargo and Utility Capacities
The clear winner in cargo carrying capacity is the QX55. This one comes with 26.9 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity or 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. On the other hand, the Q60 has a tiny trunk, measuring just 8.7 cubic feet or just large enough to hold your weekend bags. As for towing, neither vehicle is rated.
Infiniti Safety Features
Infiniti offers a strong roster of driver-assist technologies across its product line. The QX55 and Q60 share common equipment including high-beam assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, neither vehicle has been crash-tested, although we expect the QX55 will go through those paces by this summer. Likely, the limited volume Q60 will not.
Technological Amenities
The two models feature a pair of display screens. An 8-inch screen sits above a 7-inch screen with each one tasked to handle differing responsibilities. Indeed, the top screen controls infotainment details, while the bottom screen features in-cabin controls, including HVAC.
A long list of tech features including Bluetooth, smartphone compatibility, and USB ports are shared features. Lastly, both models offer a Bose audio system for enhanced in-cabin entertainment.
Infiniti Performance
How the two Infiniti models perform offers one of the starkest contrasts between them.
The QX55 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to all four wheels utilizing a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offers decent off-the-mark acceleration and confident passing power.
The Q60 utilizes a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the rear wheels or all four wheels with a 7-speed automatic transmission. While the power numbers for the Q60 are somewhat better, this vehicle is lighter and smaller, offering better step-off performance and passing power. Further, the Red Sport 400 version utilizes larger turbos with the same V6 engine. Thus, it makes 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque for a superior driving experience.
The Verdict
Comparing the QX55 with the Q60 is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges. That said, both models offer luxury shoppers, especially Infiniti enthusiasts the usual high-end materials, choice trims, and evocative styling they expect. All in all, your purchase decision will likely have everything to do with your utilization needs.
See Also — The Attainable, Tech-Laden Infiniti QX50
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