2023 INFINITI QX55

INFINITI QX55 GETS MORE FEATURES 
AS STANDARD ENTERING ITS SECOND YEAR

Just in its second model year, the 2023 Infiniti QX55 comes with more features as standard, which makes it an underrated but attractive alternative for shoppers in the compact luxury SUV segment.

It retains a more rakish profile than its stablemate QX50 with the sleeker styling giving it a coupe-like image. Like the QX50, the 2023 QX55 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder though Infiniti has tinkered with it a bit to make it more responsive, a tough challenge when the only transmission offered is a CVT.

All QX55s are all-wheel drive and seat five passengers. Fuel consumption is at a rate of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 25 combined, which is about the same for AWD QX50 models.

As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Infiniti QX55 is loaded with lots of standard features. It is offered in only three trims with the Luxe model serving as the base and the Sensory topping the lineup. In between is the Essential, which this review is based on.

Standard equipment on the 2023 Infiniti QX55 Essential includes the usual luxury features like a power moonroof, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, leather seating, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, intelligent key and push button start, rear power liftgate, Infiniti’s Intouch display system with dual screens, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Navigation with premium traffic map.

In addition, the features that were in the optional ProAssist Package a year ago are now included in the starting MSRP of $54,250. They include Cube Design LED headlights, an adaptive front lighting system, intelligent cruise control, blind-spot intervention, and lane-departure prevention.

Additional safety systems include the company’s ProPilot Assist system, high beam assist, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and rear-cross traffic alert.

If all that is included on the Essential trim, you might logically wonder what extra features come with the Sensory models for an extra $3,000.

Glad you asked. The answer is maybe not enough to justify the extra cost. Upgraded brakes, a motion-activated liftgate, upgraded leather seating surfaces, 4-way power lumbar for the front passenger, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, extended interior ambient lightning, black wood interior accents, and a head-up display for the driver are the edges for the Sensory over the Essential.

That doesn’t look worth $3,000 to me but perhaps your budget can take it.

The bottom line on my test 2023 Infiniti QX55 Essential came to $56,580 with destination and delivery charge ($1,195) and two stand-alone options (an illuminated kick plate for $485 and welcome lighting with the Infiniti logo for $650) included.

That’s a bit more than the 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sensory AWD will set you back, but is competitive in the segment.

What I liked about the 2023 Infiniti QX55 Essential: There is a long list of standard equipment that includes an around-view monitor. The user-friendly infotainment features include full navigation with traffic info. I like the dual screen operation that allows you to leave map for navigation on the upper screen  while you fiddle with other functions on the lower. It has plenty of punch for normal driving and cruises nicely. Cargo room is generous (26.9 cubic feet behind the second row, 54.2 with that row folded).

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Infiniti QX55 Essential: The navigation screen while not tiny is a on the small size especially when compared to some of the bigger screens in today’s luxury models. It gives off  a dated feel. It’s  a comfortable ride, but not a very quiet one. I would prefer a 10-speed transmission over the CVT.

Would I buy the 2023 Infiniti QX55 Essential? Yes. The CVT is not a deal breaker for me. There isn’t the usual groan as with older CVTs, and it has simulated shift points for manual-like operations via paddle shifters.