Abstract: Objective This study aims to investigate the soil infiltration properties of typical revegetation found in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China, as well as to assess the suitability of various infiltration models for this type of vegetation in the region. Methods This research focused on six representative revegetation types found in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China. It examined the physical and chemical properties of the soil, the infiltration characteristics associated with various vegetation types, and the interrelationships among these factors. Additionally, the study assessed the suitability of the Philip, Kostiakov, Horton, and Jiang Dingsheng models for application in this specific region. Results The bulk density of soil exhibits variation across various vegetation types, with the side-pearl pine region recording the highest density at 1.25 g/cm³, while the camelthorn region shows the lowest density at 1.15 g/cm³; in terms of soil moisture content, the lemming-tamarisk area demonstrates the highest level at 4.90%, contrasting with the lemming forest area, which has the lowest moisture content at 2.75%; regarding soil chemical properties, the locust tree forest area ranks the highest, with measurements of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium recorded at 5.83 g/kg, 0.69 g/kg, 36.46 mg/kg, 2.85 mg/kg, and 236.22 mg/kg, respectively. The process of soil infiltration is categorized into three distinct stages: rapid fluctuation, slow fluctuation, and a stable stage. The initial infiltration rate, average infiltration rate, and stable infiltration rate for the 0-20 cm soil layer exceed those of the 20-40 cm layer; various vegetation types, including honey locust and camel thorn, demonstrate superior soil infiltration capabilities. Among the models used to simulate soil infiltration for different vegetation types in this region, the Kostiakov model exhibits the highest applicability, whereas the Philip model shows the least applicability. Furthermore, soil bulk density and moisture content are found to be negatively correlated with soil infiltration characteristics, while organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium are positively correlated with these characteristics. Conclusions Among six common types of revegetation, the black locust forest exhibited the most favorable soil physical and chemical properties, along with commendable soil infiltration characteristics. The Kostiakov model proved to be the most appropriate for simulating soil infiltration in this region. The findings of this research offer a scientific foundation for the optimization of vegetation configuration and the management of soil water in the area.