The 2023 Infiniti QX55 coupe-styled SUV comes with 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive. (Infiniti)

The 2023 Infiniti QX55 coupe-styled SUV comes with 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive. (Infiniti)

2023 Infiniti QX55 adds more features as standard equipment

The base Luxe model is well equipped. The Essential takes it from there and goes above and beyond.

The Infiniti QX55 made its debut last year as the newest face in the brand’s lineup. Its sleek roofline and body contours reflect a throwback and pay respect to the innovative FX model Infiniti launched in the early 2000s.

Standout design elements of the QX55 include a double-arch grille with an inner mesh inspired by Japanese origami. The grille is flanked by Infiniti’s self-described “signature human-eye headlights,” a characterization that can sound a little creepy, especially if you’re familiar with Stephen King’s “Christine.” But the headlights are beautifully styled.

QX55 is a five-passenger premium SUV available in Luxe, Essential, and Sensory trim levels, powered by a hearty 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine generating 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Twenty-inch wheels and all-wheel drive are standard on every model.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Fuel economy numbers are on the modest side: 22 mpg for city driving, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Pricing starts at $50,345 for the base Luxe trim; $55,445 for the mid-grade Essential; and $58,995 for the top-tier Sensory.

A dual-screen infotainment system is standard on every 2023 Infiniti QX55 model. (Infiniti)

A dual-screen infotainment system is standard on every 2023 Infiniti QX55 model. (Infiniti)

QX55’s cargo space behind the second row is 26.9 cubic feet, not a vast amount but competitive within the scope of its coupe-style SUV rivals in the market. Rear seat legroom of 38.7 inches outshines competitors, and QX55’s sliding second-row seats offer nearly six inches of travel fore and aft, providing good flexibility between passenger and cargo space.

Zero Gravity seats of the Infiniti with their 14 pressure points, ergonomic shape and structure all designed for relief from fatigue and discomfort really do deliver.

For 2023 the QX55 gets an assortment of new standard comfort and convenience features such as auto-folding heated outside mirrors, four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, blind-spot intervention, rear door handles with integrated LED welcome lighting, and Type-C USB ports for rear seat passengers.

My QX55 tester was the 2023 Essential model. To the already well-furnished Luxe model’s standard features, the Essential adds cooling for the driver and front passenger seats, two-person memory and auto exit/entry assist for the driver’s seat, Infiniti’s navigation and InTouch services, power tilt and telescoping heated steering wheel, a golden 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive front lighting, reverse tilt-down outside mirrors with memory, 360-degree view monitoring with moving object detection, and a front and rear sonar system. New for 2023, the Essential adds traffic sign recognition to its list of standard features.

Infiniti’s dual-screen infotainment system includes Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Having two screens to deal with can be a blessing or a curse, depending on personal preference. In either case the QX55 system is not overly complicated. That’s always a blessing.

The 2023 Infiniti QX55 has seating for five. Back-seat passengers are treated to 38.7 inches of legroom. (Infiniti)

The 2023 Infiniti QX55 has seating for five. Back-seat passengers are treated to 38.7 inches of legroom. (Infiniti)

2023 INFINITI QX55 ESSENTIAL

Base price, including destination charge: $55,445

Price as driven: $56,580

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar for May 22

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.