Infiniti vs Lexus: Which Luxury Brand is Best?

When it comes to luxury vehicles, two of the most popular brands on the market are Infiniti and Lexus. Both offer a wide range of models that cater to different needs and preferences, from sporty coupes to spacious SUVs. However, choosing between the two can be a difficult decision, as they both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the two brands, examining their performance, technology, design, safety, and cost, to help you make an informed decision and choose the brand that best fits your needs and preferences.

Brand Overview:

Infiniti

Infiniti is a luxury vehicle division of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. The brand was launched in the United States and Canada in 1989, followed by a launch in other major markets. Infiniti’s mission is to create vehicles that offer a unique blend of performance, luxury, and style. The brand is known for its sporty and performance-oriented vehicles, such as the Q50 and Q60 sedans, and the FX and QX SUVs.

Lexus

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation. The brand was launched in 1989 in the United States and quickly became one of the best-selling luxury car brands in the country. Lexus is known for its refined luxury vehicles, such as the LS and ES sedans, and the RX and GX SUVs. The brand is also known for its hybrid technology, with several models available in hybrid versions.

History and Heritage

Infiniti has a relatively short history compared to Lexus. The brand was launched in 1989, while Lexus has been around since 1983. Lexus has had more time to establish itself in the market and has a reputation for producing refined luxury vehicles. Infiniti, on the other hand, is known for its sporty and performance-oriented cars.

Infiniti has a strong focus on innovation and technology, and is always looking for ways to improve its vehicles. The brand is known for its advanced safety features, such as the Around View Monitor, which uses cameras to give drivers a 360-degree view of their surroundings. Lexus, on the other hand, is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. The brand is known for its high-quality materials and exceptional build quality.

Design Philosophy

Infiniti has a very distinct design language, characterized by sharp lines, aggressive styling, and sporty design elements. The brand is known for its bold and striking designs, such as the Infiniti Q60 coupe. Lexus, on the other hand, has a more refined and understated design philosophy. The brand is known for its sleek and elegant designs, such as the Lexus LS sedan.

The design of Infiniti vehicles is bold and striking, with sharp lines and sporty design elements, which is in line with the brand’s mission to create vehicles that offer a unique blend of performance, luxury, and style. Lexus, on the other hand, has a more refined and understated design philosophy, which is in line with the brand’s mission to create luxury vehicles that are elegant and sophisticated.

Both Infiniti and Lexus have their own unique design philosophies and appeal to different types of buyers. Infiniti is the perfect choice for those who want a sporty and performance-oriented car, while Lexus is the perfect choice for those who want a refined and luxurious vehicle.

Brand Reputation

Brand reputation is another important factor to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. Both Infiniti and Lexus have a strong reputation for producing high-quality vehicles, but they have different areas of focus.

Infiniti has a reputation for producing sporty and performance-oriented cars, and the brand is known for its advanced technology, such as the Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering system, which provides a more precise and responsive driving experience.

Lexus, on the other hand, has a reputation for producing refined luxury vehicles. The brand is known for its high-quality materials and exceptional build quality, as well as its hybrid technology. Lexus is also known for its commitment to safety, with several models receiving top safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Performance and Technology:

Infiniti and Lexus both offer a wide range of models that cater to different needs and preferences, from sporty coupes to spacious SUVs. However, when it comes to performance and technology, there are some key differences between the two brands.

Infiniti models are known for their sporty and performance-oriented characteristics, with several models featuring powerful engines and advanced technology. For example, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 features a 400-horsepower V6 engine, while the Infiniti QX80 features a 400-horsepower V8 engine. Additionally, Infiniti models are equipped with advanced technology such as the Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering system, which provides a more precise and responsive driving experience.

Lexus models, on the other hand, are known for their refined luxury characteristics, with a focus on comfort and technology. For example, the Lexus LS features a 311-horsepower V6 engine and offers a spacious and comfortable interior. Lexus models are also known for their advanced technology, such as the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance features, which includes features such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

In terms of the technology features offered, both Infiniti and Lexus vehicles are equipped with advanced infotainment systems, such as navigation and smartphone integration. However, Lexus models offer a more comprehensive and refined infotainment system, with features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and a Mark Levinson premium audio system. Additionally, Lexus models offer a larger number of standard and optional driver assistance features than Infiniti models.

