Michael Satterfield
It’s been a hot minute since I laid eyes on an Infiniti. The last one I tested was way back in ’19, when I gave the QX50 a spin. But today, I’m here to tell you about the QX55. Based on the QX50, but it’s been given a sporty facelift that gives it the look and feel of a crossover coupe. But don’t be fooled by its sleek appearance, this ride has less cargo space and headroom than the QX50. The QX55 is a contender in the luxury car market, going head-to-head with the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.
With a starting price of $50,000, the QX55 is no bargain. But despite its high price tag, Infiniti hasn’t done a great job of marketing the thing. It’s facing some stiff competition in the luxury car market and some folks in our office hadn’t even heard of the QX55, let alone the Infiniti brand. While Infiniti has 16 dealers in Texas, that pales in comparison to Land Rover’s 15 dealers and better brand recognition.
For a car that costs between $50,000 and $60,000, depending on options, the QX55 has some weak points. It’s facing off against some major players in the luxury car market, and in a segment that values luxury, technology, and performance, it’s got to do better.
It isn’t all negative, though. The 2024 QX55 range has received some minor updates that make it worth considering. You’ll find new color combinations, optional chrome 20-inch wheels, a revised center console with wireless charging, and a new shift knob. And for those who value safety, there are some new features like mirrors that automatically tilt downward during reverse and rear-door alert.
The QX55 has three trim levels to choose from, with the top-of-the-line Sensory model being the one I tested. It comes with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 20-inch wheels, and a premium Bose audio system. And as you’d expect from a luxury car, it’s got all the bells and whistles. Well, almost all. The infotainment system is a bit lacking. While most of the competition has gone fully digital, including digital instrument clusters, the QX55 uses a dated two-screen interface that could use a little sprucing up.
Inside, you’ll find a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, comfortable seats, and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The interior has a more comfort-focused design and lacks some of the sporty flare that other crossover coupes tend to have. But the steering wheel is trimmed in leather, and all models come with a Graphite headliner.
Under the hood, the QX55 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that develops 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a CVT automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels via the AWD system. It’s on par with most of its rivals, with a 0-60 time of around 6.4 seconds. But the CVT transmission is not a strong point, and the QX55 feels slightly disconnected, with a noticeable delay between the foot and the engine response. The handling is fine for around town, but it’s not suitable for hot pursuits, so don’t try to outrun anyone.
All in all, while the QX55 is a good car, it’s not a great one. When compared to German and other Japanese luxury competitors, it’s hard to make the case for the QX55, except for its handsome styling and overall comfort.
