2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Nissan Murano

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic by 2021. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet functional design, prioritizing comfort and ease of use. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that controls were intuitively placed, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a straightforward, comfortable SUV for daily commutes and long road trips. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding progressively more features, from basic amenities like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to luxurious touches like a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete transformation, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior boasted a bold, concept-car-like design with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and chrome accents. The interior was spacious and luxurious, especially in the Autograph trim, featuring quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60's design emphasized elegance and practicality, with features like a floating roof effect and a roomy cabin that catered to passengers' comfort. The QX60 was crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, reflecting Infiniti's commitment to luxury and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered smooth low-speed acceleration, making it well-suited for city driving. However, the CVT could dull the engine's power at higher speeds, requiring patience for highway overtaking. The Murano prioritized comfort, delivering a refined ride that absorbed road imperfections well. Despite its comfort-first approach, the Murano's towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to the previous CVT. The transmission offered smooth and crisp shifts, although it could be slow to respond in passing situations. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, delivered a smooth and serene ride. The QX60's towing capacity was significantly higher, with a standard 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While this was less than some competitors, the Murano excelled in ease of use, with a traditional shifter design and a center console filled with trays and cubbies. The Murano's focus on two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with partially reclining second-row seats enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row configuration, offered 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX60's interior was designed for convenience, with storage throughout the cabin and shift-by-wire technology freeing up space for additional storage. The second-row seats could slide to share space between rows, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The QX60's towing capacity further enhanced its practicality.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's sensible menu layout was complemented by hard buttons and dials, making it user-friendly. Available tech upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. A WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were available, enhancing connectivity and convenience. The QX60 also featured a head-up display, smart rearview mirror, and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in higher trims, showcasing Infiniti's commitment to advanced technology.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available as options.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, and additional features like blind-spot intervention and lane-departure prevention were available. While crash-test ratings for the 2022 model were not yet available, the previous generation had received high marks, suggesting similar safety performance.