Compare the2022 Volkswagen AtlasVS 2022 Infiniti QX60

The Atlas has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The QX60 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.

Both the Atlas and the QX60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Atlas the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 214 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The QX60 has not been tested, yet.

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Atlas for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Infiniti doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the QX60.

There are over 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Atlas’ warranty.

The Volkswagen Atlas’ engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the QX60’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Atlas’ reliability 11 points higher than the QX60.

Both the Atlas and the QX60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All Atlas’s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The Atlas stops shorter than the QX60:

For better traction, the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the QX60 (265/45R21 vs. 255/50R20).

The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the QX60 Luxe/Sensory/Autograph’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line has standard 21-inch wheels. The QX60’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Atlas’ drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The QX60 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Atlas’ wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer than on the QX60 (117.3 inches vs. 114.2 inches).

The Atlas SEL 4Motion handles at .84 G’s, while the QX60 Sensory AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Atlas SEL 4Motion executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the QX60 Sensory AWD (27.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Atlas 2.0T has a greater minimum ground clearance than the QX60 (7.1 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the Atlas to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Atlas V6’s minimum ground clearance is .8 inch higher than on the QX60 (7.5 vs. 6.7 inches).

The Atlas has 13.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the QX60 (153.7 vs. 140.6).

The Atlas has .5 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear hip room, 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room, 2.6 inches more third row headroom and 5.7 inches more third row legroom than the QX60.

The Atlas’ cargo area provides more volume than the QX60.

The power windows standard on both the Atlas and the QX60 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Atlas is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The QX60 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Atlas SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The QX60 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Atlas to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The QX60 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Atlas SEL Premium’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The QX60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Atlas, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Atlas outsold the Infiniti QX60 by almost 13 to one during the 2021 model year.