Grand vs luxe: which midsize suv stands tall – toyota grand highlander or infiniti qx60?

The Toyota Grand Highlander and Infiniti QX60 are two highly regarded SUVs that offer ample space, advanced features, and a comfortable ride for families. With their similar dimensions and target audience, they present a compelling choice for buyers seeking a practical and luxurious family vehicle. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of these SUVs, highlighting their strengths, differences, and which one might be the best fit for your needs.

Size and Dimensions

The Toyota Grand Highlander is slightly larger than the Infiniti QX60, with a longer wheelbase and overall length. The Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 71.7 inches in height, while the QX60 is 199.8 inches long, 77.5 inches wide, and 68.3 inches high. Despite the difference in size, both SUVs offer spacious interiors with ample headroom and legroom for passengers in all three rows.

Engine and Performance

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers two engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Infiniti QX60, on the other hand, is powered by a single 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available on both SUVs.

In terms of performance, the Grand Highlander with the four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for daily driving, but the V6 engine offers more responsive acceleration and passing power. The QX60’s V6 engine provides a similar level of performance to the Grand Highlander’s V6, with smooth and linear power delivery. Both SUVs are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making them suitable for hauling trailers or boats.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is an important factor for family vehicles, and the Toyota Grand Highlander has a slight edge over the Infiniti QX60 in this regard. The Grand Highlander with the four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the QX60’s V6 engine provides 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, the Grand Highlander’s fuel economy drops to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the QX60’s drops to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior Design and Features

The Toyota Grand Highlander and Infiniti QX60 offer well-equipped and comfortable interiors. The Grand Highlander’s cabin features a modern and functional design, with a large touchscreen infotainment system, soft-touch materials, and ample storage spaces. The QX60’s interior impresses with its premium materials, elegant styling, and attention to detail. Both SUVs come standard with three rows of seating, and the second-row seats offer ample space and adjustable features for added comfort.

In terms of technology, the Grand Highlander comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a premium JBL audio system. The QX60 offers a similar level of technology, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Bose premium audio system. Both SUVs also offer a variety of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Grand Highlander and Infiniti QX60 have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, while the QX60 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.

Standard safety features on both SUVs include airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. The QX60 comes standard with Infiniti’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Price and Value

The Toyota Grand Highlander has a lower starting price than the Infiniti QX60. The Grand Highlander starts at $36,420 for the base XLE trim, while the QX60 starts at $47,800 for the base Pure trim. However, the QX60 offers a more premium interior and a longer list of standard features, making it a better value for luxury-minded buyers.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Toyota Grand Highlander and Infiniti QX60 are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and well-equipped SUV. The Grand Highlander offers a lower starting price, better fuel economy, and a more versatile interior with its available third row of seating. The QX60, on the other hand, provides a more premium and luxurious experience, with a higher-quality interior, a more powerful engine, and a longer list of standard features.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Grand Highlander and Infiniti QX60 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and versatility, the Grand Highlander is a compelling option. However, if you value luxury, performance, and a premium interior, the QX60 is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

A: The Toyota Grand Highlander and Infiniti QX60 both offer V6 engines with similar power outputs. The Grand Highlander’s V6 produces 295 horsepower, while the QX60’s V6 produces 295 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?

A: The Toyota Grand Highlander has a better fuel economy than the Infiniti QX60. The Grand Highlander with the four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the QX60’s V6 engine provides 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

A: The Toyota Grand Highlander has a slightly more spacious interior than the Infiniti QX60. Both SUVs offer three rows of seating, but the Grand Highlander has a longer wheelbase and overall length, resulting in more headroom and legroom for passengers in all three rows.