Compare the2022 Lexus UXVS 2022 Infiniti QX55

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the UX deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The UX’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The QX55’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The UX has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Front Seatbacks, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Injury Lessening Front Seatbacks system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The QX55 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The UX has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The QX55 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The UX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The QX55 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the UX and the QX55 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the UX the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The QX55 has not been tested, yet.

There are over 19 percent more Lexus dealers than there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the UX’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the UX first among small premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The QX55 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Infiniti is ranked 21st, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 56 more problems per 100 vehicles, Infiniti is ranked 23rd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Infiniti vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Infiniti is ranked 11th.

On the EPA test cycle the UX gets better mileage than the QX55:

Regenerative brakes improve the UX Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The QX55 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the UX Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The QX55 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Lexus UX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The QX55 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The UX has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The QX55’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For better maneuverability, the UX’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the QX55’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

The Lexus UX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 700 pounds less than the Infiniti QX55.

The UX is 9.3 inches shorter than the QX55, making the UX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Infiniti. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With an 8% lower rating, Infiniti is ranked third.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The UX offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The QX55 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The UX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Infiniti only offers heated mirrors on the QX55 Essential/Sensory.

The UX’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The QX55 has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Lexus UX offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The QX55 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The UX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The QX55 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus UX, based on reliability, safety and performance.