Infiniti
QX60
Toyota
Highlander
Infiniti QX60 vs Toyota Highlander: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Highlander comes out ahead of the Infiniti QX60 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
QX60
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by model year and generation, with reliability being the dominant theme. For the first-generation models (approximately 2014-2021), sentiment is overwhelmingly negative due to widespread, severe transmission failures associated with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). These failures are described as catastrophic, often occurring between 20,000 and 120,000 miles, with repair costs equaling or exceeding the vehicle's value.
Best version to buy
For the second generation (2022+), the Autograph trim is mentioned as being well-equipped and desirable. For the first generation, no specific trim is recommended due to the overarching transmission concerns.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT Transmission Failure (2014-2021 models): Complete failure, shuddering/juddering at low speeds, requiring full replacement. Linked to a class-action lawsuit and extended warranties. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Build Quality / Interior Rattles: Persistent rattles, especially from the panoramic roof/headliner area; loose body panels (e.g., front fender); generally poor interior assembly. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electronic / Infotainment Glitches: Main screen resolution failures requiring daily reboots; 360-degree camera failures; faulty front collision prevention/emergency braking; lane-keep assist ping-ponging between lanes.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Highlander is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Infiniti QX60, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Infiniti QX60 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Infiniti QX60 or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Infiniti QX60 and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti QX60 or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Infiniti QX60 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Infiniti QX60 is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti QX60 or the Toyota Highlander?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Infiniti QX60 or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti QX60 than the Toyota Highlander. See the known issues comparison above.