Rakish crossovers that look like coupes are becoming more popular. The Infiniti QX55 is the stylish and smaller sibling of the QX50. It looks great with its sloping roofline, has a comfortable interior, and comes with a long list of standard features and tech. Drawbacks are meh handling, limited headroom in the second row because of its shape, and a higher price tag than the QX50.
Base Price: $58,500
As Tested: $62,725
Horsepower: 268
Mileage: 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined
The QX55 was introduced for the 2022 model year and remains in its first generation. For 2024, there are minor changes. There are more standard features including a wireless charging pad and rear door alert, as well as revised shifter, cupholder and center console design.
The QX55 is one of several SUV coupe vehicles including the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X2, X4 and X6, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
The 2024 QX55 comes in three trims: Luxe, Essential and Sensory. Starting prices are $50,150, $55,100 and $58,650. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
On paper, the powertrain looks impressive. Infiniti says it’s the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression turbocharged (VC-Turbo) engine. It can change its compression ratio to optimize for improved fuel efficiency or greater power output, depending on the driver’s demands. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission with downshift rev matching and standard paddle shifters.
In theory, Infiniti’s variable compression-ratio engine is supposed to deliver a more engaging driving experience. But this is not the case in reality. Acceleration is brisk from a stop. There’s a bit of turbo lag but then you’re off, and there’s plenty of power for merging and passing at freeway speeds. And the QX55 is peppy when driving around town. But the CVT can be slow to shift and downright jerky at times, and will drone under quick acceleration. Steering and brakes are responsive, but the steering is a bit numb. There’s noticeable body lean when cornering. At least the ride is smooth over most surfaces. Overall, this is not the refined ride one expects in a luxury SUV.
Fuel efficiency is average for a luxury compact SUV. EPA ratings for my tester are 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with a combined rating of 25. I got 25 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior is attractive with a modern, sleek look. Materials are nice, including genuine leather in all trims. The cabin is surprisingly spacious compared to other coupe-like SUVs. Front row passengers enjoy good leg- and headroom. Second-row passengers have decent legroom but the sloping roofline eats into the headroom. The rear seats slide and recline. A dual-screen infotainment system dominates the dash.
Standard features include remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, dark aluminum trim pieces, eight-way power adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats, heated front seats, infotainment system with dual touchscreens, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, automatic high-beam headlights, heated outside mirrors, aluminum roof rails, universal garage door opener, and a moonroof.
Available features include a surround-view camera system, head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, maple wood accents, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, 16-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, LED ambient lighting, and adaptive headlights.
Standard driver assistance technologies include front and rear collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering (called ProPilot Assist), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include traffic-sign recognition and front parking sensors.
The infotainment system needs updating. It utilizes two touchscreens, stacked on top of each other, and each screen has different functions. The upper eight-inch screen shows the rearview camera and handles navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower seven-inch screen handles audio and climate. Apple CarPlay is wireless, but Android Auto is wired. Graphics look old school and the system can be slow to respond to touch and voice commands. There are handy physical buttons for frequently used settings, but the buttons feel flimsy, especially in a luxury vehicle.
Cargo space is decent for the class. There are 26.9 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and 54.1 cubes with the second row folded. The rear seats split-fold 60/40, providing flexibility in hauling passengers and gear. A power liftgate is standard on all trims, and a hands-free power liftgate is available.
The good:
Stylish looks
Smooth ride
Long list of standard features and tech
Surprisingly roomy for a coupe-like SUV, except for headroom in second row
Standard wireless Apple CarPlay (but wired Android Auto)
Decent cargo space
The not-so-good:
Meh handling including a jerky CVT
Infotainment system needs updating
Sloping roofline cuts into second-row headspace
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $58,500. The Lighting Package is $1,085 and includes welcome lighting with logo and illuminated kick plate. The Accent Package is $695 and includes matte chrome mirror caps and matte chrome bodyside moldings. The Cargo Package is $350 and includes a reversible cargo mat, cargo blocks, console net, cargo net, and rear bumper protector – black film. Exclusive paint is $900. Destination fee is $1,195 bringing the grand total to $62,725.
Bottom line:
The 2024 QX55 is a decent luxury compact SUV but falls short in some areas. Stylish looks, a comfortable and surprisingly spacious cabin, and lots of standard features and tech are among the strong suits. But the QX55 is hampered by so-so performance and a behind-the-times infotainment system.
