Drivers in Los Angeles who need a seven-passenger luxury SUV capable of towing boats or small trailers through the hills of southern California should compare models before deciding because the platform on which your ute was built matters.
When comparing the 2018 Lexus GX 460 to the 2018 Infiniti QX60, there are many surface-level similarities and differences. But look at how each SUV is built, and you’ll find some major distinctions.
Read on to see which luxury SUV is better equipped to handle your recreational needs:
Performance and Towing
Lexus GX 460
The Lexus GX is a true SUV in that it’s built on a body-on-frame platform, which means the body and frame are two separate components. Trucks and SUVs built with this construction are ideal for off-roading and hauling because they can stand up to twisting forces, which occur when traversing uneven terrain or hauling heavy loads.
The GX 460 is equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that makes 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Each model has full-time four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case and a lockable center differential. The GX’s towing capacity is 6,500 pounds, and all models come with Trailer Sway Control and the option for a tow hitch with ball mount. The highest trim – GX Luxury – has adaptive variable suspension and auto-leveling rear air suspension.
Infiniti QX60
Some automakers have eschewed the traditional body-on-frame construction with their SUVs in favor of a unibody design, which gives you a more car-like drive. Unfortunately, unibody trucks and utes aren’t as capable off-road as their body-on-frame counterparts, and they can be more expensive to repair after a collision.
The QX60 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. (It’s worth noting that in 2016, Nissan, which owns Infiniti, settled a class-action lawsuit over the QX60’s CVT due to excessive juddering during acceleration, according to the Miami Herald. Let’s hope they fixed that.) The QX60 can tow up to 5,000 pounds but does not come with the option for any towing accessories or trailer sway control.
Driver Assistance Tech
Lexus GX 460
The 2018 Lexus GX comes standard with a backup camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote apps. The GX Premium adds Intuitive Parking Assist, LED foglamps, and rain-sensing wipers, while the GX Luxury has a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and auto-dimming outside mirrors. The Driver Support Package gives you a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Driver Attention Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, intelligent high beams, wide-view Front and Side Monitor system, and Crawl Control.
Infiniti QX60
The base QX60 has a rearview monitor and auto-dimming rearview mirror, but you’ll need to opt for a package for any additional driver assistance tech. Available features include an Around View Monitor, front and rear sonar system, rain-sensing wipers, intelligent cruise control, Blind Spot Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Forward Emergency Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and auto-dimming outside mirrors. The Infiniti SUV is not available with crawl control, a driver attention monitor, or intelligent high beam headlights.
Pricing
Lexus GX 460
Starting at $52,155 MSRP
Infiniti QX60
Starting at $43,300 MSRP
Connect with us
