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.
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)
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)
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.
Gallery