Both Infiniti and Lexus offer hybrid and electric options in their lineup. Infiniti has the Q50 and the QX60 hybrid models, while Lexus has a wider range of hybrid options available, such as the LS, ES, and UX hybrid models. Lexus also offers a fully electric vehicle, the UX 300e.

Design and Comfort:

Both Infiniti and Lexus put a great deal of emphasis on design and comfort in their vehicles. However, their approach to design and comfort is quite different, with Infiniti focusing on sporty and performance-oriented aesthetics, while Lexus focuses on refined luxury and comfort.

In terms of exterior design, Infiniti models are known for their bold and striking designs, with sharp lines and sporty design elements. The brand’s design language is characterized by a sporty and dynamic look, as seen in models like the Q60 coupe.

Lexus models, on the other hand, have a more refined and understated design philosophy. The brand is known for its sleek and elegant designs, such as the LS sedan, which exudes luxury and sophistication.

When it comes to interior design, Infiniti models offer a sporty and performance-oriented cabin, with sporty seats and a driver-focused layout. The brand also uses high-quality materials, such as leather and aluminum, to give the cabin a premium feel.

Lexus, on the other hand, offers a refined and luxurious cabin, with high-quality materials, such as leather and wood, used throughout. The brand’s focus on comfort is evident in features such as the heated and ventilated seats, and the available 24-way power front seats with massage function.

In terms of comfort and spaciousness, both Infiniti and Lexus models offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo. However, Lexus models tend to offer more legroom and headroom for passengers, as well as more cargo space.

Safety and Reliability:

Safety and reliability are two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, and both Infiniti and Lexus have a reputation for producing safe and reliable vehicles.

In terms of safety, both brands offer a wide range of standard and optional safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Both Infiniti and Lexus models have received top safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In terms of reliability, both Infiniti and Lexus have a reputation for producing vehicles that are built to last. Both brands use high-quality materials and have strict quality control processes in place to ensure that their vehicles are reliable and long-lasting. Additionally, both brands offer comprehensive warranty and maintenance programs to give customers peace of mind.

However, Lexus has a reputation for being more reliable than Infiniti. Lexus models have consistently been ranked among the most reliable vehicles in their class by various industry experts and consumer reports. Additionally, Lexus has a reputation for producing vehicles with a lower number of reported problems and issues.

Cost and Value:

When it comes to cost and value, both Infiniti and Lexus offer a wide range of models at different price points, but there are some key differences between the two brands.

In terms of starting prices, Infiniti models tend to be more affordable than Lexus models. For example, the base model of the Infiniti Q50 starts at around $38,000, while the base model of the Lexus IS starts at around $40,000. However, it’s important to note that the cost of a vehicle can vary depending on factors such as trim level, options, and location.

In terms of overall cost, both Infiniti and Lexus models are known for their high-quality materials and advanced technology, which can add to the cost of the vehicle. Additionally, Lexus models tend to offer more standard and optional features than Infiniti models, which can also add to the overall cost.

When it comes to resale value, Lexus models tend to hold their value better than Infiniti models. This is likely due to Lexus’ reputation for producing reliable and long-lasting vehicles, as well as the brand’s appeal to a more affluent and mature buyer.

In terms of financing and leasing options, both Infiniti and Lexus offer competitive financing and leasing options for buyers. However, Lexus has a reputation for offering more flexible and favorable financing and leasing terms than Infiniti.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have seen that Infiniti is a brand known for its sporty and performance-oriented cars, while Lexus is known for its refined luxury vehicles. Infiniti has a strong focus on innovation and technology, while Lexus has a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sporty and performance-oriented car, then Infiniti may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a refined and luxurious vehicle, then Lexus may be the best fit for you.