This week I bring you an all-new entry to the INFINITI SUV lineup, the 2022 QX55. This is called a coupe, a growing segment in crossover SUVs. It features a sloping roofline and hatchback style, intended to be more car-like than most SUVs.
Exterior
I find the QX55 to be very attractive. I love the sculpted, raised hood, the distinctive side panels, the dual exhaust and rear spoiler, and especially the 20” wheels.
Performance
Under the hood is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that is putting out 268-horses and 280-pound feet of torque. It is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission, which is shiftable from steering wheel paddles. I am not a CVT fan generally, but Nissan simulates shifts and that helps a lot. All QX55s are all-wheel drive.
Interior
Where the QX55 really shines is the interior. My tester has black and off-white leather seats. I like the vast amount of stitching across the dash, the center console, the seats, and the door panels.
As you sit behind the power tilt steering wheel to start the QX55, a driver info center between the tach and speedometer comes to life and offers up a lot of information.
The center stack is busy with a dual touchscreen setup. Some people find this antiquated, but it is functional. The upper screen is the navigation system and is 8-inches. The lower screen is 7-inches and handles audio and Bluetooth. It’s nice to have the navigation screen constant if you want to change radio stations or make a call. Controls to the sides handle climate control.
The center console is home to the shifter, the parking brake, the auto hold, and there is a round knob that controls the nav screen. This is also where you change the drive modes from personal, sport, standard, and Eco. There is a marked difference in each mode. There are a couple of USBs under a sliding door.
The back seat features stadium style seating, meaning the back seats are elevated for better vision. Most impressive, the rear seats slide forward and backwards, and they recline, a very nice touch. Rear passengers get air vents, a power port, and USB outlets.
Although the roof slopes, backseat headroom would be good for people six-feet tall, maybe a little more.
As we head toward the rear hatch, there is a small button in the Infiniti emblem to open the power hatch, or you can do it with your foot, or use the key fob. Cargo area is good with 27 cubic feet of space, or use the handles in the rear to fold down the second row seating to 54 cubic feet of space.
Equipment and Features
This QX55 is the top of the line, called the Sensory package.
Standard features include a power moonroof, remote start, heated and cooled front seats, parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control.
It has a 16-speaker Bose stereo, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety features include: Steering assist, forward collision warning, automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, LED headlights, and rear cross traffic alert.
Ride, Drive and What You'll Pay
The QX55 handles great, is quiet inside, it has ample power, and overall is a joy to drive.
Fuel economy is really good at 22 in town, 28 on the highway, and 25 overall. MSRP is $53,425 which is reasonable these days for a true luxury SUV.
Verdict
If you are looking for a five passenger SUV that doesn’t look like every other one you see, this may be the right one for you.
- What I Liked Most: The interior and the value based on today’s market
- What I would change:Update the Infotainment system.
- MSRP: Base price $51,800, as equipped $53,425.
- Fuel Economy: 22 city/28 highway/25 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 9,500 miles.
- Weight: 4,065 pounds.
- Spare Tire: None. Run-flat tires are standard.
- Length-Width-Height: 186.3” long/74.9” wide/63.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gallons with the fuel filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A
- Official Color: Hermosa Blue.
- 2022 INFINITI QX55 in a few words: A hot-looking SUV that drives, rides, and performs great.
- Warranty: 4-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 6-year/70,000 mile power train with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Aquascalientes, Mexico.
- Manufacturer's website: INFINITI
