INFINITI QX60 vs. Toyota Highlander: Luxury vs. Everyday Utility

Comparing INFINITI QX60 vs. Toyota Highlander? Discover how luxury performance, interior refinement, and advanced safety give the QX60 a premium edge.

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Infiniti QX60 and Toyota Highlander are two models that families and professionals in Corpus Christi often cross-shop. Whether you’re comparing luxury comfort to mainstream practicality, this head-to-head match-up offers a valuable look at how two brands approach performance, tech, and long-term value differently.

From the front row to the cargo area, these two SUVs offer spacious interiors, versatile seating, and a range of safety features. But if you’re wondering which SUV better fits your lifestyle, family needs, and driving expectations, you’re in the right place.

Performance and Drivability: Confident or Conventional?

Both the QX60 and the Toyota Highlander have powertrains designed for daily convenience and long-haul comfort, but they don’t deliver the same results on the road.

• INFINITI QX60: Equipped with a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission, the QX60 delivers smooth acceleration and a refined ride. All-wheel drive is available across trims, which is ideal for navigating unpredictable driving conditions in South Texas. The QX60 also offers a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it as functional as it is premium.
  
• Toyota Highlander: With a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Highlander gets the job done. But it lacks the dynamic steering feel and upscale ride of the INFINITI. The Highlander previously used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in hybrid trims, which some drivers find less engaging.

Interior and Comfort: Premium Touch vs. Practical Space

When you step inside the Infiniti QX60 and Toyota Highlander, the differences in cabin refinement are immediately evident.

• QX60: Offers a true luxury SUV experience with semi-aniline leather, ambient lighting, and heated front row seats standard. The cabin is thoughtfully designed with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system that’s both sleek and intuitive. There’s ample cargo capacity behind the third row of seats, plus smart storage throughout.
• Highlander: Focuses on functionality, offering cloth or synthetic leather seating depending on trim. While it has a large infotainment system and plenty of cup holders, the design feels more utilitarian than the QX60. Similarly,  the Highlander’s cargo capacity is comparable, but comfort-focused features like quilted stitching or massaging front seats aren’t available, even on top trims.

Verdict: The QX60 provides a more serene and refined ride that enhances daily errands, commutes, or road trips with the family.

Technology and Driver Assistance: Elevated Tech vs. Everyday Basics

Technology is a must-have for today’s SUV shopper. Here’s how the Toyota Highlander vs. INFINITI QX60 tech match-up looks:

INFINITI QX60

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch digital dashboard with available head-up display
• Available ProPILOT Assist, combining cruise control with lane-keeping for semi-autonomous highway driving
• Surround-view camera and blind spot intervention for added peace of mind

Toyota Highlander

• Wired smartphone integration
• Toyota Safety Sense™, which includes lane tracing assist and adaptive cruise control
• Available 12.3-inch touchscreen but lacks the high-end responsiveness of the QX60 system

Want to see how tech and comfort vary between trims? Explore our INFINITI QX60 Comparison by Trim to find your perfect balance of features.

Price and Value: Starting MSRP and Beyond

While the starting MSRP of the Highlander is lower (around $39,000), you need to climb up the Highlander’s trim ladder to reach the level of features found in a base QX60, which starts around $49,000.

But remember, buying a new car is about more than price. It’s also about long-term satisfaction. The QX60 includes:

• More standard luxury features at the base level
• Higher towing capacity
• Longer-lasting materials and brand prestige
• A more compelling Certified Pre-Owned program through INFINITI for added value down the road

Verdict: For shoppers willing to invest in refinement, tech, and comfort, the QX60 brings a stronger return in daily satisfaction and long-term ownership experience.

Test Drive and Decide for Yourself

The best way to know if a vehicle fits your lifestyle is by test-driving it. When you’re behind the wheel, pay attention to how the car handles, how quiet the cabin feels, how easy the tech is to use, and how comfortable your driving position is, especially if you’re comparing the QX60 and Toyota Highlander back-to-back.

Many shoppers find that once they experience the INFINITI QX60’s craftsmanship firsthand, they can’t go back to anything less.

Take the Next Step Toward Luxury

Step beyond ordinary and into something more refined. At Ed Hicks INFINITI, the QX60 offers luxury craftsmanship, powerful capability, and advanced technology — all with room for your growing family. Stop by our Corpus Christi showroom to see how the QX60 redefines what a midsize SUV can be and why it stands a class above the everyday.