Luxury SUV buyers are faced with an impossible task: Discerning what the right choice is for their family from a seemingly endless supply of worthy candidates.

Case in point is the 2022 Infiniti QX55 Essential AWD. QX55 pairs unapologetic style with inspired dynamics, a spacious, decadent cabin, connectivity, intelligent All-Wheel-Drive, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, dual touch screens for infotainment and vehicle controls, sliding second-row seats, and a larger cargo area than other similarly styled, premium SUVs.

“The look and feel of the QX55 are what stand out, from nose to tail. We designed an SUV for buyers with discerning tastes; this doesn’t sacrifice substance in the name of style,” said Eric Rigaux, general manager of product planning for Infiniti.

“Recalling the past while looking toward the future is what inspired us to create the new Infiniti QX55,” said Senior Vice President of Global Design Alfonso Albaisa. “Some SUV’s try to deliver something to every buyer; we wanted to deliver a QX55 that can be everything to really passionate buyers.”

Globally, QX55 will be offered in up to three grade levels, LUXE, ESSENTIAL, and SENSORY and marketed to customers in the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Russia, and select markets in Asia.

My tester was powered by a 2.0-liter, variable compression, turbocharged engine that supplies 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a CVT automatic transmission, the combination delivers 28 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.

For those looking for manual capability, paddle shifters and a Drive Mode Selector empower the driver with multiple drive modes to change the driveline’s character, including shift points, steering force, and engine mapping. Standard, ECO, Sport, and Personal modes offer control and personalization depending on circumstances.

The QX55’s exterior cuts a sleek, yet powerful swath highlighted by an origami-inspired mesh grille design looks ahead to the future. Twenty-inch, machine-finished, aluminum alloy wheels and a clamshell hood also catch the eye.

With seating for up to five adults in two-rows, QX55 slathers on comfort and convenience features to keep everyone happy. My favorites were the comfy leather appointed seats, Bose 16-speaker performance series audio system, intelligent cruise control, power moonroof, power lift-gate, adaptive front lighting, and premium navigation system with live traffic.

The QX55 carries up to 26.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, which is more than similarly styled coupe offerings from rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The QX55 also boasts up to 38.7 inches of rear-seat legroom — tops among similar competitors — and its sliding second-row seat travels nearly six inches fore and aft to maximize cargo or passenger space, depending on need.

The QX55 offers Infiniti’s advanced ProPILOT Assist driver-assistance system to help steer, brake, center the vehicle in its lane, and accelerate in certain conditions to help reduce driver fatigue and enhance comfort. ProPILOT Assist combines intelligent cruise control with full-speed range and hold with steering assist to deliver a more comfortable ride in stop-and-go traffic or long-distance highway drives.

QX55 also features an available head-up display that delivers vital information to the driver within his or her field of view, projected onto the windshield in a nine-inch area. The display shows warnings for slower vehicles or traffic ahead, including automatic emergency braking information, lane guidance for navigation, lane departure warning, and speed information including traffic sign detection.

Base Price: $55,495

Price As Driven: $56,580

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.