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.

2022 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor, SAMA’s pick for Star of the Miami Auto Show.

NEW DODGE HORNET, REFRESHED NISSAN VERSA, SHOWCASED AT MIAMI AUTO SHOW

The Miami International Auto Show opened last weekend and continues through Sunday (Oct. 23) at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

As shows go, the Miami even has been ranked below the big guys (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit) and pretty much ahead of the rest of the shows. It is considered a consumer-driven show with no high-pressure sales tactics but few dramatic reveals of new models.

Such is the case this year. The lineup of vehicles is still without many of the European luxury brands that once again skipping the event, which is a shame because it seems like every other car you see on the road in the South Florida area is either a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW with an occasional Porsche thrown in.

The Germans apparently are looking at other avenues to garner exposure for their models as they are skipping other shows as well.

The Miami show does have kind of a neat attraction with indoor tracks to give the public rides in electric vehicles. Camp Jeep also is back to give riders a taste of an off-roading experience.

The show opened with a pretty slimmed down press day. Only a couple of model reveals were on the schedule. In that past, introductory press conferences used to run into the afternoon, but last Saturday’s wrapped up well before lunch.

Dodge and Nissan took advantage of the opening to showcase a one new model and a updated version of one of its traditional models.

For Dodge, it was the reveal of the 2023 Dodge Hornet, a performance-driven compact SUV that comes in two versions. The Dodge Hornet GT comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque resulting in a zero-to-60 in the mid-to-low six second level, said Fernando Fernandez, Dodge Hornet brand manager who made the presentation.

Going up the performance ladder, Fernandez said, is the Dodge Hornet R/T trim which features a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine to power the front wheels and a completely independent electric motor to power the rear wheels in the all-wheel-drive configuration.

Overall the package can deliver north of 285 horsepower with an even bigger jump in torque to 383 pound-feet, Fernandez said.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT will hit showrooms later this year while the R/T version will be available early next year. Pricing has yet to be firmed up but it is expected to be in the neighborhood of $30,000.

At the Nissan booth, the Japanese automaker unveiled the 2023 Nissan Versa for its first showing.

“The 2023 Versa is completely refreshed inside and out,” Bill Miller of Nissan’s marketing team said in his presentation. 

It starts with a new front fascia featuring a reimagined grille and continues with each trim level — S, SV and SR — getting distinctive upgrades and features. The SR gets a new 8-inch color touchscreen display on the interior, Miller said.

“We’re really happy to incorporate that into the SR trim on the Versa,” Miller said. “And then we have a number of items that were previously in a package on the SR that now come standard, like heated seats and intelligent cruise control.”

There’s  reason people really see value in a Versa, Miller said.

 

“We’re really proud of this vehicle,” he said, “and it’s a really important part of our lineup.”

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Pricing has yet to be finalized, he said, “but I can guarantee that we will continue to deliver the best value in this segment.”

The Dodge and Nissan models aside, the official Show car of the 2022 Miami International Auto Show is the all-electric Ford F-150 pickup, and Star of the Show as selected by a panel of judges of the Southern Automotive Media Association is the Ford Bronco Raptor, a traditional gas-power SUV oriented toward off-roaders. SAMA has traditionally selected a Star of the Show since its founding in 2007.

This year it also singled out four vehicles for runner-up recognition starting with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 as first runner-up, the Lightning for second runner-up, and the Cadillac Lyriq and Toyota GR Corolla to share third-runner up honors.

2022 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

REFRESHED NAVIGATOR LEADS THE WAY 

IN 2022 FOR LINCOLN’S ALL-SUV LINEUP

With updated exterior features, a plush roomy interior filled with user-friendly tech features, and a muscular, twin-turbocharged V6 to propel its hefty weight, the refreshed Lincoln Navigator sits at the top of the company’s all-SUV portfolio for 2022.

Available in three trim levels and in short or long wheelbase form, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator offers buyers an appealing choice for those shopping in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The updates for 2022 place the Lincoln Navigator among the leaders of a select but competitive segment the features imports from Germany and Japan as well as fellow countrymen Cadillac and Jeep.

All trims of the 2022 Lincoln Navigator — Base, Reserve, and Black Label — are powered by a 3.5-liter, twin turbo V6 engine that is rated at 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque and mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

That’s enough power to move its nearly 6,000-pounds curb weight from zero-to-60 in 5.6 seconds while offering towing capacity of over 8,000 pounds for the 4x4 Black Label trim that this review is based on.

Fuel efficiency ratings are competitive as well — 17 city, 23 highway for 4X2 models, 16/22 for 4X4 using premium fuel. Keep in mind that these are not vehicles for the fuel-conscious.

