Infiniti is the luxury brand for Nissan. As a result, many models from both automakers are very similar. Two examples are the 2022 Infiniti QX60 and the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. They’re close in size, styling, and several other things. However, one is far more expensive than the other. Is the 2022 Infiniti QX60 worth $15,000 more than the Nissan Pathfinder?

Consumer Reports thinks the Infiniti QX60 and Nissan Pathfinder are the same

One of the best ways to discover the quality of a vehicle is through Consumer Reports. The publication thoroughly tests its cars in just about every category you can think of. After doing so with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and its luxury equivalent, the two earned an identical score. Essential details like predicted reliability and owner satisfaction are the same. However, the Pathfinder scored slightly higher on the road test.

The two SUVs are the same in most areas, like ride quality, noise, seat comfort, and interior fit and finish. In addition, both use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and average around 21 mpg combined. Both come with either front or all-wheel drive with seating for eight or seven. It’s clear that the two share a lot and are nearly the same SUV.

What makes the QX60 a luxury model?

Firstly, the QX60 is fully redesigned for the 2022 model year. New features include a more accessible third row, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a standard V6 engine. Most importantly, it’s filled with luxurious amenities that increase the value far above the Nissan alternative. One of the best ways the Infiniti QX60 shows its luxuriousness is through base model features.

For example, opting for the Pure base trim earns customers a panoramic moonroof, a power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats with lumbar, rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. For features like this, it’s common to pay much more than the price of a base model, which is $49,045 for the QX60.

Next, the base model also comes with a suite of advanced driver aids. Features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking heavily increase driver awareness and safety.

Does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have the same features?

That begs the question, does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder offer the same features? For a more affordable price, the Pathfinder could prove to be a bargain QX60. However, that isn’t entirely the case. For example, the base Pathfinder only comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and none of the other base QX60 features. However, the same suite of driver aids comes standard, which is a nice touch.

You’ll need at least the SL trim to get a standard power liftgate and heated steering wheel, which is more expensive than the base S and SV. In addition, a panoramic sunroof first unlocks for the SL with the SL Premium Package, which costs extra. The second-tier SV trim does get heated seats, which is an excellent added value.

2022 Infiniti QX60 vs. 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Price

According to Edmunds, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 PURE base model starts at $49,045. As a result, it’s around $15,000 more than the base Pathfinder S, which starts at $35,935. Unfortunately, with all that savings, the Pathfinder also loses a ton of value compared to its luxury equivalent. Infiniti’s SUV offers plenty of modern technology, making it worth a lot more.

To get the same features in the Pathfinder, customers need to buy the SL trim level with the SL Premium Package. Moreover, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SL costs $41,835, and the SL Premium Package costs $2,900. According to Nissan‘s build and price tool, a four-wheel-drive model with the extra package costs $46,635. In short, the Pathfinder with all the same features as the base QX60 costs just $2,400 less.

Is the 2022 Infiniti QX60 worth $15,000 more than the Nissan Pathfinder?

In conclusion, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 base model is worth $15,000 more than the Nissan Pathfinder base model. However, the Pathfinder SL with the SL Premium Package erases most of the value. We think choosing a slightly cheaper Pathfinder with all the same features as a base QX60 is worth it. Using reviews from experts like Consumer Reports, it’s clear that nearly every other attribute of driving, comfort, ride, and reliability are the same. As a result, once the Pathfinder has the same equipment, the 2022 Infiniti QX60 isn’t worth the added cost.