This week, I’m offering you a new access to the 2023 Infiniti SUV range, the 2023 Infiniti QX55. It’s called coupe, a developing segment of crossover SUVs. It has a sloping roofline and five-door styling, intended to look more like a car. than maximum SUVs.
I the QX55 very hot on the outside. I love the sculpted raised hood, the unique flared side panels, the dual exhaust and rear spoiler, and especially the 20-inch wheels.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 4-cylinder 2-liter engine that generates 268 horsepower and 280 pounds of torque. It is mated to a frequently variable transmission, which can be changed from the paddles on the guide wheel. I’m not a fan of CVT by nature, however, Nissan schedules simulated changes and that’s helping a lot. All QX55s have four-wheel drive.
Where the QX55 shines is on the inside. My checkered style has black semi-aniline leather seats. I’m inspired by the plethora of seams on the dashboard, center console, seats, and door panels.
When you feel the tilt guide wheel to turn on the QX, a motive force data center between the tachometer and speedometer comes to life and provides a wealth of data.
The center console is occupied via a dual touchscreen setup. Other people find it obsolete, but I like it. The most sensitive screen is the navigation formula and measures 8 inches. The rear screen measures 7 inches and handles audio and Bluetooth. It’s great to have the navigation screen all the time if you need to replace radio stations or make a call to the rear screen. The side controls manage the air conditioning.
The center console houses the gear lever, parking brake, automatic hold and a button controls the navigation display.
This is also where it replaces personal, sport, popular and Eco driving modes. There is a marked difference between the modes.
The rear seat features stadium-style seats, which means the rear seats are raised for better viewing. Most impressively, the rear seats slide back and forth and recline, a big touch. Rear passengers benefit from air vents, a strong port and USB plugs. Although the roof is sloping, the clearance for the back seat would be smart for other six-foot-tall people, a little more.
As we make our way to the rear rear door, a small triangular button on the Infiniti emblem opens the forced rear door, or you can do it with your foot. The cargo area is smart with 27 cubic feet of area, or use the handles in the back to fold the second-row seats up to 54 cubic feet of area.
This QX55 is the next high-end, called the Essential package. It comes with everything you see as popular equipment, except for the optional paint color, which are all beautiful.
Standard features include: a forced sunroof, remote start, heated and cooled front seats, parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. It also has a 16-speaker Bose stereo, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi hotspot, and even a CD player, nothing difficult for those days.
Safety includes: power steering, forward collision warning, automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.
The QX55 reminds me a lot of the old FX35, one of my first favorite SUVs. It handles very well, it’s quiet inside, it has a lot of power and overall it’s exciting to drive.
Fuel economy is smart at 22 in the city, 28 on the highway and 25 overall. The MSRP is $56,580, which is moderate on those days for a true luxury SUV.
If you’re looking for a five-passenger SUV that’s unlike any other you see, this might be the one for you.