Drivers have the choice of several different drive modes with adjustments for sportier performance (which Lincoln dubs Excite), better fuel economy (which Lincoln calls it Conserve), and hazardous conditions like snow, mud, or slick surfaces. 

While all that is impressive, the really “wow” factor emerges with the 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior. The Black Label comes in four design themes each featuring variants of the plush leather throughout the cabin.

The Chalet Theme of my test vehicle had alpine leather seats with Lincoln Star perforation, an alpine suede headliner, and a .two-tone back and white color scheme that was particularly eye-catching. Other themes are Central Park, Invitation, and Yacht Club, each with distinctive touches.

Standard equipment includes all the bells and whistles you expect (demand) of the luxury class. Special carpeting, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, tri-zone climate control, etc. are all included.

Tech features start with a 13.2-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash for operation of infotainment features in the Sync4 System, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command recognition.

Safety features include the usual, like blind-spot warning, Intelligent Cruise Control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and speed sign recognition, and a surround view camera — a must for a vehicle of this size.

Lincoln’s Active Glide hands-free driving system also makes it debut on the Navigator’s Reserve and Black Label trims, though you still need to pay attention to what is going on on the road ahead of you. It is activated via the Intelligent Cruise Control system by punching a button on the steering wheel.

One of the big attractions for the 2022 Lincoln Navigator is its size. With a length of 210 inches for the standard model and 221 for the Navigator L space is extensive in all three rows. Even the back row riders get a minimum of 36.1 inches of legroom that is extended to 40.9 inches with the second-row seats pulled forward.

But as the OCD-afflicted detective (well, ex-detective) Monk used to say in the old USA television series of that name, that size is a blessing — and a curse. Just search for a space in a crowd mall parking lot and you’ll see what I mean about a “curse.”

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator Black Label edition carries a starting price of $108,330 before any extras are added on. The Reserve trim, which is probably the most popular, starts at $91,250. The Base, which is well equipped, starts at $79,330. Those price tags are pretty common in the segment.

 

What I liked about the 2022 Lincoln Navigator: The cabin is spacious and filled with premium quality materials in an attractive two-tone color scheme. Lots of soft touch areas throughout. The grab handles and retractable running boards make getting in and out a snap. Rear storage is adequate for most tasks and extremely generous with the ateird-row seats folded flat. Tech features are easy to operate via the new 13.2-inch touchscreen or duplicate buttons for some functions.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Lincoln Navigator: Maneuverability in mall parking lots and high-rise parking facilities isn’t the easiest. A week of driving in both urban and rural environments produced fuel mileage numbers a bit shy of the 16/22 mpg advertised, but not by a significant margin.

Would I buy the 2022 Lincoln Navigator? I’m not personally in the market for a full-size SUV, even one as nicely done as the Navigator. But if you need an SUV of this size and shop in the luxury segment, you should add this to your list of “must-see” options.

2022 FORD F-150 LIGHTING

FORD LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WITH INTRODUCTION OF ALL-ELECTRIC LIGHTNING

Ford has had the top-selling pickup on the market for over four decades with its F-Series, and now it has taken a big step to ensure it is in position to keep that title with the introduction of its all-electric Lightning F150.

Not the first EV truck on the market — that honor would go to the R1T from Rivian, a startup company founded in 2009 and headquartered in California — the 2022 Ford Lightning has the power of the F-150 reputation behind it and comes with a more appealing price tag than the handful of its present competitors.

That isn’t to say it’s cheap, because it’s not. The XLT model that is an upgrade from the base Pro trim and figures to be its best-seller starts at $59,474 before any fees like destination and delivery are added on.

That’s a pretty good jump from the starting MSRP for the Pro trim’s $46,974, and if you want the extended-range battery that increases driving range to 320 miles over the 240 miles of the standard-range battery, the starting point for the 2022 Ford Lightning XLT High/Extended Range model is $80,974.

In addition to the longer-lasting battery, XLT High/Extended Range models also get the XLT 312A High Package that includes such features as adaptive cruise control,, Intelligent Access, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a power tailgate, 20-inch wheels, and the upgraded 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard system that acts as mobile generator with 11 outlets (10 120V plus a 240V in the bed).

Other trims available on the 2022 Ford Lighting are Lariat, which this review is based on, and top of the line Platinum. The Lariat starts at $74,474 with the standard-range battery and $85,974 with the extended range. The extended-range battery is standard for the Platinum model that starts at $96,974.

Ford has stuck the formula that makes its F-Series so popular among buyers. with a couple of tweaks. Most obvious on the Lariat-trimmed Lightning is the 15-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash for operation of a plethora of tech features.

Those features include SYNC4A with enhanced voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wi-fi hotspot, navigation, a 360-degree camera, Bluetooth phone, and Bang&Olufsen premium sound system with 8 speakers. 

