When the Infiniti brand was first introduced a bit over 30 years ago, it was the enthusiast alternative to the just as new Lexus nameplate. Models such as the Q45 and M30 backed up claims as the performance alternatives, but sadly, consumers never fully embraced the brand. Infiniti has managed to survive the last decade with their sport utility vehicles. While their current lineup looks rather dated, the 2022 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD we have this week hopes to bring back the FX mojo that has been missing the last several years.
Where the Infiniti QX50 has taken the standard approach with regards to the exterior design of a sport utility vehicle, the QX55 has followed the footsteps of the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe for a more “sporty” coupe-like design at the expense of utility. Buyers will once again need to decide where their priorities lie.
While the overall exterior design is one of the better looking sport utility coupes on the market, especially when compared to the ugly duckling BMW X4. Personally, these utility coupes remind me of a bar of soap buy hey, that’s just me as these seem to sell quite well. The 2022 Infiniti QX55’s lines have a certain flow that falls in line with the brand’s overall design, and is definitely one of the better lookers of the segment.
The hood has large bulges that are quite noticeable once you take a seat behind the wheel. This design gives off the impression that the 2022 QX55 is ready to move, but we’ll get to that later. The side profile looks rather plain but the rear is the QX’s strong point. It’s not oddly shaped like most sport utility coupes. It looks more sedan-like even with the raked rear roof line. The 20-inch wheels fill the wheel wells for a more hunkered down look.
Sadly, the interior remains a weak point. Where the 2022 QX60 gets an all new interior, the QX55 hasn’t gotten to that point yet. A dual screen infotainment is present and remains an eyesore. The lower screen looks good but at seven inches, it’s relatively small when compared to competitors. The upper screen is used for the navigation system and is eight inches in size. It looks two decades old and reminds me of the TomTom detachable units of the past.
With augmented navigation now becoming the norm, Infiniti needs to step up its game. Thankfully, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay are standard so using Google Maps does ease some of the pain. The Bose sound system found on our top model falls short of the competition such as Acura’s ELS or Genesis’ Lexicon units which sound significantly better with a level of clarity that the QX55 lacks.
Seating is not as comfortable or sporty as the QX55 tries to be. The seats lack lateral support when tossed around and I didn’t feel quite as relaxed as I wanted to when sitting in traffic. I had to constantly shift around to feel some level of comfort. This could be due to my rather large frame. The rear is good for two adults but if you have people up front six feet or over, don’t expect another adult to sit comfortably behind them. At 762 liters, cargo space is compromised over the QX50’s 880-liters due to the raked roofline.
With the 2022 QX55 leaning towards a more sporty design, the performance chops should be able to back up its expectations. Power comes via a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with VC-Turbo (variable compression) technology. Output is 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. at 4,400PM, with 100km/h coming in at 6.5 seconds. Steering is via Infiniti’s steer-by-wire system that remains a head scratcher, devoid of any feel or feedback.
The QX55 moves with a sense of urgency but this engine does exhibit quite a bit of turbo lag, and the lack of steering feel is a far cry from competitors like the lively Acura RDX and BMW X1. On the plus side, efficiency is rated at 10.5L/100km city and 8.3L/100km highway, for a combined 9.5L/100km. We observed consumption well within these numbers, at 10.4L/100km. In fairness, the QX55 is on the more efficient side of its segment.
Prices start at $51,995 for the QX55, and our ’22 Sensory AWD model comes in at $60,998. Notable options here include $1,200 for the Dynamic Sunstone Red paint, and $2,512 for the 20-inch diamond-cut black wheels. Out the door, expect to pay $64,710 before taxes and fees.
For buyers looking to purchase a performance focused sport utility vehicle, there are many options to choose from. Those looking for a coupe like design do have a smaller list to choose from and the 2022 QX55 Sensory AWD is one of those options. Sadly, most of its competitors easily come out on top when it comes to performance, technology and road feel. From a value standpoint, the QX55 jumps onto the podium with the exterior looks to back it up.
See Also:
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC
