This week I have a beauty for you, the 2024 INFINITI QX55. This is called a coupe, a growing segment in crossover SUVs. It features a sloping roofline and hatchback style, intended to be more car-like than most SUVs. If you are looking for something that is an mix of a SUV and a sedan, this is one to consider. Visibility is great, and ease of entering and exiting is terrific.
I find the QX55 to be very attractive on the outside. I love the sculpted raised hood, the distinctive flared side panels, the dual exhaust and rear spoiler, a nice amount of chrome without going overboard, and I especially like the 20” aluminum alloy wheels. As always, I wish the rear wiper was tucked under the spoiler.
Under the hood is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that is putting out 268-horses and 280-pound feet of torque. It is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission, which is shiftable from steering wheel paddles. I am not a CVT fan by nature, but Nissan programs in simulated shifts and that helps a lot. All QX55s are equipped with the terrific Intelligent all-wheel drive.
Where the QX55 really shines is the interior. My tester has gray and white semi-aniline leather seats that are bolstered, but not enough to make getting in and out difficult. I am impressed with the vast amount of stitching across the dash, the center console, the seats, and the door panels. Matching gray wood starts at the door panels and continues across the dash. It looks very rich and luxurious.
As you sit behind the power tilt steering wheel (that is heated also) to start the QX55, a driver info center between the tach and speedometer comes to life and offers up a lot of information. The gauges are large and easy to read and the info center in the middle is easy to scroll through from the steering wheel.
The center stack is busy with a dual touchscreen setup. Some people find this antiquated, but I like it. I suspect in future models that they’ll go to one large screen like the rest, but it’s nice to have the navigation system separate from everything else. The upper screen is the navigation system and 360-degree rearview camera and it is 8-inches. The lower screen is 7-inches and handles audio and Bluetooth. It’s nice to have the navigation screen up constantly if you want to change radio stations or make a call using the lower screen. Controls to the sides handle climate control and the heated and cooled seats.
The center console is home to the shifter, the parking brake, the auto hold, and there is a round knob that controls the navigation screen. This is also where you change the drive modes from personal, sport, standard, and Eco. There is a marked difference between each mode, and you guessed it, sport is my favorite.
The back seat features stadium-style seating, meaning the back seats are elevated for better vision. Most impressive, the rear seats slide forward and backwards, and they recline, a very nice touch.
Rear passengers get air vents, a power port, and USB outlets. The rear seat is also heated. Although the roof slopes being a coupe, back seat headroom would be good for people up to six-feet tall, but over that, you may rub your head on the roof.
As we head toward the rear hatch, there is a small triangular button in the INFINITI emblem to open the power hatch, or you can do it with your foot.
This QX55 is the top-of-the-line, called the Sensory package, but you can drop down to the Essential, or the entry-level Lux. It comes with a ton of standard equipment, but there are a few options on this one you can decide on. For $1,085 you can have the Lighting package which is welcome lighting and lit kick plates.
There is the Accent package for $695 which gives you matte chrome on the outside mirrors and moldings. The Cargo package is $350, and you get a cargo mat, a cargo net, and bumper protection from sliding things in and out. You’ll need to love this color, it will set you back $900.
Standard features include: LED headlights and taillights, a power standard-sized moonroof, remote start, heated and cooled front seats with power lumbars, parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. It also has a 16-speaker Bose stereo, wired Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charger, a head-up display with traffic sign recognition, and Siri Eyes Free.
Pro Pilot Assist safety features include: high beam assist, steering assist, predictive forward collision warning, automatic braking, blind spot warning with intervention, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert.
Ride and Drive
The QX55 handles great, is quiet inside, it has ample power especially in sport mode, and overall, it is a joy to drive.
MPG and MSRP
Fuel economy is really good at 22 in town, 28 on the highway, and 25 overall. MSRP is $62,725 which is reasonable these days for a true luxury SUV.
If you are looking for a five passenger SUV that doesn’t look like every other one you see, this may be the right one for you.
To view larger photos see the slideshow below at CarPro.com.