Overview

Some will call it a QX50 with a sloped roof, but Infiniti is calling it the 2022 QX55—and its fastback styling makes it an artful addition to the Infiniti lineup. The QX55’s design is inspired by the brand’s striking mid-size FX model that launched for the 2003 model year, but it shares its platform with the compact QX50 SUV. It is powered by the same variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the QX50 but offers all-wheel drive as standard. Sporty 20-inch wheels and a more aggressive front fascia serve to further separate the QX55 from its square-back counterpart.

What’s New for 2022?

The QX55 is an all-new nameplate for the Infiniti brand. It shares an interior, powertrain, and suspension with the QX50 SUV, but it will have a bolder exterior design and a slightly higher price tag. Its sloping roofline will put it head-to-head with the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The QX55 is powered by the same 268-hp variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—called VC-Turbo—as the QX50. It will be paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Our time spent with a similarly equipped QX50 leads us to expect peppy acceleration from the QX55. Our long-term QX50 test vehicle managed a 6.4-second run from zero to 60 mph and proved to be a comfortable-riding SUV with capable but not-quite-athletic handling. Our initial test drive of the QX55 served to buoy the assertions that it will perform nearly identically to the QX50. We enjoyed the QX55’s smooth ride, perky turbo power, and quiet cabin. When we have a chance to strap our test equipment to the QX55, we’ll update this story with results.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has no fuel-efficiency estimates for the QX55, and the QX50 has not proven itself particularly economical in our testing. Despite its high-tech variable-compression engine, the QX50 delivered a ho-hum 27 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route. Once we are able to test a QX55, we’ll see if it can do any better. For more information about the QX55’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A stylish and well-equipped cabin is mostly carryover from the QX50, but rather than utilize that model’s quilted leather upholstery, Infiniti’s designers have opted for a simpler look. Base models come standard with faux-leather upholstery, while genuine leather and semi-aniline leather will be offered as options. Black-colored, open-pore wood trim in the QX55 is a breath of fresh air among sporty SUV interiors, which seem to default to carbon-fiber trim. The sloping roofline will probably compromise headroom; cargo space is less generous than the QX50, which accommodated nine of our carry-on suitcases behind its second row of seats.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infiniti seems committed to a dual-screen infotainment setup, with the top display providing navigation and the lower, secondary screen serving radio, media, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard equipment and feature wireless connectivity—a first for Infiniti. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is likely to be offered, and a Bose stereo system will be an optional feature.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Infiniti will offer a suite of driver-assistance features as standard, and the company’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode will be offered as an option. For more information about the QX55’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

•  Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
•  Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
•  Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode