Since it was first introduced in 2019, the Pamplin Media Group has reviewed every variation of the luxury compact crossover Infiniti QX50 SUV, including the fastback QX55 version that debuted in 2022. We have consistently been impressed by their sharp styling, standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, sporty handling, refined interiors, and advanced technologies.
Little has changed from 2019 with the 2024 QX55, the subject of this review. That makes it easy for some to say the Infiniti SUV is outdated compared to newer competitors. I disagree. The crisp styling is still contemporary. The turbo 2.0 is still the first ever mass-produced variable-compression engine (CV-T), producing a smooth 268 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque, which provides peppy performance. The XTRONIC transmission is also one of the best continuously variable transmissions on the market. The handling is still crisp by any measure. And its EPA rated average 25 miles per gallon is still reasonable for a conventional standard all-wheel-drive vehicle.
The most old-fashioned element is clearly the infotainment system, which still uses dual stacked center dash screens, compared to the current trend of one wide display across the top of the dash. All necessary information is still available, however. The upper navigation screen is operated by a console mounted dial that controls distance and tracking. Though a little funky, it is better than a touch pad. One benefit of the older design is the rare inclusion of a CD player, which will be appreciated by those who enjoy listening to full albums as they were originally intended.
Several manufacturers now offer fastback versions of their squared off SUVs. Some look awkward and compromise the rear seat and cargo space. Not the QX55. That could be because Infiniti has so much experience with rounded-off SUVs, beginning more than 20 years ago with the groundbreaking FX that pioneered the profile.
That wouldn’t count for much if the QX55 didn’t live up to its looks on the road. But it does, largely because of the variable compression engine technology that allows the control computer to vary the stroke of the pistons between 8:1 and 14:1 compression. You don’t feel it happening, except to notice the engine delivers plenty of power at all times, especially in the Sport mode that increases throttle response.
The handling also encourages spirited driving, with a supple suspension and precise steering responses that turn routine errands into fun drives. The combination feels more like a quick and nimble small car than an SUV.
That is undoubtedly because Infiniti is the luxury brand of Nissan, which has produced many notable fun to drive cars over the years, beginning in the 1960s with the Datsun Fairlady 2000 and 240Z sports cars, and the Datsun 510 sedan that was known as “the poor man’s BMW” because of its independent suspension and stout four-cylinder engine mated to a manual transmission. Current sporty models include the well-reviewed retro-styled Nissan Z, which comes with practically all advanced technologies.
Speaking of which, the 2024 QX55 (and related QX50) come with ProPILOT Assist, which is one of the best steering assistance packages on the market. It includes adaptive cruise, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, plus a full suite of collision avoidance and mitigation features. Infiniti’s Around View camera system also offer selectable multiple views to aid parking in close quarters.
The 2024 QX55 starts are around $50,000 for the base Luxe AWD version. My full-loaded Sensory AWD was nearly $63,000, thanks is part to several option packages. Although that might sound like a lot for such a small vehicle, it is in line with other compact luxury SUVs, and less than the plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions now coming to market.
But in fact, all compact luxury SUVs are competing against the increasingly refined compact SUVs produced by affordable manufacturers like the Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Volkswagen that offer surprisingly good performance and technologies for much less. The Infiniti versions win by providing higher levels of quality and sophistication, which translates into an even more enjoyable and premium driving experience.
2024 Infiniti QX55
Base price: $50,150 (Luxe AWD)
Price as tested: $62,725 (Sensory AWD)
Type: Luxury compact crossover SUV
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged variable-compression four-cylinder (268 hp, 280 lbs-ft)
Transmission: XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive modes: Standard, Eco, Sport, Personal
EPA estimated mileage: 22/28 (as tested)
Overall length: 186.3 inches
Curb weight: 4,109 pounds
Final assembly: Aguas, Mexico
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