2024 INFINITI QX55

INFINITI QX55 COULD USE SOME SPRUCING UP AHEAD OF REFRESH

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 is only in its third year since its introduction as a 2022 model, but already it seems due for a mid-cycle refreshing that might reverse the luxury midsize SUV’s lagging sales.

An updated infotainment system and a junking of the continuously automatic transmission for a 10-speed or even 8-speed automatic transmission might draw buyers back to the sales levels it enjoyed its first couple of years.

Not that the QX55 was a big seller at its introduction. It has trailed both the smaller QX50 and the slightly larger QX60 in the Japanese company’s SUV fleet since its debut and numbers for this year continue to decline.

In 2022 the 5,106 QX55s sold were slightly less than half that for the QX50 and less than a third for the QX60. Numbers for 2023 were slightly higher the same for the QX55 (5,418)

But the pace halfway through this year has slowed. Infiniti reported only 759 QX55s sold for the second quarter of 2024, down 41 percent for the same time period of a year ago.

QX55 sales for the first half of the year were down 30.1 percent compared to 2023 with only 1,854 vehicles reported sold. The QX60 showed a decline of 9.8 percent but the QX50 showed an increase of 9.3 percent over 2023.

I’m no market analyst but those can’t be good numbers, and I’m not sure what to make of the prospects for next year with the company making no significant changes for the 2025 Infiniti QX55.

What this may do however is make the 2024 Infiniti QX55 more attractive to buyers who can appreciate its coupe-like profile and sophisticated interior.

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 is packed with many user-friendly tech features that include a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation with traffic recognition, operable via Siri Eyes Free system.

Other standard features on the top-of-the-line 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory trim that this review is based on include a power moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free motion activated rear liftgate. power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, paddle shifters that simulate manual stops for the CVT, tri-zone climate control, Semi-Aniline Leather seating, climate controlled front seats, and heated rear seats.

Black natural maple wood interior accents and enhanced interior ambient lighting give the cabin a refined appearance. Rear headroom is slightly compromised because of it sloping roofline, but legroom is 38.7 inches, about an inch less than the front.

The 2024 Infiniti QX55 rides on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and is all-wheel drive.

The same 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged 4-cylinder engine found in the QX50 delivers 286 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque so the 2024 QX55 is no slug when it comes to performance.

Mileage numbers are 22 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 22 combined using premium fuel. The government estimates 400 miles of range between fill-up.

Safety features on the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory include forward collision warning and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot warning and lane-departure warning and prevention.

ProPilot Assist that features adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and stop and hold is standard along with a surround-view camera, keyless entry and push-button start, and LED headlights, daytime running, fog and tail lights.

Pricing for the 2024 Infiniti QX55 starts at $50,150 for the base Luxe trim and jumps to $55,100 for the upgraded Essential. The 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory starts at $58,650. Those prices also hold for the 2025 Infiniti QX55.

My test 2024 Infiniti QX55 included extras like a cargo package, lighting package, accent package, and exclusive paint that ran the final total to $62,725 including the $1,195 destination and delivery charge. Hey. At least the carpeted floor mats were included. 

What I liked about the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory: The exterior has a sleek profile. The interior is well done with lots of passenger room and a long list of standard features. The double-screen allows you to adjust one function without closing off the other systems, most notably the navigation map. Comfortable front-row seats are ventilated and heated, and outboard second-row seats are heated. Surround-view camera gives you a good look for parking in tight spaces.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory: I prefer a knob to surf the radio dial instead of pressing a button. (At least you can adjust the audio volume with a knob.) I would prefer an 8- or 10-speed automatic transmission over the CVT. The screen for the navigation map needs to be bigger, though that would require tinkering with the center air vents. Cargo room behind the third row (26.9 cubic feet) is less than that found on the smaller QX50 (31.1).

Would I buy the 2024 Infiniti QX55 Sensory? Yes. The Essential trim probably is the sensible choice if you want to save a few bucks. It is nicely equipped if you can live without tri-zone climate control that is standard in the Sensory.

2024 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

 

REFRESHED SONATA JUST MAY LURE YOU BACK TO THE MIDSIZE SEDAN SEGMENT

The hybrid version of Hyundai’s popular Sonata has come a long way since the 2011 model kicked off the seventh-generation of the South Korean company’s midsize sedan.

A mid-cycle refreshing gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status. The cabin is packed with lots of tech features that operate off a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen and include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille and larger air intakes, and a spoiler-shaped trunk lid with black trim are among features that give the exterior a sporty appearance that should help draw customers back to a segment that at one time seemed to be fading in popularity.

Hyundai has tinkered with the various trims, junking the SE that once served as the base and also discontinuing the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The SEL now serves as the base and is available with either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or a hybrid drivetrain.

The N Line with a turbocharged 2.5L 4-banger is targeted at performance enthusiasts and rates at 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque while the top-of-the-line Limited trim, which this review is based on, comes with a gas-electric drivetrain pairing a 2.0L gas engine and electric motor for 192 combined horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited delivers eye-popping fuel numbers of 44 miles-per-gallon city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. According to the government, that gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups, though real-world operation is more like in the 500-mile bracket.

The tradeoff is a lackluster zero-to-60-mph clocking approaching 8-plus seconds, but when set in Sport mode instead of Normal or Eco, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid acts, or reacts, well enough in daily traffic.

As is customary with Limited trim models, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited comes with a long line of standard features. 

In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mentioned earlier, comfort and convenience features include proximity key entry and push-button start, Smart Parking assist, a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, memory seat settings for the driver, Bose Premium sound with 12 speakers, dual automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and Smart (adaptive) cruise control.

The large touchscreen provides a nice wide map for the included navigation system.

Standard safety features include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor (activated by your turn signal), and a surround view monitor that provides a spectacular view of your entire vehicle and its surroundings.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rides on 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive is standard. If you want all-wheel propulsion, you’ll have to pick a model with the 2.5L gasoline engine.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited sits at the top of the Sonata’s price range with a starting MSRP of $38,315, including the $1,115 freight charge, but with all that standard equipment your only extras are likely to be carpeted floor mats ($220) and perhaps a carog netting for the trunk ($55).

The N Line starts at $36,065 while the SEL starts at just over $30,000 ($31,115) with AWD and under $29,000 with FWD.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The updated design gives the Sonata a sportier exterior than the previous generations. The interior is comfortable and packed with user-friendly tech features. The surround view camera provides a wide look at rear cross traffic to help with backing out of parking spot. Fuel economy is excellent. Though it’s not a threat in a drag race, performance is satisfying for every day use. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT helps in that. Trunk space is a generous 16 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The second row could use a skosh more legroom than the 34.8 inches offered.

Would I buy the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited? Sure would. You get the benefits of a boost from the electric motor and a generous range between fill-ups without the fu
ss of plugging it in. If you can’t stretch your budget for the Limited trim, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Hybrid is about $5,000 less.