INFINITI QX60 vs. Lexus RX350

First Impressions Are Crucial

The INFINITI QX60 makes a bold impression, as its body is wide and pulls the eye along the hood and roofline, appearing sleek and capable compared to the more sporty and complex lines of the RX350. The color palette of the QX60 includes more than a dozen classics, ranging from greys to blue, red, white, and stylish black, which can be combined with one of nine stately interior colors. The RX350 offers eight color selections for the exterior, with a few attempts at trendy colors that can pair with the bland selection of three basic interior choices.

The RX350 offers a wide selection of trims, with six choices that vary in terms of luxury and function. The INFINITI QX60 has only four trims, as even their least adorned selection includes many of the features that you would pay more to include on the Lexus models. If you are looking for classic appeal that will never be out of style and is perfect for any occasion, from formal to a day at the beach, the QX60 is the choice that will go anywhere, capture the eye, and leave the impression of class and style.

Space And Functionality

The first significant plus for the INFINITI QX60 is that it offers the ability to seat six to seven passengers with three ample rows in a wider body than the Lexus. The nearly three added inches in the width of the vehicle is shockingly noticeable to those enjoying the rear seats in the QX60. As expected, the legroom in the front and rear seats are both more spacious in the larger INFINITI, and the headroom in the QX60 is significantly more ample for both front and rear seat occupants, making it the clear choice for taller passengers. Finally, the cargo space is not even a close comparison with the INFINITI QX60, taking the win with roughly half again the space offered by the Lexus RX350.

Performance And Capability

The mechanical comparison of these two SUVs appears very similar at first. The Lexus has a 2.4 liter four cylinder gasoline engine while the INFINITI uses a 2.0 liter four cylinder gasoline motor. Both feature an automatic transmission and all-wheel or front wheel drive. The similarities in the engine specifications account for the nearly identical fuel economy and the horsepower ratings, which are within a handful of points of each other. A significant disparity becomes apparent when evaluating the towing capacity of these utilitarian vehicles. The Lexus maxes out at 3,500 pounds, while the INFINITI is designed to handle a maximum towing load of almost twice that or 6,000 pounds. To put this variance in perspective, Lexus RX350 owners could tow a pair of jet skis while the owner of an INFINITI QX60 is capable of towing a 23 foot boat for a day of relaxation on the water.

Safety Technology

Both SUVs offer an extensive suite of technology that provides driver assist features and added safety for occupants. The standard lane departure, road sign recognition, and driver assisted cruise control are features offered by both and, in reality, most vehicles on the road. But to know that you are purchasing the safest choice for you and your loved ones, the deciding factor should be the choice of experts. For the third year in a row, the INFINITI QX60 has been awarded the TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS. On your best day, the QX60 will be a pleasure to drive and meet all your needs for seating and cargo space. On your worst day, it is still the one to offer added space and comfort, but it will also be the one that is rated as providing the highest level of safety for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

The Final Number

When you compare the cost of these luxury SUVs, they are relatively close in initial investment. The base model price difference is just a few hundred more for the INFINITI. But for that small investment, you are getting the top-ranked vehicle in its class for safety and the ability to accommodate one or two additional passengers and a bounty of added cargo as compared to the functionality of the Lexus RX350. With similar warranties, other than the INFINITI providing an added 10,000 miles of coverage on the basic four year warranty, buyers are paying just a small amount more for the QX60 than a similarly equipped RX350, but they are getting more functionality for the money as well as a slightly more robust warranty to back up their investment.

After a complete comparison and careful examination of all the features that will make or break an SUV, the INFINITI QX60 is the clear choice when you want the best of the best. The QX60 is the choice as your easy to handle daily driver and the perfect selection for a road trip up the coast or across the country. In addition, there is no question that in the Los Angeles area, there is no better full-service dealership to meet all your automotive needs than the exceptional team at Glendale INFINITI. Stop by or call today to schedule a time to test drive the impressive INFINITI QX60 and learn firsthand why it is the premier choice when shopping for a luxury SUV that will accommodate more than five passengers and a massive amount of cargo.