The 2022 Ford Lightning is available only with a four-door crew cab that is spacious and comfortable. I used to joke that if you have only enough money to buy a house or a car, buy the car because you can sleep in your car but you can’t drive your house. With rear legroom of 43.6 inches of legroom in the back, the Lightning is a vehicle that has plenty of space for that.

There also is a large storage compartment at the front where the engine sits in the gasoline-power F-150. It’s efficient use of what otherwise would be wasted space. It has a 5.5-foot cargo box.

The Lariat version of the 2022 Ford Lightning gets leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat and power passenger seat with power lumbar, power tailgate with a retractable step, a max tow package that boosts towing capacity to 10,000 pounds, power adjustable steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a storage bin that features a flat area to do paperwork

All that is nice, but, of course, what makes a Lightning a Lightning is the all-electric powertrain. With two electric motors driving the all-wheel-wheel system, the standard-range battery delivers 452 horsepower and peak torque of 770 pound-feet. The extended range battery ups those numbers to 580/775, respectively.

Max towing with the standard battery is 5,000 pounds without the Max Trailer Tow Package, 7,700 pounds with that Package. With the extended-range batter, the Lariat’s towing capacity is 7,000 pounds without the Trailer Tow Package, 10,000 with it. Ford lists a max of 8,500 pounds for the Platinum with the Tow Package.

One caveat here: the Lightning may be able to tow a significant load, but not very far without a recharge. range is sliced significantly when towing, as some Internet sites have demonstrated via videos.

Oh, yes. About charging times. Ford claims a 150kW Level 3 charger can provide from 15-to-80 percent power in 44 minutes with a standard battery while the extended range does it in 41 minutes. With a Ford Charge Station, times vary from 10 to 13 hours to get a standard battery to 100 percent and 8 to 19 hours for the extended range, depending on which of three versions is being used.

 

What I liked about the 2022 Ford Lightning: The Supercrew cabin is spacious and well-done. It’s also easy to get into thanks to the grab handles and running boards that are standard on all but the Pro trim. The instant torque response provides quick throttle response. The trunk space in the front. The numerous outlets would be very useful if the power at your home is down for an extended time. (Hello there, Ian.)

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Ford Lightning: Not surprisingly, Ford has filled up the Lightning with lots of tech features, but there is a bit of a steep learning curve to their operation. The large touchscreen can be overwhelming when searching to find the correct mode.

Would I buy the 2022 Ford Lighting? I’m still waiting to be able to charge an EV at the corner gas station and in the same time it takes to fill up the tank of my gas vehicle so probably not. Definitely would not if I had to tow a load a long distance. But if long-distance towing is not among your priorities, the Lightning has a lot going for it.

2023 HYUNDAI PALISADE

PALISADE MOVES TO TOP OF THE CLASS AFTER REFRESHING FOR 2023 MODELS

The Hyundai Palisade has been been around for only a short while but already the South Korean automaker’s largest SUV has made quite an impression.

Such respected publications as U.S. News & World Report has the 2023 Hyundai Palisade sharing the top spot with Kia’s award-winning Telluride in its rankings of midsize SUVs.

The Telluride debuted as a 2020 model as did the Palisade though to somewhat less praise, but the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has been given a major refreshing that evens the score with its corporate cousin.  (Hyundai has a third-share in Kia, down from 50 percent of the late 1990s merger.)

The two vehicles share a lot of common characteristics and your choice now may come down to which you like better: Hyundai’s slant H or Kia’s modernized logo in the center of the front grille.

Having dealt with the 2022 Kia Telluride to start the year, this review covers the 2023 Hyundai Palisade that comes with a new XRT model along with SE, SEL, Limited, and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim. This review is based on the Calligraphy.

In addition to the new XRT trim, the Palisade also gets new front and rear bumper fascias, a new grille, newly styled headlights, and new wheels. Updates to the interior include a new instrument panel and gauge cluster, new steering wheel design, heated third-row seats, and an angle adjuster for the second-row armrests.

Wireless charging for your devices has been enhanced from 5W to 15W, and the new 12-inch, 720p resolution touchscreen includes navigation. Among enhancements to the standard Blue Link connection it now allows control via smartphone or voice.

The new Last Mile Navigation feature allows you to continue the journey to your final destination after your car is parked. After you turn off the engine, a pop-up appears on the screen so you get the final details to your destination via the Blue Link smart phone app.

All trims get a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive  isoffered on all trims, and all trims share such standard features as LED daytime running and LED headlights (all but the SE also get LED tail lamps), automatic headlights with high-beam assist, heated seats, a trailering package, three-row seating, paddle shifters, push-button start, Hyundai’s Blue Link Connections, a WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Safety systems like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, rear park assist, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and driver attention warning also are common throughout the lineup. 

