2023 INFINITI QX55 Review | Pricing, Trims & Photos (2024)

An all-new model last year, the Infiniti QX55 is a sleeker, sportier-looking take on the QX50 with a design reminiscent of the original FX. The long hood, raked windshield, and sloping roof give this crossover coupe-like styling, further emphasized by the standard 20-inch wheels. The downside is that this style can impinge on interior space. But Infiniti designed the QX55 to compete with other coupe-like SUVs like the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, and Audi Q5 Sportback. Helping the QX55 stand out are the stylish LED headlights and taillights, which feature a "piano key" design that uses 45 separate LEDs to create a distinctive signature look. As is expected of an Infiniti, the QX55 boasts an elegant cabin with standard leather trim and premium materials all around. The dual-screen infotainment system can be a bit confusing, but it does let you show navigation on one screen with audio on the other, which can be helpful. However, Infiniti is already using a different system in the newer QX60 and QX80 — a change that will likely come to the QX55 in the near future.

All QX55s come standard with all-wheel drive and the powerful variable-compression turbo engine, putting out 268 horsepower. Unfortunately, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) makes it challenging to manage the throttle, sometimes resulting in less than stellar acceleration, other times surging unexpectedly. We hope Infiniti will see fit to swap the CVT for the company's nine-speed automatic, delivering a more satisfying experience.

Positives

Good power. Quiet ride. Stylish design.

Considerations

Less interior space than the QX50. Disappointing CVT. Noisy under full throttle.

Verdict

The QX55 brings sporty styling to Infiniti's SUV lineup with an attractive, comfortable interior and good driving performance. However, that sleek look does come at a cost: The QX55 has less cargo space and diminished rear-seat headroom compared to the less expensive QX50.

The 2023 Infiniti QX55 is available in three trim levels: Luxe, Essential, and Sensory. Luxe is the most popular trim, and it is our pick, too. We'll explain why.

Luxe

The entry-level Luxe starts at $50,345 (including a $1,195 destination fee). Standard features include 20-inch wheels, a moonroof, a power liftgate, leather seats, heated eight-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower infotainment touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other features include lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist. There are no option packages.

Even though it's the base trim, the Luxe comes well-equipped, which is why it's our pick of the lineup. Luxury materials and good standard safety features mean you don't have to purchase a higher trim level for a premium experience.

Essential

The Essential ($55,445) adds a heated power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, ventilated front seats, navigation, a premium 16-speaker Bose audio system, around-view monitor with moving object detection, front and rear sonar, and rain-sensing wipers. Options include a head-up display, adaptive front lights, distance-control assist, intelligent cruise control, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure prevention, traffic sign recognition, and direct adaptive steering.

Sensory

The Sensory ($58,995) adds special cube-design headlights, adaptive front lighting, a motion-activated liftgate, premium leather seats, heated rear seats, black open-pore wood interior accents, tri-zone automatic climate control, extended ambient lighting, a head-up display, lane-departure prevention, steering assist, distance-control assist, blind-spot intervention, and traffic sign recognition. No option packages are available for the Sensory.

The 2023 Infiniti QX55 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 268 horsepower paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It's a potent combination that easily delivers enough power for highway passing, but the delivery of that power isn't always smooth, especially under heavy acceleration. The ride is refined, in keeping with Infiniti's luxury image. Road and wind noise are muted, and handling is crisp and responsive. The QX55 is not a high-performance SUV, however, so don't expect overly aggressive acceleration.

Comparatively, the Acura RDX has a higher horsepower rating and a more engaging, performance-focused drive. The entry-level Audi Q5 has slightly less horsepower but offers a plug-in hybrid with stronger performance. The Volvo XC60 has several powerful engine options, including a plug-in hybrid.

When it comes to interior quality, the Infiniti QX55 knows its place. It delivers a luxurious and comfortable passenger experience, especially in its top trim. There are high-quality accents with available premium leather and wood finishes. It looks and feels like a luxury car. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making it a good choice for longer drives. Rear seats have space for three, but it's a tight squeeze for more than two adults. The sloping roofline could also pose a challenge for tall rear passengers. Conversation is easy inside the QX55, with minimal wind noise. There's plenty of room for luggage and large personal items, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 54.1 cubic feet when they're folded down. A low load floor makes it easy to stow heavy cargo, and the available motion-activated liftgate is easy to operate when your hands are full.

The Acura RDX has a larger cargo hold than the QX55, with more headroom for rear passengers. The Audi Q5 provides a plusher interior with a bit more rear passenger space. The Volvo XC60 has an impressive 63.3 cubic feet of cargo area and a clean, refined interior design.

Standard infotainment for the 2023 Infiniti QX55 includes an 8-inch upper touchscreen and 7-inch lower touchscreen. There's also wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, six-speaker audio, USB-A and USB-C ports for front and rear passengers, Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and SiriusXM. Optional features include a premium 16-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. There's no optional larger screen, only the dual-screen setup. It's easy to use and has key standard features, but the division of functions between the two screens isn't ideal. The upgraded audio provides high-quality sound, and the abundance of USB ports ensures everyone stays connected.

The Acura RDX has better audio options than the QX55 and a standard 10.2-inch screen but uses a touchpad controller that is tricky to master. The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 both have larger touchscreens and better audio options.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has only completed some of its crash tests for the 2023 Infiniti QX5, which received a rating of four (out of five) stars in the frontal crash test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 QX55 its highest Good rating in the moderate overlap front test, and Acceptable in the updated side test.

Standard features include lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane-departure prevention, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, intelligent cruise control with full speed range, and high-beam assist. Optional safety features include steering assist, distance control assist, blind-spot intervention, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2023 Infiniti QX55 is the sportiest five-passenger SUV in the Infiniti lineup, with sleek styling that looks more like a coupe than a bulky SUV. The interior is beautiful, with rich materials even in the base model. The ride is smooth and relaxing, and there's a wide range of standard safety features. The engine is powerful, although acceleration isn't always smooth, and it earns good fuel economy ratings for a vehicle of its size. There's also a fully featured infotainment system with smartphone connectivity to help reduce driver distraction. The Acura RDX is a sportier choice with a lower starting price, and the Audi Q5 delivers a higher level of luxury along with an optional plug-in hybrid engine. The Volvo XC60 takes a more elegant approach and offers a plug-in hybrid model, but its top trims are pricey. Those who want a well-equipped luxury SUV with good power and a roomy interior will find the Infiniti QX55 a compelling choice.

INFINITI QX55 vs. Acura RDX

INFINITI QX55 vs. Audi Q5

INFINITI QX55 vs. Volvo XC60

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