Review: 2022 INFINITI QX55 Essential AWD

When you sit in the new QX55, you can expect to experience a bold interior design that is the traditional high-end style and comfort commonly associated with the INFINITI brand. The driver-focused cabin design is very intuitive and convenient to navigate. The QX55 comes in three distinct grade levels: Luxe, Essential, and Sensory. You would think the QX's coupe-like sloping lines that pay homage to the legendary FX of yesteryears would be cause headroom issues or legroom problem for second-row riders, but that is not the case. There is 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear which is tops among crossover competitors. There is also 38.7 inches of rear-seat legroom and a sliding second row that maximizes passenger comfort or cargo capacity depending on the need. The trim package of my test-drive loan for the week was the Essential package which includes INFINITI InTouch Navigation, leather-appointed perforated seats, climate-controlled front seats, an Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, a heated steering wheel, and Bose Performance Series premium audio which has 16 speakers for a great audio experience.

The QX55 is equipped with INFINITI's innovative VC-Turbo engine. It is the world's first production variable compression (VC) ratio engine. What makes this engine so unique is that it does not compromise performance for the sake of miles per gallon efficiency. It has the ability to seamlessly alter the internal compression ratio required, between 8:1 and 14:1, on the fly to deliver gas saving efficiency or immediate power as the driver demands. Because this is a groundbreaking way to design an engine, it was in R&D development for over twenty years before it was made available to the public. So, what does all that mean to the owner of a QX55? They will be driving an award-winning powertrain designed to deliver precise control and response without sacrificing efficiency or capability. This 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine will create 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque with an official EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 25 mpg. There is a lot to like about this bold QX55 with its iconic FX foundation. It has the heart of a luxury crossover, but the soul of a performance sports coupe, and the 2022 model has a base level MSRP of $46,500.

The soul of the iconic INFINITI FX lives on in the QX55, bringing an eye-catching crossover coupe silhouette together with performance-inspired details to create something truly, unapologetically individual.

INFINITI Motor Company

In the News

Source: INFINITI | Offered in three well-equipped grades—LUXE, ESSENTIAL, and SENSORY—the all-new 2022 QX55 steals the scene with standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, 20-inch wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, and class-leading cargo capacity among similarly styled competitors. In addition to those features, the 2022 INFINITI QX55 LUXE models are smartly equipped with a power-sliding tinted glass moonroof, ergonomically designed front seats, heated front seats, dark aluminum interior trim accents, Active Noise Cancellation, and a suite of active safety features including Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A fast 4G LTE connection that offers Wi-Fi connectivity on the go for up to seven devices is included. Every QX55 is powered by an award-winning, 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and manual mode. A Drive Mode Selector tailors each journey with customizable settings that can engage drivers—or blend into the background—when needed. INFINITI's dual-screen InTouch system with 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower touchscreens put entertainment and information at the driver and front passenger's fingertips during the ride.

Specifications

Engine: 268 horsepower 2.0L VC-Turbo 4 Cylinder
Torque: 280 pound-feet
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Wheels: 20" Machine Finished Alloy
Sound: Bose Performance Series 16 Speakers Premium Audio Syste
Color: Hermosa Blue
Fuel: 22/28/26 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $54,250

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
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About INFINITI

INFINITI Motor Company is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, with operations around the world including regional offices based in the Americas, China, and INFINITI International Markets based in Dubai. The INFINITI brand of premium automobiles are assembled in manufacturing facilities in Japan, North America, and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego, and Beijing. More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.INFINITIUSA.com. You can also follow INFINITI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and see the latest videos on YouTube.