In short, you don’t have to go all out to get a well-equipped 2023 Hyundai Palisade.

Still, with the Calligraphy, you get some nice bells and whistles that include features from thePremium Package that is optional on other trims. Standard equipment on the Calligraphy includes a hands-free power liftgate, surround-view camera, 20-inch exclusive wheels (18s are standard on SE and SEL trims), a head-up display and highway driving assist, Nappa leather seating surfaces, faux suede headliner, a dual-panel sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, memory driver’s seat, ventilated front- and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a Harmon Kardon Premium audio system.

Pricing for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade with front-wheel drive starts at $36,545 for the base SE trim including the $1,295 destination and delivery charge.

MSRP for the SEL is just under the $40,000 mark at $39,544 while XRT and Limited trims are in the $40,000 bracket. The FWD 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy starts at $50,455. AWD adds $1,900 to each figure.

What I liked about the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: The interior is roomy and packed with loads of user-friendly tech features. The V6 engine is very competent, and the various drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Smart, Eco, and Snow) are easily adjustable via a dial on the center console. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior approaches luxury status, and the refreshed exterior is very appealing appearance with a new grille, bumper and headlights.. The second-row captain’s chairs smoothly slide forward to provide easy access to the third row.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: When upright, the third-row seats don’t leave much practical cargo room in the back as much of the 18 cubic feet is vertical space.

Would I buy the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy? I personally have no need for a 3-row SUV but if you do, it definitely should be on your list.

2022 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE

GRAND CHEROKEE GETS ELECTRIFIED 

WITH NEW PLUG-IN MODEL FOR 2022

Jeep kicks off the fifth generation of its flagship SUV by introducing its first electrified Grand Cherokee a ear after the debut of the 2021 plug-in Wrangler.

No, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is not a fully electric vehicle but a plug-in that includes a gasoline engine to allay any fears of running out of power while on an extended trip.

As opposed to an EV, the PHEV has limited battery range of 25 miles but with an EPA rating of 57 miles-per-gallon, the combined driving range of the two electric motors and 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine is a solid 440 miles.

The system is rated at a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, which outranks the V8 Grand Cherokee as long as the batteries are charged. It includes an 8-speed automatic transmission and has 4X4 capability for off-road excursions. Listed towing capacity is 6,000 pounds..

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe comes as a base 4xe and upgraded Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve models, skipping over the lower Laredo and Altitude trims of gas models.

t seats five in two rows of comfortable seats but if you need/want three rows of seating you’ll have to get the Grand Cherokee L, which doesn’t have the electrified drivetrain.

Jeep likes to brag that
the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk conquered the rugged Rubicon Trail using just electric drive mode, but this review is based on the Overland trim, a name that pays tribute to Jeep’s heritage.

Even base Grand Cherokee models have high quality interiors (we did mention this is the flagship SUV, right?), and the higher trims stack up well with luxury makes when it comes to comfort, quality, and convenience features.

Standard features on the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, perforated Nappa leather seats, 8-way power driver seat with memory and power front passenger with lumbar adjuster, heated and ventilated front and back seats, dual-zone front and single-zone rear climate control, (four-zone is available in an optional package), and UConnect Navigation with a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also are standard.

Safety features include active lane management, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, advanced brake assist, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, full-speed collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, and a ParkView backup camera.

MSRP of the  Overland trim for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe starts at the high end of the Grand Cherokee portfolio with a starting price of $65,760 not including the $1,795 destination charge.

Extra features on my test 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe that included the Luxury Tech Support IV Package (4-zone air conditioning among other features), Advanced ProTech Group III (head-up display, night vision, rear backup camera washer, integrated off-road camera, and more), front passenger interactive display, and rear-seat video ran the final total to $75,035 including destination and delivery.

The base 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $57,700, the Trailhawk at $62,485, the Summit at $69,820, and the Summit Reserve at $75,300.

What I liked about the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe: It’s a good-looking SUV and the interior is roomy and well done. It’s a comfortable and quiet ride, and the infotainment system is easy enough to use. Cargo capacity (37.7 cubic feet behind the second row) matches up with most other two-row SUVs. If you need more, folding the second row boosts capacity to nearly 71 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe: The gas engine (270 hp, 295 lb.-ft. of torque) seems to groan at times when the electric motors are not engaged. Everybody seems to be going with push-button or rotary dials for selecting gears these days. The dial on the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is located right where one for operating tech features sits on many other makes. You’ll get used to it, of course, but it could be confusing if you allow others to drive or if your passenger goes to tune the screen from navigation to audio.

Would I buy the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe? Not sure I would go for a PHEV, but I would for the V6. The Grand Cherokee is well-positioned to challenge Land Rover as a luxury, off-road capable SUV.