2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models in the Nissan lineup. The front featured a bold, snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, complemented by a "double V-motion" feature. The Kicks retained the old Nissan logo, distinguishing it from the Rogue. The headlights were thinner and longer, extending down the face, with the SR trim level boasting LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The rear of the Kicks showcased a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, enhancing its proportions. The two-tone paint job option, with a floating roof tinted Super Black, added an upmarket look, while the interior saw improvements in material quality, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a complete makeover, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior changes resulted in a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield conveyed elegance, while the roof appeared to float above the cabin due to blacked-out pillars. The Autograph trim level featured a contrasting black roof, enhancing the floating effect. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed, and the TFT instrument panel delivered crisp graphics. The QX60 models displayed a high level of craftsmanship and build quality, as expected from Infiniti vehicles.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The Kicks SR trim featured an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control. The EPA rated the Kicks' fuel economy at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing a superior driving experience with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. The vehicle offered a smooth and serene ride, with good feel from the rack-mounted electric power steering assist. The QX60's fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models, and slightly lower for AWD models.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size, with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs throughout the cabin. It offered good small-item storage, easy-access USB ports, and multiple smartphone storage options. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room proportions were less ideal for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row configuration, catered to passengers with ample storage, charging ports, and comfort. The center console offered smartphone storage, cupholders, and covered storage. The second-row seats slid fore and aft, with the Autograph level featuring captain’s chairs and a removable center console. The QX60 offered 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 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a host of standard tech features, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SR Premium Package offered a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers. A surround-view monitor and WiFi hotspot were available, along with NissanConnect services.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured impressive standard and available technology, including full LED lighting, 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 standard on higher trims. The QX60 also offered a 10.8-inch head-up display, a smart rearview mirror, and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It had 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections. The 2020 model received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, LATCH connectors, and advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention.