Infiniti is the luxury brand for Nissan. As a result, many models from both automakers are very similar. Two examples are the 2023 Infiniti QX60 and the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. They’re close in size, styling, and in several other ways. However, one is far more expensive than the other. Is the 2023 Infiniti QX60 worth $15,000 more than the Nissan Pathfinder?
Edmunds says the Nissan Pathfinder is better
2023 Nissan Pathfinder | Nissan Media
One of the best ways to determine the quality of a vehicle is through expert reviews. Publications like Edmunds thoroughly test vehicles in almost every category you can imagine. After doing so with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder and its luxury equivalent, the Nissan outranked the Infiniti QX60. Although reasoning varies, the Pathfinder managed to score slightly higher overall in the rankings.
To be more specific, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder received a 7.7 out of 10 from Edmunds. Comparably, the QX60 received a 7.4, slightly lower than its more affordable twin. The expert says the Pathfinder excels in towing capacity, a comfortable and quiet ride, and spacious seating. However, the model took a hit for stiff front seats, a sluggish-feeling engine, and a lack of cargo space.
Similarly, the Infiniti model has excellent passenger space, a quiet and high-quality cabin, and it comes with many features for the price. However, the QX60 has notably poor acceleration and handling, a “sometimes” stiff ride, and uncomfortable front seats for a luxury SUV. Reviewers tend to be a bit less lenient with luxury models, given they should feel extremely upscale for the price.
What makes the Infiniti QX60 a luxury model?
2023 Infiniti QX60 | Infiniti
First, the 2023 Infiniti QX60 was redesigned for the 2022 model year. New features entered the lineup, like a more accessible third row, Apple CarPlay/Android, and a standard V6 engine. Most importantly, it is filled with luxurious amenities, even the base model, increasing the value above the Nissan alternative.
For example, the Pure base model has excellent premium features like a heated steering wheel, heated seats, high-beam assist, a power liftgate, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A suite of advanced driver-aids is also standard. It has blind-spot warning, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic rear braking.
All of this standard with a V6 engine for just over $50,000 is a luxury bargain. But does that make it worth $15,000 more than its non-luxury counterpart?
Does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have the same standard features?
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According to Edmunds, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder‘s standard features are a bit lacking. However, the starting price for the S base model is just $36,295, far cheaper than the QX60. It has LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Additionally, a similar suite of advanced driver-aids is standard. The Nissan version is about the same, featuring blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, automatic rear braking, and lane departure warning.
Other standard QX60 features cost a little more than the most basic Pathfinder model. For example, heated seats are standard with the $39,115 SV trim. Next, a power liftgate and heated steering wheel is standard for the SL model, which starts at $42,715. Finally, other premium features enter the lineup with the range-topping Platinum trim for $49,265.
Should you pay $15,000 more for an Infiniti QX60?
In conclusion, the 2023 Infiniti QX60 base model is worth $15,000 more than the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder base model. However, the Pathfinder SL, SV, and even Platinum trims provide more value. Most of the same features are included with these trims for a much cheaper price. Additionally, the SUVs are nearly identical, so choosing a slightly cheaper Pathfinder with the most desirable features feels more worth it. Reviews clearly indicate that most things are the same with these two models. However, outside of the base model QX60, the Pathfinder is much more worth it.