2023 INFINITI QX55 SUV

　　

2023 INFINITI QX55 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　In 2008, BMW introduced the first coupe-like SUV in the form of its X6. It was built on the more conventional X5 and featured a sloping roofline for a sportier silhouette. Since then, it seems as though almost every luxury carmaker has bought into this concept, for better or worse. Last year, Infiniti introduced its own coupe-like SUV, the QX55. It's based on the QX50 that was introduced in 2019.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 INFINITI QX55 LUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$191/mo  for QX55 LUXE

　　QX55 LUXE

　　LUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $49,150 MSRPESSENTIAL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $54,250 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $57,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Besides its sloping roofline, the 2023 Infiniti QX55 distinguishes itself from the QX50 with standard all-wheel drive and more responsive tuning for the engine and transmission. Unfortunately, it also loses some of the convenience and utility of the QX50, with less cargo capacity and less rear headroom. Even though it's billed as a performance luxury SUV, the QX50 isn't very fun to drive nor is it particularly comfortable.

　　For 2023, the QX55 adds some enticement by including more standard features such as advanced driver aids, leather upholstery, and other tech and comfort-related items. While we welcome the upgrades, they do little to address the QX55's drawbacks that are well documented in our Expert Rating below. As a result, we continue to suggest checking out the rival Acura RDX, BMW X4, Genesis GV70 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. We're confident you'll find a sportier and more luxurious experience with any of these alternatives.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the QX55 drive? If you go by specs alone, the QX55 holds a lot of promise. Our test QX55 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is respectably quick for a small luxury crossover with a four-cylinder engine. It's a bit slow to start but power comes on strong once you're rolling.

　　However, the powertrain lacks finesse. Much of the problem stems from the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Its simulated gear shifts can be jerky and slow, and transitions from going slow to going hard on the gas are inconsistent. We expect much more smoothness and refinement from a luxury SUV.

　　The steering is also problematic. Our QX55 Essential test vehicle had the available adaptive steering system. In theory, it provides better steering feel and speed for different driving situations. But in our testing, it felt disconnected and required constant small corrections to keep the vehicle straight on the highway. Overly soft handling around turns is another drawback.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the QX55? Authentic leather and a lot of soft surfaces create a comfortable vibe inside the QX55, though it may not wow you the way some rivals do. The front seats are wide and cushy, and our test vehicle had power lumbar support. Unfortunately the front seat bottoms feel too flat, which can cause some discomfort on longer drives.

　　The biggest story here is the below-average ride quality. You'll notice it right away — the QX55 suspension is always busy, even on smooth roads, and while it rebounds quickly after a bump, you will feel that bump more than you would in most luxury competitors.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below