Are you looking to buy a new compact SUV near Tallahassee? You have likely heard of the INFINITI QX50 and the Lexus RX 350. Both are great cars, offering good fuel economy and a luxurious design for the compact SUV. But which one should you choose? Factors such as price and trim level are important to consider. Regardless of what features you are looking for, we at INFINITI of Tallahassee have your back. Our 2022 INFINITI QX50 vs. the 2022 Lexus RX 350 comparison can you decide which car is right for you.
Pricing
Tallahassee shoppers may consult the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) when choosing between the two brands. The INFINITI steals the show for this large group of folks, as it has an MSRP lower than the Lexus RX 350.
The Lexus RX 350 base trim MSRP starts at $46,645, while its top trim Black Line Special Edition starts at $55,255. On the other hand, The INFINITI QX50 PURE (base trim) starts at $40,000, while the top trim QX50 Autograph all-wheel drive begins at $60,000.
Engine and Performance
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine that uses variable compression (VC-Turbo) is standard for all INFINITI QX50s. The engine emits 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a continuously variable auto transmission. The engine switches between high compression during steady cruising and low compression during hard acceleration. The Infiniti prioritizes luxury and comfort, with a yielding ride that is unruffled on rough roads and smooth on the highway. The steering is balanced and firms up in the selectable Dynamic and Dynamic+ steering modes.
The RX350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is available in all-wheel drive. The RX offers a comfortable ride, ironing out rough stretches of road. The cabin is quiet and isolated from the road, making the RX350 a good choice for long-distance drives.
Fuel Economy
The base RX models with front-wheel-drive achieve EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which are good ratings for this class. The upper trims get the same ratings with 19 mpg and 26 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively, but selecting all-wheel drive rather than front-wheel drive drops the fuel economy by almost 1 mpg.
The front-wheel-drive version of the QX50 has EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive models achieve an estimate of 22 mpg and 28 mpg in the city and on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space
Lexus uses fine material for the RX's interior, including textured metallic or wood trims, soft leather, and soft-touch plastics. It has a comfortable driving position, but a few areas could benefit from an upgrade. While the Lexus is not the best cargo-ferrying vehicle, the RX offers much-improved cargo space. With the second row folded down, the RX can accommodate up to 24 suitcases.
You can fit the interior of upscale models of the QX50 with wood interior trim, quilted leather seats, and a faux-suede headliner. Each QX50 features a comfortable and quiet cabin with a spacious second row with a reclining seat back. The vehicle offers 31 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 65 cubic feet with the rear bench folded.
Connectivity and Infotainment
The 2022 Lexus RX 350 comes with an Enform infotainment system on all trims. Also standard are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi connectivity. An 8.0-inch touch screen is standard on all trims, but an optional 12.3-inch display is available. Other optional features include in-dash navigation, a DVD/CD player, a 12-speaker audio system, and access to the Lexus Enform App Suite. You can also add a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, and dual 11.6-inch monitors.
The Infiniti QX50 comes with a dual touch-screen infotainment system. Every trim features an Android Auto, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless Apple CarPlay. Optional features include a mobile hotspot and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The QX50 also features three USB ports and multiple 12-volt outlets.
Towing Capacity
INFINITI has a history of manufacturing capable vehicles safe for transporting your family. Your Infinity offers the towing capacity you need to haul your luggage when on the road. When equipped with the optional towing package and all-wheel drive, the QX50 can tow up to 3,000 pounds. It is, therefore, suitable for light hauling, such as tent trailers, garden trailers, and other lightweight equipment.
The 2022 Lexus RX 350 can haul up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The SUV has a heavy-duty radiator and transmission, as well as an oil cooler to maximize towing performance.
So, if you'll be hauling large cargo, or towing capacity is important to you, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 is the most ideal vehicle.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The QX50 and the Lexus RX 350 come with a range of standard driver assistance features: blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
As far as the 2022 INFINITI QX50 and Lexus RX350 go, both vehicles offer a complete luxury package. The RX350 boasts a high hauling capacity, an Enform infotainment system, a lower starting MSRP for its base model, and good fuel economy ratings. The QX50, meanwhile, boasts ample storage space and a dual touch-screen infotainment system. Which car you choose will largely depend on your budget and intended use.
Are you looking for an SUV that can meet your needs? At INFINITI of Tallahassee, we can offer you the best deal. You can browse our inventory of new and used SUVs to find a model that suits your needs. You can also schedule a visit to our dealership to take the car that interests you for a test drive. We can also help you get approved for auto financing, even with a bad or no credit history. Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or want to schedule an appointment, and one of our staff will respond to you promptly.
