2023 Infiniti QX55

Overview

The Infiniti QX55 SUV shares its mechanical underpinnings and the forward half of its shapely body with the QX50. For the boldly styled QX55, though, presence and glam are more important than commodious cargo space or maximum headroom for rear-seat passengers. The two QXs share a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission though all-wheel drive is standard on the 55 while it’s optional on the 50. The QX55 attempts to pamper its passengers with a cushy ride and a well-dressed cabin equipped with leather seats and an assortment of standard creature comforts and safety tech. Those positive aren’t enough to offset its negatives: we were unconvinced by this same powertrain in our long-term QX50, nor was there anything outstanding in its ride or handling. Moreover, both QXs compete in a compact luxury SUV class that includes such compelling and varied stars as the Genesis GV70, Porsche Macan, and BMW X3 M. The QX55 is undeniably attractive, but many rivals also offer good looks—and much more substance as well.

What’s New for 2023?

The Infiniti QX55 gets a slew of newly standard features for the 2023 model year. All models now come with the automaker’s ProPILOT Assist technology with Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist along with lane-departure warning and blind-spot detection. Also standard are leather-appointed seating, four-way driver power lumbar, rear side impact airbags, and a rear USB-C charge port. In addition, Essential models also get traffic-sign recognition plus adaptive front lighting and auto-leveling LED headlights as standard content. Lastly, range-topping Sensory models are now equipped with heated rear outer seats and 4-way passenger power lumbar.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Luxe

$50,275

$55,375

Sensory

$58,925

The QX55 is offered in three trims: base Luxe, midrange Essential, and loaded Sensory. Of those, the Essential trim provides the best value by offering popular tech and luxury features at a reasonable price. It comes standard with in-dash navigation, a 360-degree exterior camera system, heated and cooled front seats, and a 16-speaker Bose stereo system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The QX55 is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the QX50. Dubbed the VC-Turbo, it features a complex variable-compression system, produces 268 horsepower, and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Our time spent with a similarly equipped QX50 leads us to expect acceptable acceleration from the QX55. Our long-term QX50 test vehicle managed a 6.4-second run to 60 mph and proved to be a comfortable-riding SUV with capable but not-quite-athletic handling. Our initial test drive of the QX55 served to confirm our belief that it performs nearly identically to the QX50. When we have a chance to strap our test equipment to the QX55, we’ll update this story with test results.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA says the QX55 is good for only 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and its sibling—the QX50—has not proven itself particularly economical in our testing. Despite its high-tech variable-compression engine, the QX50 delivered a ho-hum 27 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route. Once we are able to test a QX55, we’ll see if it can do any better. For more information about the QX55’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A stylish and well-equipped cabin is mostly carryover from the QX50, but rather than utilize that model’s quilted leather upholstery, Infiniti’s designers have opted for a simpler look. Base models come standard with faux-leather upholstery, while genuine leather and semi-aniline leather are offered as options. Black, open-pore wood trim accents the handsome interior design. The sloping roofline reduces rear headroom by 1.5 inches; cargo space is less generous than in the QX50, which accommodated nine of our carry-on suitcases behind its second row of seats.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infiniti seems committed to a dual-screen infotainment setup, with the top display providing navigation and the lower, secondary screen serving radio, media, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard equipment and feature wireless connectivity. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot standard across all trims, and a Bose stereo system is standard on both the Essential and Sensory models.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Infiniti offers a suite of driver-assistance features as standard, and the company’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode is standard for 2023 (it was optional previously). For more information about the QX55’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

As with all Infinitis, the QX55 comes with a comprehensive warranty package as standard, with a powertrain policy that’s longer than rivals such as the Porsche Macan and the Volvo XC60. Volvo, however, sweetens the deal with up to three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Infiniti QX55

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICE

Luxe AWD, $47,525; Essential AWD, $52,625; Sensory AWD, $58,075

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection

Displacement

120–122 in3, 1971–1997 cm3

Power

268 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

280 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

TRANSMISSION

continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 110.2 in

Length: 186.3 in

Width: 74.9 in

Height: 63.8 in

Passenger volume: 100 ft3

Cargo volume: 27 ft3

Curb weight (C/D est): 4150 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)

60 mph: 6.4 sec

1/4-mile: 15.0 sec

Top speed: 137 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)

Combined/city/highway: 25/22/28 mpg