2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, marking the beginning of its second generation. This transformation included a new exterior and interior design, updated powertrains, and advanced technologies, aligning it with its Nissan counterpart, the Pathfinder. The QX60's exterior featured a striking front with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car-like appearance. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. Inside, the QX60 offered a spacious and open feel, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The craftsmanship and build quality were commendable, reflecting Infiniti's reputation for luxury.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform, showcased a bold design with a radically styled front end featuring angular LED headlights and "boomerang" LED daytime running lights. This design set it apart from other vehicles, offering a unique and distinctive look. The Sportage Hybrid's interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean and minimalist design that exuded elegance. While the base models had cloth seats, higher trims featured SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap. The Sportage Hybrid's interior was practical, with clever storage solutions and a focus on functionality.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT, with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, delivered a smooth and serene ride. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway for AWD models. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering comfort and ample space for passengers.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivered robust acceleration and smooth transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid's transmission provided quick responses and smooth shifts, contributing to a pleasant driving experience. With a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, the Sportage Hybrid offered versatility. While not a driver's car, it provided a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin, making it suitable for everyday driving.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, with three rows of seating and ample storage options. The second-row seats could slide fore and aft, allowing easy access to the third row. The QX60 provided 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. It also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured a dual-level cargo floor, providing 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The rotary shift knob and clever storage solutions added to the practicality of the interior, making it a functional choice for families.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. It featured a WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The Autograph trim included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 also offered a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic display combining the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster. The Sportage Hybrid offered touch controls and analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. It also included multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, and ProPilot Assist. While crash-test ratings were not available, the previous generation received high ratings, suggesting similar safety performance for the 2022 model.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The SX-Prestige trim included advanced features like Remote Smart Parking Assist and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.